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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 4/7/2020 Red Wings 1182311 Ducks prospect Will Francis intent on beating his toughest 1182341 Fox Sports Detroit re-airing epic Pistons, Tigers, Wings opponent: Leukemia games: Ranking the ones you must watch! 1182342 Chris Terry named Griffins’ recipient of AHL’s Man of the Year award 1182312 Coyotes fan survey: Confidence in ownership, 1182343 Grading Steve Yzerman’s moves in first year as Red management Wings GM 1182344 A letter from the Red Wings’ 2024 locker clean-out, when Bruins Hockeytown is back 1182313 NESN recruiting ex-Bruins to provide social media commentary on classic rebroadcasts Oilers 1182314 writes moving letter to ‘heroes’ working at 1182345 Darnell Nurse remembers last game before COVID-19 Mass. General stopped NHL 1182315 Top 10 Bruins not named Orr: No. 10 — an all-time Bruins great 1182316 Bruins legend Bobby Orr has kind words for Mass General 1182346 With no ice and an empty arena, Florida Panthers prepare employees battling COVID-19 for whatever comes next 1182317 'thinks it all comes back quickly' for Bruins if NHL returns Canadiens 1182318 NHL looking at sites like North Dakota, New Hampshire for 1182347 Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield finally gets his say on summer playoffs his own hockey future 1182319 Bruce Cassidy on current Bruins: ‘We’re not done. We have a lot left in us’ 1182320 My favorite player: Tim Thomas 1182348 Predators John Hynes moves family, stays busy during NHL 'pause' 1182349 Predators Foundation to distribute $700,000 to local 1182321 Players on Sabres' ECHL affiliate suffer financial hit with nonprofits canceled 1182350 In quarantine, John Hynes is preparing the Predators for 1182322 My favorite player: Dominik Hasek ‘high-stakes hockey’ Flames 1182323 THE HOCKEY FIX IS IN: going on 1182351 Devils public address announcer continues to call goals - blasts from the past even if they’re not real 1182324 Flames superstar Gaudreau piling firewood during NHL 1182352 Ranking the Devils’ drafts (Part I): Tracing the end of the pause Cup-contending era 1182325 City says no home games before June 30 for Stamps, Flames New Islanders 1182326 My favourite player: Lanny McDonald 1182353 ‘Our game was coming’: hasn’t stopped strategizing during the break Blackhawks 1182327 'We’d play anywhere’: NHL playoff scenarios run the Rangers gamut of where, when and how 1182354 Igor Shesterkin’s swagger is cherry on top of growing 1182328 Chicago sports teams proclaim ‘We Are Not Playing’ to Rangers legend promote stay-at-home orders 1182355 K'Andre Miller, racism and the power of conversation: 1182329 'We Are Not Playing': Chicago's teams join mayor to help Mercogliano stop spread of coronavirus 1182330 Top 10 Blackhawks we wish stuck around longer 1182331 What I miss about covering the Blackhawks 1182356 Bettman and the NHL's board of governors continue to 1182332 Blackhawks fill out goaltending depth, but what about play the waiting game Corey Crawford? 1182357 Breaking down the top Senators prospects with Belleville 1182333 Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago teams announce ‘We’re not coach Troy Mann playing’ initiative 1182334 Blackhawks fan survey: Make your voice heard on the Flyers team’s present and future 1182358 Flyers donate $250,000 to help Philabundance feed 1182335 The greatest one-hit wonders in sports, and why we love people during coronavirus pandemic them so much 1182359 Toughest player he has faced? Joel Farabee has shown he's ready for his answers 1182360 has a way to make your own mask 1182336 Even with everything going on, Altitude TV is staying busy 1182361 Ex-Flyers coach disappointed to miss in ‘the new normal’ World Championship 1182362 Flyers Charities group makes $250,000 donation to Philabundance 1182337 Michael Arace | Chance to get Bart Giamatti’s autograph 1182363 The 10 best Flyers draft picks of the Ron Hextall era was too good to pass up 1182338 Born in a pandemic: Cam and Natalie Atkinson welcome a son in trying times 1182339 Reed: Classic rebroadcasts just aren’t the same minus their happy anxiety Stars 1182340 How NHL’s stoppage impacts the ’ preparation for the 2020 NHL draft Penguins 1182364 Patrick Marleau remains hopeful he’ll still get at 1182391 Capitals Coach Todd Reirden knows through his with Penguins immune-deficient son the risks of virus 1182365 Mark Madden: Don’t expect sports to return in the next 1182392 NHL playoff scenarios run the gamut of where, when and year how 1182366 Tim Benz: Coronavirus may be ruining sports world. Does 1182393 How to watch classic Capitals games this week on NBC it have to ruin our hope? Sports Washington 1182367 Tim Benz, Mark Madden: Do sports have a future in 1182394 Lars Eller may be the Tiger, but Caps coach Todd Reirden coronavirus era? is not about to lump him in with the people from 'Tig 1182368 Penguins on pause: Teddy Blueger carves out niche on a 1182395 Best comebacks of 2019-20 bracket: Stunning the Sharks critical line vs. battle of champions 1182369 Penguins on pause: Why didn't Mike Sullivan play Juuso 1182396 Nicklas Backstrom warns of the challenges teams will face Riikola more often? when the season resumes 1182370 :It’s hard to stay optimistic about sports returning soon 1182397 With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins 1182371 If your favorite NHL player were a band, which would it of 2019-20: No. 5 be? An investigation 1182398 How NHL stoppages have impacted the legacy of certain 1182372 How Duck Hodges captured everything Pittsburgh loves star players about one-hit wonders 1182399 Beltway March Madness Final: Ovechkin vs. Unitas on final ballot 1182373 How is staying fit during Websites coronavirus hiatus 1182408 The Athletic / ‘I’ve got to do this’: Hayley Wickenheiser 1182374 How Sharks' Timo Meier is handling coronavirus pushing drive for medical supplies pandemic in Switzerland 1182409 The Athletic / LeBrun: close to picking team name, 1182375 Ranking Doug Wilson’s best and worst free-agent signings NHL weighs draft-hosting options since he’s been GM 1182410 The Athletic / NHL Scout Poll: What counts in prospect evaluation? Who does it best and worst? St Louis Blues 1182411 The Athletic / How NHL stoppages have impacted the 1182376 Unger's hunger: St. Louis remains special place for former legacy of certain star players Blues glamour boy 1182412 The Athletic / The greatest one-hit wonders in sports, and 1182377 What I miss about sports today — Blues playoff hockey why we love them so much 1182378 For Blues' Robert Thomas, shelter-in-place means video 1182413 Sportsnet.ca / Darnell Nurse walking the walk, talking the games, indoor stickhlandling, Dad's cooking talk as Oilers' homegrown leader 1182414 Sportsnet.ca / Marleau, Matthews, Marner show friendship Maple Leafs ties still run strong 1182379 Pandemic can’t stop hockey’s evolution 1182415 Sportsnet.ca / Straschnitzki on Humboldt anniversary: 1182380 Matthews, Marner and Marleau dine out on the past — a 'You just want to be there for your teammates' little fun with the NHL’s future on hold 1182416 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers head coach on 1182381 NHL players, staff grapple with possible playoff scenarios 'renewed respect' for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins amid coronavirus-related stoppage 1182417 Sportsnet.ca / Bobby Orr thanks 'true heroes' at 1182382 With McDavid, Stamkos, Marner and more, GTA now the General in moving letter hockey capital of the world 1182419 Sportsnet.ca / The oral history of the Humboldt Broncos 1182383 Matthews happy to find time for Bieber during NHL pause bus crash 1182384 Relationship between Marleau and Leafs' Matthews, 1182420 Sportsnet.ca / Capitals' Todd Reirden opens up about son Marner endures at high risk during pandemic 1182385 Patrick Marleau, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner 1182421 Sportsnet.ca / Five of the NHL's biggest storylines to reunited on entertaining call follow in the off-season 1182422 Sportsnet.ca / Jack Adams Tier List: Bruins' Bruce Canucks Cassidy leading the way 1182404 Ben Kuzma: Canucks keep hearing optimism in no-news 1182423 Sportsnet.ca / Q&A Part 2: Canadiens' Paul Byron on conference calls Bergevin, Julien and Cup aspirations 1182405 Ben Kuzma: Green Shirt Day puts COVID-19 concerns in 1182424 Sportsnet.ca / Paused NHL season could complicate Jets' perspective for Dorsett plans to re-sign Eakin, DeMelo 1182406 Willes' Musings: We'll probably never know if this Canucks 1182425 TSN.CA / Maurice: “I want to see this Jets team team was good enough to make the playoffs play" 1182407 Hockey progeny: In a B.C. town, the sons of 5 former 1182426 TSN.CA / Finding some light and hope out of darkness NHLers grab the spotlight and despair 1182427 TSN.CA / Chemistry endures for Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Patrick Marleau 1182386 NHL reportedly considering playing at neutral sites 1182428 TSN.CA / Humboldt Broncos’ families continue work for 1182387 Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate adds defenseman positive change 1182388 ’ Oscar Dansk wins community service 1182429 TSN.CA / Yost: The shift away from workhorse award continues 1182389 Golden Knights’ Defining Moments: The Chandler 1182430 USA TODAY / Predators coach John Hynes moves family, Stephenson stays busy during NHL 'pause' 1182390 My favorite player: Dominik Hasek 1182400 Jets coach waiting for answers, generating questions 1182401 Maurice longs to see Jets perform in playoffs 1182402 Disappointment of paused season weighed on Jets' Maurice 1182403 A deep dive into Paul Maurice’s first press conference since the NHL shut down World Leagues News 1182431 The International Day of Sport during the coronavirus pandemic 1182432 MLB, MLBPA discuss starting 2020 season as soon as May with all games in Arizona, per reports 1182433 Coronavirus closes casinos, but some sports books are still betting 1182434 Despite Trump’s Optimism, Lack of Sports Could Extend Into the Fall 1182435 Revised golf schedule has no British Open, a November Masters and potential PGA Tour return in May 1182436 Coronavirus: NBA partners with Knicks and Nets to contribute one million masks to New York's essential workers 1182437 Dahlberg: Coronavirus will make the timeline for sports, too 1182438 Tim Benz: Coronavirus may be ruining sports world. Does it have to ruin our hope? 1182439 Analysis: Could Fallout Of Coronavirus Suspensions Spur Sports Betting M&A? SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1182311 Anaheim Ducks “I was trying to do a lot of extra conditioning,” he said. “Just get that up. I just felt like I’ve been off my feet for a bit. It’ll come back. No problem. And, so, I was doing all the extra work.

Ducks prospect Will Francis intent on beating his toughest opponent: “At that same time a month ago, I had a really bad sore throat. Went in to Leukemia the doctor. Got a strep test. Nothing. It got worse over a week and I went back in. I got treated for tonsillitis. Took antibiotics and the sore throat went away. But I was still feeling fatigued pretty often. Just not my normal By Eric Stephens Apr 6, 2020 appetite. I was thinking it’s maybe the antibiotics doing this thing on me. The throat’s getting better but just a little tired. No big deal. I’ll get some

extra sleep from it. The plan was thrown off course but that wasn’t going to faze Will Francis. “As time went on, more and more things progressed. I was having blurry It began to take shape at the NHL draft last summer in Vancouver. Not vision here and there and I’d sit down for a few minutes. It would come every draft hopeful is sitting in the arena every year but Francis was back, and I’d be ready to go. Never really had any problems with fever. there in the Rogers Arena seats with his family. Unlike the glamour of the Had some night sweats here and there but it wasn’t really concerning to where every first-round draftee has their spotlight moment to me. And I guess the last straw was when I was up north in my cabin with soak up in front of a packed arena, the names are announced quickly on my family.” the second day and the remaining rounds were passing by. The While vacationing on Lake Superior’s north shore, Francis realized that anticipation is just the same. For the more anxious among us, it can even he wasn’t feeling any better after sleeping throughout one day. Fatigue grow and intensify. persisted. Bloody noses began to occur. On March 13, he went with his On this Saturday afternoon in June, the 163rd name was about to be father, Jeff, drove 20 minutes away to a hospital in Grand Marais. called. And this day would become memorable for one boy. A blood test was taken. A diagnosis they never imagined was given. “I was just sitting down and then you hear your name,” Francis said. “It all “Had my tests up there and I got the news that they thought it was just hits you at once. leukemia,” Francis said. “And I was rushed in an ambulance from Grand “At first, you’re just kind of nervous. And then as time goes on and you’re Marais to the hospital down in .” selected, there’s a whirlwind of emotions for sure. It’s something that I’ve CaringBridge is a Minnesota-based nonprofit social network portal that worked for my entire life. Even if probably wasn’t like a direct , it was connects people facing different medical conditions with family and definitely a huge achievement to accomplish.” friends. On their son’s journal page, the Francis family detailed how Will’s From there, the sixth-round pick of the Ducks did what draftees do. The white blood cell count reached 178,000 per microliter in . Normal following week was meeting more club officials at the team’s amounts for teenagers typically range from 5,000 to 10,000. development camp and getting his first taste of what it’s like to be part of Doctors at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital then an NHL organization. In this instance, Francis was among the group of told him it was B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive type prospects that took in everything the franchise’s sparkling new practice of blood cancer where immature white blood cells grow within bone facility in Irvine had to offer. “I had a great week out there in Anaheim,” marrow and crowd out the more mature cells. Infections can occur more he said. “Honestly, top to bottom, everything was phenomenal.” easily and become harder to fight. It is not known to contain a genetic And then it was standard procedure as to the progression of hockey element and, to Francis, that is in line with the lack of a definitive link career. Francis continued his training over the rest of the summer at his between cancer and his family. He said the only relative he knew that home outside Minneapolis before preparing for his second season with fought any type of cancer is his grandfather, who had lymphoma. the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. He turned 19 in November and In that sense, the diagnosis was that much tougher to comprehend. This was looking to build on a promising year in the States’ top junior league. was far beyond an illness that was tougher to shake. Already a naturally big kid at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Francis had visions of playing for the University of Minnesota-Duluth this fall after “We didn’t really think anything until the news came,” Francis said. “I kind committing to play there last October. of just felt the same way for three weeks prior to that and I thought I was just battling a bad cold. We had no idea.” It was also in November where his season came to a sudden end. The human body is magnificent and mysterious. It is never more so when “I was in practice literally just working on PP1 with one of my coaches,” a disease strikes someone that is the picture of health. said Francis, referring to the RoughRiders’ top power-play unit. “After practice, the ice is not in the best shape. One of my edges in my blade One of the biggest players on the Cedar Rapids roster embodied kind of caught a groove in the ice weird. And then when I was twisting physical play. Francis racked up a team-leading 131 minutes for and taking a one-timer, I just happened to have my meniscus slip into my the RoughRiders over 59 games in 2018-19. The family jokingly alluded knee joint there and pull on me. to him literally having a fighting spirit in their journal post. Playing against him wasn’t going to be friendly. “It happened in practice, which just sounds silly. But we kind of later came to find out that the doctor after surgery mentioned how clean the “I think he’s a tough customer for sure,” said Mark Carlson, the longtime cut was and that he thought it had been torn for some time and I’ve just coach for Cedar Rapids. “He’s a big, strong guy and plays with an edge.” been playing with it for the last couple of seasons without any pain or anything. Which is kind of uniquely surprising.” Being tough to play against is a well-worn hockey axiom. Francis wanted to make sure he’d been known by that element. He had the size and he Four to six months was the given recovery time. It was an obstacle but was going to use it to his advantage. nothing Francis couldn’t handle. He kept moving forward with his career even if he couldn’t play. He had moved to Duluth and started attending “There’s no friends out there for sure,” he said. “Regardless if you take classes at UMD. While he got around on crutches for six weeks, he penalties or not, just having a certain demeanor and tone with the way continued to work on his upper body as he rehabbed his left knee. The you play. Put a little fear into a team. Yeah, I had some penalty minutes focus moved to his lower half once he shed the crutches and his knee last year. Sort of in the same direction (this year) but not as much. Maybe was stable enough to take physical training. His spirits were high. “I was get a little smarter and pick and choose your spots. But I definitely don’t just building myself up for next year.” Francis said. “I was feeling good.” want anyone to think that if they’re going to go into a corner with me that they’re going to stand a chance.” If that was the only obstacle to handle. The plan for this season was to expand his game. Francis was seeing Something wasn’t right. He could feel it. more opportunities to explore his offensive side. Carlson wanted him to develop further in that area. He was getting looks on the power play. The Even though he was pushing himself, Francis suddenly felt as if he knee injury halted that development as he was limited to just 10 contests. wasn’t improving and still out of shape. The answer to him was doing more. “I think it’s a natural progression with players sometimes,” Carlson said. “Our league’s very competitive and challenging in that first year. We saw him as a main guy, one of the top players this year for us for sure. “He’s a big, rugged, strong defenseman that’s got a real nice skill level. “I heard about Will’s diagnosis (recently) and many of us felt like we Loves the game and plays hard. He’s going to round to a heck of a should reach out,” Manson said. “I heard he’s a tough young man, which hockey player here moving forward.” will serve him well. He’s got the entire Ducks organization and the NHL behind him.” Growing up near the city, Francis initially had visions of attending school near home. It was easy to think that way. The University of Minnesota is But it has also touched Hall of Famers. has called him. So right near downtown Minneapolis. The flagship university in the state’s has . And then came one that left an indelible imprint. system also has a rich athletic tradition, including a storied men’s hockey program that’s won five NCAA championships. It is a logical destination “Yeah, I was lying in bed, I got a call from a number that I obviously didn’t for those who lives close. have. So, I was like, ‘OK. Hey, this is Will.’ And he goes, ‘Hey Will, it’s Bobby Orr.’ I’m like, ‘Bobby Orr. The greatest defenseman to play “That was the best thing in the world around here,” Francis said. hockey.’ He goes, ‘Well, ha, ha, ha,’” Francis said. “The whole time, he asked me how things were going. It was just truly amazing.” Except Francis broadened his scope. Up in Duluth was a program that has been churning out talented players under head coach Scott Carlson said the support from friends and teammates has been as Sandelin. Defensemen have been matriculating to the NHL in recent important as that from hockey heroes. He feels it has helped keep years. Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk and Minnesota’s Carson Soucy are key Francis upbeat and given added motivation to someone that had no players on their teams. Mikey Anderson made his debut with the Kings problem summoning inner drive. before the worldwide coronavirus pandemic forced a shutdown of league action in the second week of March. St. Louis prospect Scott Perunovich “It really has just shown me how the hockey world is like nothing else in could appear on the Blues’ blue line in the coming years. this world,” Francis said. “How tight-knit it is. The bond between people and how close they can come together and rally around one of their own. It didn’t hurt that UMD won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2017-18 and It’s really humbling.” 2018-19. The college decision for Francis was a simple one. There is another thing that is therapeutic. Talking about it. “I think Duluth has the best coaching staff in NCAA,” he said. “They obviously have the resume here these last few years to show for it. It’s The high rate of remission from B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia has close enough to home where my parents would be able to come to the provided comfort for him. He knows this battle not only impacts his games. It’s not going to be too much of a drag to go up that way. And I parents but his 16-year-old sister, Summer, and 10-year-old brother, also have the cabin up that way too, so we’re pretty familiar with the Luke. But his attitude has set an example his family is following. This is area. just a new opponent to go up against.

“Obviously, a great place to play hockey. They love their hockey up “I’m going to put my head down and battling this thing as hard as I can there. It was pretty easy for me once the recruiting trail started.” and beat it,” Francis said. “That’s kind of just the way we look at it.”

His world is different now. The world around him has changed. There is Editor’s note: In an updated journal post on Thursday, Francis’s mother, fighting against a disease within him and staying protected from a virus Heather, indicated that Will was dealing with fever and infection that has outside that has local and national health officials imploring people to required a stay in the hospital. She reported that he had his scheduled either stay indoors or use facial protection in the times they venture out. chemo session and is dealing with the side effects. But his appetite had also returned. “He was eating again, and had even ordered crab legs Francis has a compromised immune system, which adds to the concern from Door Dash on Tuesday night, which made him the talk of the as COVID-19 has shown to be particularly damaging to those who are oncology unit,” Heather wrote. On Monday, Francis texted The Athletic, already dealing with existing health issues. He has put a stationary bike “Doing really good. Had a couple infections but got treated correctly and to use at his Shoreview home. He’ll take quick strolls outside. But the quickly!” only extended periods of time spent away are the twice-weekly trips into Minneapolis for chemotherapy treatments, which began three days after The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 the diagnosis. The drives into town are eerie. “All the roads are empty,” he said. “It’s just been a little bit of a ghost town up here.”

This is just a fact of his life now. As is leukemia. There is zero sense of someone that is feeling sorry for himself or his situation. Yes, it is another obstacle. Now the focus is on getting past this.

His team in Cedar Rapids has rallied around him.

“We both have the same approach and I think our entire team has the same approach,” Carlson said. “It’s tough news but right away Will (was) putting it behind him and all of us putting that behind us — just will leading the way. Being positive. That he’s going to attack this thing and get through it. And all of his teammates and staff. Same approach.”

Carlson said “positive vibes” have been sent from around the country to a teammate that is loved within their locker room. That positivity has formed an element of certainty in Francis’ mind. He committed to Minnesota-Duluth and he is going to play for the Bulldogs. It isn’t going to be this fall. But he is set on playing when the 2021-22 arrives.

“I guess they kind of said that the first six to eight months are going to be tough,” Francis said. “I’m not going to do much. After that, I’ll still be (20) years old. I have a young body. I’ll be able to get back to playing the game that I love.”

Many have indeed checked in on him. Carlson, of course. Sandelin and UMD assistant coaches Jason Herter and Adam Krause have touched base. They’re far from the only ones.

Francis’s story has touched parts of the hockey community. The Ducks have sent along videos of support from Ryan Getzlaf, Josh Manson, and coach Dallas Eakins. , the club’s director of player development, calls. Former NHL defenseman Tom Kurvers, a Duluth alum, reached out. Now an executive with the , Kurvers is also a cancer survivor. 1182312 Arizona Coyotes prospects it has produced, but it can’t be ignored that the staff has an NHL investigation hanging over its head that could lead to substantial fines or more.

Coyotes fan survey: Confidence in ownership, management Again, nearly a third of you were on the fence on this question, but 56.9 percent of you graded the roster with a 4 or a 5, while just 11.5 percent graded it as a 2 or a 1. I have to admit some surprise at these grades, By Craig Morgan Apr 6, 2020 given the fact that the Coyotes’ are currently out of the playoff picture in a weakened Western Conference.

Perhaps this a reflection of your patience with the younger players. In late February, I started building a survey. The idea was to offer Perhaps it is a recognition of the financial constraints this franchise has Coyotes fans a chance to voice their opinions about all levels of the faced for most of its existence. Perhaps it’s a recognition of the roster organization, and a variety of other team-related topics. In one week’s shortfalls that are beyond the organization’s control, such as the worth of polling time, I was blown away by the level of response. Exactly infamous draft lotteries of 2007 and 2015. I’d like to do a deeper dive on 400 readers of The Athletic weighed in on the 22 questions listed below. these results. I want to make it clear that this poll isn’t entirely scientific, but it still Only 9 percent of you believe it is realistic that we will see hockey again provides plenty of insight into your feelings on Coyotes ownership, this season. I can’t say I blame you. The more information that comes management, the coaching staff, the scouting and development staffs, out, the less likely it sounds. If the regular season and playoffs are the roster and more. canceled, it would mark the second time (2004-05 lockout) this We are cognizant of the struggles many of you face right now. A heartfelt millennium that the NHL didn’t crown a Stanley Cup champion. Given the thanks goes out to all who participated, and to all of our readers who current global crisis, that seems like an inconsequential price to pay. continue to support The Athletic in great numbers despite these difficult Only 14.1 percent of you oppose an expanded playoff format. That’s not times. surprising, coming from the fan base of a team currently out of the Here are the survey results. A 1 is low, and a 5 is high. traditional playoff picture. I explored a 24-team format in a recent story, but we’ll be discussing several formats on this week’s Natural Hat Trick I was curious to see how you felt about an ownership group that has podcast. We’ll give you a chance to weigh in there, too. been largely silent since Alex Meruelo’s introductory news conference nearly a year ago. It is clear that Meruelo has provided GM John Chayka More than half of you (56.5 percent) graded the Coyotes’ 2020-2021 with more license to spend, given the Coyotes’ current cap situation, and playoff chances as favorable, while slightly more than a quarter of you it is clear that you are overwhelmingly optimistic about the direction of the were stuck in the middle. It has been seven seasons since the Coyotes franchise under Meruelo’s leadership; 93.7 percent of you rated your made the postseason (with an eighth in limbo). I think we can all agree confidence level as a 4 or a 5. that is too long an absence to ask of fans.

Many of you have asked when I might be able to interview Meruelo. I’m I was surprised that 57 percent of you think this is a reasonable staying patient on that one. Meruelo owns a number of businesses that assumption. The Coyotes do not have a No. 1 center and they do not are taking major hits during the COVID-19 crisis. He has bigger fish to fry have a bona fide goal scorer. The team’s goaltending and defensive play right now. are elite, but a lot of your hopes may be resting on Barrett Hayton’s development and the progress of the team’s young core. I have noted previously that Ahron Cohen’s legacy with this franchise will likely be his efforts to build an all-inclusive community while being There was no consensus on this one, but almost a third of you see Keller responsive and proactive to that community’s needs. The Coyotes’ as a 60-70 player in his best seasons. If he can achieve that level of approach to the current crisis (Cohen and Chayka donated 20 percent of production, he will warrant the eight-year, $57.2 million extension he their salaries to the Arizona COVID-19 relief) is just the latest example. signed. If he becomes a 70-80 point player, he’ll be a real value at an average annual value (AAV) of $7.1 million. Keller was on pace for 52 Less than 1 percent of you gave Cohen’s leadership an unfavorable points this season. rating, while 88.1 percent of you gave it a 4 or 5. Slightly more than a third of you see Schmaltz’s ceiling as the same as Of the various levels of the organization, this was the one on which I had Keller’s, while slightly less than a third of you see him as a 50-60 point the hardest time predicting your responses. Before this season, Chayka player. Again, at a $5.85 AAV, that would be excellent production from was hamstrung by financial restraints and he is still hamstrung by the Schmaltz, who was on pace for 52 points this season. lack of a true No. 1 center. He handed out lengthy contract extensions to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz with mixed to More than three-fourths of you (76.6 percent) see Dvorak somewhere yet-unfulfilled results, and he traded for Phil Kessel, a deal that hasn’t between 40 and 60 points. paid early dividends. On the flip side, he snared Darcy Kuemper for a Dvorak was on pace for 45 points this season, and the Coyotes seemed pittance, he signed Christian Dvorak and Jakob Chychrun to deals that pleased with his steady progress, as I outlined in a story in late February. look very good, he added and he signed Lawson Crouse to a team-friendly deal. About a third you see Chychrun as an elite defenseman who could produce upward of 50 points per season, but the respondents were pretty I thought that mixed bag might be reflected in your responses, but 84.1 evenly split on this one, with sizable segments capping him at 30-40, and percent of you gave Chayka a 4 or 5. You still believe in the Coyotes’ 40-50 respectively. A 50-point plus defenseman is a guy who is probably young GM. going to be in Norris Trophy consideration. Support for the coaching staff wasn’t as strong as the three previous You were all over the map on this one with 47.6 percent of you feeling levels of the organization. Almost a perfect third of you were on the fence good, 26.4 percent of you unsure, and 25.9 percent of you worried. It with Rick Tocchet, John MacLean, Phil Housley, Corey Schwab and should be clear to everyone by now that the league and ownership do not Steve Peters, but 45.5 percent of you gave them a 4 or 5, while 21.3 consider the Coyotes’ current location a tenable one. percent gave them a 2 or 1. Tying into the previous question, half of you viewed Gila River Arena s If the season does not resume and offer the Coyotes a second chance, the biggest hurdle to the Coyotes’ success, with the roster a distant Tocchet will enter the final year of his contract (2020-21) with plenty to second at 23.2 percent. prove in many of your eyes. There was a wide range of answers when I asked how many home While nearly a third of you were in the middle on this level of the games you all attend. Props to the 8.6 percent who are there every step organization, 56.5 percent of you gave these staffs a 4 or 5, while only of the way. That’s impressive — and expensive. 12.3 percent came in with a 2 or a 1. A little less than half of you either have, or intend to renew your season Assistant GM Steve Sullivan has been overseeing the development of tickets, while another 38.5 percent are unsure and 16.7 percent will not the team’s prospects for several years. Lindsay Hofford is in his second renew. It sounds like the Coyotes ticket folks have some work to do. season as director of scouting, but he has overseen just one draft. The jury is still out on the Coyotes’ revamped scouting process and the The new Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway has changed my life, but it hasn’t impacted enough of you, because 70.5 percent of you cited the drive to Gila River Arena as the biggest deterrent. That’s even more pronounced than I expected. Then again, I didn’t take into account the out-of-state fans who took this survey and many of you joked about it in the comments at the end of the survey. Only 10 percent of you cited the cost of games.

Conor Garland and Jakob Chychrun were the top vote-getters. It’s hard not to admire what Garland has achieved, given his draft status and the way he had to remake his game. A number of scouts have told me they love watching him, and oh yeah, he’s a pretty good dude, too, as I highlighted in this story last week.

Four of the five Coyotes on this list wore the ’s C, with Shane Doan taking home top honors and current captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson finishing second.

A mea culpa. This was a poorly worded question. I should have simply provided you with a handful of choices to avoid the myriad responses, which created a headache for my editor. One thing is clear: You love the Kachina in whatever form it appears.

To finish the survey, I asked you if you had additional comments and 174 of you took that opportunity to weigh in with extended thoughts. Here they are. All of them. Once again, thanks for participating.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182313

NESN recruiting ex-Bruins to provide social media commentary on classic rebroadcasts

By Christopher Price Globe Staff,Updated April 6, 2020, 9:24 p.m.

Gregory Campbell will be one of three former Bruins offering some commentary on social media this week.

In an attempt to bring a new look to previous broadcasts, New England Sports Network has recruited some former local athletes to provide a new layer of commentary for classic contests.

NESN has lined up a series of former players to take over its telecasts of classic Red Sox’ and Bruins’ games on Twitter to provide real-time commentary, answer fan questions, and provide on-screen insight.

NESN already has had Shane Victorino tweet his way through a rebroadcast of a 2013 World Series game. This week, they’ll have three ex-Bruins taking part in a Twitter takeover during some classic reruns.

Tuesday at 8 p.m.: Michael Ryder is scheduled to offer his commentary for Game 2 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals against Tampa Bay.

Wednesday at 8 p.m.: Rich Peverley is slated to give his thoughts during the rebroadcast of Game 3 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals against the Lightning.

Friday at 8 p.m.: Gregory Campbell is scheduled to tweet his thoughts during a rebroadcast of Game 5 of that same 2011 series against Tampa Bay.

Boston Globe LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182314 Boston Bruins “Bobby Orr”

Boston Globe LOADED: 04.07.2020

Bobby Orr writes moving letter to ‘heroes’ working at Mass. General

By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff,Updated April 6, 2020, 6:54 p.m.

50 years ago — and right down the street from Mass. General Hospital.

Bobby Orr, who turned 72 last month, scored his legendary goal nearly 50 years ago — and right down the street from Mass. General Hospital.

Legendary Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr, who often required the care and expertise of the Massachusetts General Hospital staff over the last 50-plus years, on Monday sent a heartfelt letter of encouragement to workers there dealing with the onslaught of coronavirus patients.

Orr, who turned 72 last month, referred to the MGH workers as “heroes” for their ongoing fight against the pandemic, which as of Monday afternoon had claimed some 75,000 lives worldwide, including 260 in the Bay State.

“This message is for everybody currently on the front lines at Mass. General, doing what you all do so well," wrote Orr.

“Thank you to the physicians, nurses, technicians, custodians, administrators, supply handlers — everyone there who is contributing in these unprecedented times. The battle against COVID-19 could never be managed without your tireless dedication, and please know that the people you serve understand your commitment and we do not take it for granted.”

Orr, who came to Boston from Parry Sound, , as a rookie in 1966, quickly became an NHL superstar, his daring dashes as a puck-handling defenseman helping transform the game. Unfortunately, he was frequently injured, and often sent him “down the street” from the on Causeway Street to seek help from MGH staff.

Former MGH surgeon Carter Rowe was the renowned orthopedist who tried mightily to repair Orr’s battered knees, injuries that forced him to retire a half-dozen games into the 1978-79 season. His career spanned 657 games in total, and he twice won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins, in 1970 and ’72.

“This pandemic has yet again demonstrated what everyone at Mass. General is made of as you go about your daily routines,” Orr’s letter continued. “You are not only saving lives at your wonderful facilities — you are also protecting so many more people beyond your hospital walls as a function of your efforts.

‘It strikes me that the word ‘hero’ is often used to describe athletes in our society, but in my eyes, YOU are the true heroes that I personally look up to and you are constantly on my mind. This virus is no game, so we need real life heroes to step up and bring it under control. Thankfully, that is exactly what you are doing.’

Bobby Orr's letter to MGH employees

“It strikes me that the word ‘hero’ is often used to describe athletes in our society, but in my eyes, YOU are the true heroes that I personally look up to and you are constantly on my mind. This virus is no game, so we need real life heroes to step up and bring it under control. Thankfully, that is exactly what you are doing.”

Next month, May 10, will be the 50th anniversary of Orr’s famous overtime goal that clinched the ’70 Cup — which remains the last time the Bruins won the championship on home ice. The “Flying Bobby” statue, unveiled 10 years ago, now greets Garden visitors at the entrance via the Hub on Causeway.

“Undoubtedly, the days and weeks ahead will test us in many ways,” Orr added in his letter. “But none will be tested more than those of you who continue to manage, treat and research the virus day after day after day. Given your efforts and expertise, I have great confidence in the eventual outcome of this pandemic, in no small measure because of the excellence I have personally witnessed at Mass. General.

“To all of you, please … keep on fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all you do.

"With great respect, 1182315 Boston Bruins twice this season. And the road to the Cup was not the two-month grind it is today.

So if you want to compare Rask to a contemporary, the obvious one is Top 10 Bruins not named Orr: No. 10 — Tuukka Rask an all-time Bruins Tim Thomas. Check marks in Thomas’ favor include his Cup run for the great ages in 2011 and his .933 postseason playoff percentage. But he doesn’t have the longevity in a Bruin uniform, partly because he forced his way out of town before his contract was up. He played only 378 games By STEVE CONROY | Boston Herald April 6, 2020 at 6:00 a.m. compared to Rask’s 536 and he posted nearly 100 fewer victories. If we were having the “if-you-had-one-game-to-win” argument, then we’ll

concede Thomas could be your man. But we’re not having that Top 10 lists are designed to create conversation and argument and, as discussion. If we were, would be on this list. Spoiler alert: we count down — a little drama. But while Bruins fans love and live to he’s not. trash their fellow fans’ treasures, there can be zero debate about who But while Rask has yet to win a Cup — and this current health crisis would top the list of all-time Bruin greats. It’s Bobby Orr, folks. End of could be a major impediment to him ever winning one — his critics now discussion. sound foolish when they claim he can no longer “win the big one.” Rask’s But with the coronavirus outbreak grinding the sports world to a halt, the performances in his two runs to the Cup finals would have put him in Herald is doing what it can to keep sports fans entertained and engaged position for the had his team closed the deal. In last until we can see the athletes take the stage again. In that spirit, we will season’s two-month journey toward inevitable heartbreak, he twice won give you our top 10 Bruins of all time — not named Bobby Orr. Game 6 on the road with his team facing elimination and won another road Game 6 to close out a series. The Bruins’ lost Game 7 in the final Everything matters on this list. Prolonged excellence and postseason because they couldn’t score, not because of their goaltending. success. Substance and style. If there’s a big game, I’d have no qualms with Rask in my net — or So with igniting a debate in mind, let’s start this off with a bang. putting him in his rightful spot among the all-time Bruin greats.

No. 10 on our list is Tuukka Rask. Boston Herald LOADED: 04.07.2020 There may be no bigger lightning rod for Bruins’ fans than the gangly goalie from . For his critics, every important loss — and, to be fair, he has had a few of them — is magnified while every big win — yes, he’s had them, too — gets dismissed.

Right now, the critics believe they still hold the ultimate trump — he’s yet to win a Stanley Cup as the starting goalie. But while Rask has had ups and downs in his career, there’s no denying the truth the numbers tell. All things considered — excellence, longevity, some postseason success — Rask has had the best career of any Bruins goalie.

Among the goalies who’ve played 200 games over the past 60-plus seasons, Rask is tied at the top of the list for career save percentage at .922 (the league has tracked the stat since 1955-56). The other two? Dominik Hasek and .

His playoff save percentage is actually higher (.927). His 2.26 goals- against average is not too shabby, either. And when it comes to most bottom line of all bottom line stats — wins — Rask holds the franchise record with 291.

Tuukka Rask ready for a return

Rask, who has one and is under consideration for another this season, is the only goalie on our list, but the B’s have had some good ones. And surely some of you would prefer to see someone with a Stanley Cup on his resume in this collection. It’s difficult to compare any players from different eras, but it’s even harder for goaltenders. Tiny Thompson, who won the Cup in 1928-29 and is second on the B’s wins list, had a career 1.99 GAA and an amazing 74 . But he racked up a dozen of those clean sheets in his rookie season when the forward pass in the offensive zone was still outlawed.

One could argue for Frank Brimsek. Two Cups, two Vezinas and a Calder Trophy on his resume, “Mr. Zero” pushed Thompson out of the job, but he had a pretty high career GAA of 2.56 with the B’s before being traded.

Gerry Cheevers was a personal favorite. The daring netminder with the famous scarred mask could whiten New England knuckles when he would roam beyond the top of the circles, but he was known as a money goalie and backstopped the offensive juggernaut that that early Bruins team was to two Stanley Cups (splitting time in the ’72 playoffs with ). But he played behind one of the great offensive powerhouses and he owned a .901 save percentage and 2.89 GAA.

Rask, of course, benefits from the size of the pads goalies have now. When you see how little net space a shooter can see in contrast to previous eras, there is no comparison. On the other hand, shooters get a lot more sizzle out of their shots with today’s composite sticks, not to mention the overall speed of today’s game is considerably amped up. There are also no nights off in today’s NHL. If the best team in the league isn’t ready to play, it can easily be beaten by the worst team. It happened 1182316 Boston Bruins

Bruins legend Bobby Orr has kind words for Mass General employees battling COVID-19

By Jacob Camenker April 06, 2020 7:39 PM

Count Bobby Orr among the athletes that are offering their thanks to those battling the coronavirus.

Orr wrote a letter to Massachusetts General Hospital thanking the people involved in the battle against COVID-19. Here's a look at some of what the legendary Boston Bruins defenseman had to say in his letter, per Mass General's official website.

Undoubtedly, the days and weeks ahead will test us all in many ways. But none will be tested more than those of you who continue to manage, treat and research the virus day after day after day. Given your efforts and expertise, I have great confidence in the eventual outcome of this pandemic, in no small measure because of the excellence I have personally witnessed at Mass General.

To all of you, please ... keep on fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all you do.

That is certainly a kind gesture by Orr and one that echoes how thankful a lot of people are for the dedication of these hospital staffers during these incredibly difficult times.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182317 Boston Bruins

Bruce Cassidy 'thinks it all comes back quickly' for Bruins if NHL returns

By Jacob Camenker April 06, 2020 5:56 PM

The Boston Bruins last played competitive hockey on Tuesday, March 10, a 2-0 win over the . Shortly after that, the NHL suspended operations amid the global coronavirus pandemic. And at this point in time, it's unclear when -- or if -- the league will resume the 2020 season.

But Bruce Cassidy isn't letting that bother him too much. The Bruins head coach knows that the decision is out of his control, but the team's potential is what's keeping him motivated as the suspension drags on.

"We’re not done. We have a lot left in us. A good team, a good chance to win a Stanley Cup and that’s what motivates me," Cassidy said, per The Athletic's Joe McDonald. "The powers that be will decide that down the road and hopefully we get our opportunity."

And if the Bruins do get that chance, Cassidy doesn't expect it to take long for the team to get back in the swing of things.

"Once we get together I think it all comes back quickly," Cassidy said. "We’ve all been through this for a long time, so for us getting back into work mode will be an easy transition."

The B's are a veteran-laden team, so the time off may benefit them more as they get fully healthy and recover from a long NHL season. Still, it's worth wondering how long it may take for them to get their legs underneath them if the season does start up again.

But given their torrid start to the season, in which they scored points in 13 of 14 games after playing into the summer in the battle for a Stanley Cup, they should have a good chance to come out well-rested and ready to go as Cassidy expects.

That said, there's no timetable on a potential return for the NHL. And until then, the B's will have to wait and mentally prepare for what will hopefully another long summer of hockey.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182318 Boston Bruins

NHL looking at sites like North Dakota, New Hampshire for summer playoffs

By Joe Haggerty April 06, 2020 11:04 AM

The NHL may be forced into some creative solutions if they want to cap off the suspended 2019-20 regular season with this summer, and those kinds of plans-on-the-fly are being assembled by the league on a daily basis.

One of the more interesting plans is to hold the playoff games at designated neutral locations across the U.S. and have multiple games played Olympics-style in those empty arenas. According to reports, Grand Forks, North Dakota and Manchester, New Hampshire are a pair of sites that have been mentioned as possibilities this summer if the NHL can push for playoff games made for television without any fans in the stands.

It’s all theoretical in nature right now, of course, and could change on a daily basis as with everything else dependent on how things play out from an all-important health standpoint.

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Both North Dakota and Manchester are regular hosts in the NCAA hockey tournament, so they are at least accustomed to host larger multiple-game tournaments. That's part of what makes them ideal settings along with being lower-populated areas away from the coronavirus hot spots in the country.

There are plenty of hurdles to jump over, obviously.

All players, officials and coaches would need to be tested prior to the games being played to make certain the virus couldn’t spread and would need to essentially be quarantined for months while the playoffs roll out in these neutral sites. There is motivation to get this done, however, for multiple reasons.

The NHL obviously wants a playoff conclusion to the current season that could be ideally played out over the summer, and then plans could be made for something close to a full 2020-21 NHL regular season perhaps beginning in November.

Haggerty: Quarantine edition of the HaggBag

Gary Bettman and the rest of North America’s sports commissioners and organizers sat in on a conference call with President Donald Trump over the weekend where the message seemed to be that the White House would like sports back sooner rather than later as the country aspires to get back to normalcy.

“[The sports leagues] want to get back," said Trump during a press briefing later on Saturday. "They've got to get back. They can't do this. Their sports weren't designed for it. The whole concept of our nation wasn't designed for it. We have to get back. We want to get back soon."

All that being said, the return of any sports is not going to happen unless there is massive improvement over the next month as social distancing and self-quarantining are utilized nationally to combat the coronavirus outbreak. ’s Chris Mannix reported last weekend that the NBA is also considering its usual summer home of as a centralized setting for their potential playoffs this summer as well.

The good news is that there are still very vibrant, creative plans for playoff hockey this summer, so the hope is still very much alive that we’ll see NHL players doing their thing a few months from now.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182319 Boston Bruins the fourth line in an attempt to get that trio playing well, while leaning on the Bergeron and Krejci lines more than the third line.

“Charlie was the one who suffered with my rotation,” Cassidy said. “I Bruce Cassidy on current Bruins: ‘We’re not done. We have a lot left in started realizing we needed to use him more and get him involved.” us’ Sometimes that meant Coyle would play on Krejci’s right side, along with being used on both the power play and penalty kill.

By Joe McDonald Apr 6, 2020 “He’s responded well with that,” Cassidy said.

Coyle and the others will face an unfamiliar situation if and when hockey In the weeks since the NHL officially paused the season due to the does return. COVID-19 pandemic, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy has served as Preparing for the unknown has been a challenge. If the season does teacher, chef and trainer for his family. While the forced downtime has resume, the ramp-up would likely be similar to a normal training camp, benefited family life, he’s itching to return to hockey — hopefully in the but it’s unclear how much time each team would be given to prepare. near future — and he misses his daily routine. “You have to identify what your timeline is first and then map out your In his first public comments since the season’s suspension, Cassidy schedule accordingly, so you’re ramping up and not jumping in too quick, joined The Athletic’s Perfection Pod (listen below) to discuss how this or the opposite where you’re not ready,” Cassidy said. situation has been “very odd” and he’s optimistic the season will resume in some form. Since the Bruins are an experienced group, Cassidy expects each player to be focused and ready to go once practices begin. If it’s a scenario The Bruins own the best record in the NHL with 100 points, and at the where the regular season is canceled and only the playoffs remain, the time of the hiatus Boston was a favorite to hoist the Stanley Cup. trick will be to quickly build physicality into practices, the coach said.

“We’re not done. We have a lot left in us. A good team, a good chance to “Once we get together I think it all comes back quickly. We’ve all been win a Stanley Cup and that’s what motivates me. The powers that be will through this for a long time, so for us getting back into work mode will be decide that down the road and hopefully we get our opportunity,” Cassidy an easy transition,” Cassidy said. said. The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 Last week, Cassidy checked in with all the players, making sure everyone’s family was healthy and safe.

“Great news for us is everybody’s healthy,” said Cassidy, who added it’s especially important for the wives of Tuukka Rask and Par Lindholm because they’re expecting babies soon.

Some other highlights from Cassidy’s interview include his recent video and scouting work, how Charlie Coyle found consistency in his game, how the team is preparing in case the league opens for business and how a veteran player helped him connect better with younger players this season.

Cassidy admitted he took a step back from the game at the beginning of this hiatus and only last week began to ramp up his video work on incoming college free agents, along with prospects in Providence. He also plans to meet with his coaching staff this week and will divvy up potential playoff opponents and break down the scouting reports on each one.

He’s been watching games and keying on the organization’s top prospects, including center Jack Studnicka, who had been enjoying a promising season.

“How he scores goals is interesting,” Cassidy said. “He gets inside and works to the good ice a lot, which is important in the NHL. It’s hard to be a perimeter player and have success. That was one thing I noticed about him. … He’s a very aggressive guy on the puck, and for a centerman that’s unique because usually you want your wingers in there on puck pursuit more than a centerman because he has a long way to go (to get back into the defensive zone).”

Whether it’s Studnicka, Trent Frederic, Jakub Zboril or Urho Vaakanainen, Cassidy has been learning how each player’s respective skills could translate to the NHL and help the Bruins in the short and long term.

Since the Bruins are loaded down the middle with , David Krejci and Charlie Coyle as the top three centers, Studnicka could fit as a winger if needed.

“He was a good player to begin with,” Cassidy said. “We expected him to have a good year like he has. When he came up he did well for us. We want him to get stronger and that’s going to take time. He’s a smart guy, has a good stick, good angles and he’s a worker. He’s improved and has the puck a lot.”

Coyle’s resurgence began after the All-Star break and the bye week. Since then, he’s been the team’s best and most consistent player, with seven goals and three assists in 18 games, and a reliable physical presence. Cassidy acknowledged it helped Coyle to receive more playing time in every situation, and that could have been what finally got him going in the right direction. Earlier this season, Cassidy relied more on 1182320 Boston Bruins stopped. I loved hearing Thomas explain, in such minutiae, how he made specific saves.

Thomas’ thinking also made him a target, starting in Washington. My favorite player: Tim Thomas The Bruins’ White House visit on Jan. 23, 2012, began normally. I remember the team gathering for President Obama’s remarks, including By Fluto Shinzawa Apr 6, 2020 his takedown of and his Little Ball O’ Hate nickname. If I recall correctly, nobody at the time realized the defending winner was absent.

Editor’s note: This week, The Athletic‘s writers are offering essays on Later that day, Thomas posted his statement on Facebook. some of their favorite athletes. Read more of them here. “This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are Tim Thomas once cited the light at as the responsible for the situation we are in as a country,” Thomas wrote. “This reason a puck eluded his grasp. Another time, Thomas could not stop an was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.” Alexander Semin slap shot — one that, he noted afterward, unexpectedly dipped in mid-flight as if it had struck an invisible impediment. The last part was what stuck with the Bruins. For the team, the White House invitation represented the acknowledgment of organizational This was all rubbish, of course. accomplishment. Everybody pulled on the chain: players, coaches, executives, support staff. The following day, when asked about Thomas’ Thomas did not believe these were excuses. Thomas truly thought that decision, a team source described the goalie as “a fucking selfish prick.” just about every puck that touched down in his net did so because of a reason beyond his control. Thomas never saw it this way. He was stubborn like that. It had an effect on our relationship. It’s what made him great. When Thomas made up his mind, that was that. In 2009, I wrote he was Thomas’ greatness was not without its imperfections. Peter Chiarelli, trying to play through a hand injury. He wasn’t pleased. In Thomas’ Thomas’ general manager in Boston, repeatedly tried to talk him out of opinion, I had practically wrapped his hand in flashing neon lights, free his plan to sit out the Bruins’ 2012 White House invitation. Later that for every opponent to whack. I tried to explain that my job was reporting season, Thomas caught his bosses off guard by deciding to step away the truth, not protecting a player. Thomas did not agree. from hockey for a year — and leave the Bruins holding the bag for his $5 million annual cap hit — to focus, as he wrote on Facebook, on friends, Unlike that episode, my work from the White House controversy never family and faith. prompted a face-to-face conversation. But I felt a distance and disengagement not experienced before. These warts amplified my appreciation of covering Thomas. The blemishes shaped him into an unusual commodity in professional sports: That was his right. I respected it. It’s how he had always operated. a superstar athlete with the shortcomings of the everyman. Thomas thrived on slights. Thomas, in other words, was human. His life was stuffed with people who said no. The Avalanche, who drafted You would not have thought so upon watching him play at his peak — his him in 1994 when they were the Nordiques, told Thomas they had no repeated ones, at that. Thomas is often described as a late bloomer. place for him in either the NHL or AHL after his first pro training camp. After several prior recalls from Providence, a 31-year-old Thomas Twenty-nine teams were not interested in making a waiver claim on him reported to Boston for good on Jan. 9, 2006. in 2006. The Bruins had such tepid faith in Thomas that they traded for Manny Fernandez in 2007. In June of 2010, a month after Thomas The truth is that by the time he became a full-time Bruin, Thomas had underwent hip surgery, the Bruins asked him to waive his no-trade submitted superhuman efforts at multiple stops. He was a superstar in clause. Thomas agreed, but a deal did not happen. Finland. He had no trouble stopping pucks in the Swedish Elite League, AHL, IHL and ECHL. I remember watching him dive and lunge and flop All of this was fuel for Thomas’ singular inferno. In the summer of 2010, for the University of Vermont, where his teammates included Martin St. at one of his camps at Marlborough’s New England Sports Center, I Louis and Eric Perrin, the best NCAA duo I’ve ever seen. asked Thomas how he wanted to approach the upcoming season.

The NHL’s stubborn and uneducated clutch to traditionalism was the only “I’ve got something to prove,” he said. reason it had closed its doors to Thomas for so long. “To the organization?” I asked. Someone unfamiliar with hockey might have considered Thomas ill- equipped to be a two-time Vezina Trophy winner. At 5-foot-11 and 201 “To the world,” Thomas answered. pounds, Thomas did not come off the goalie production line like 6-foot-3, By 2010-11, Thomas had ditched his gold Bruins mask with its traditional 176-pound Tuukka Rask, his friend and former partner. His “battlefly” cat’s-eye cage and a Beware of Bear logo on the back. In its place was a approach was the definition of unorthodox: acrobatic, flailing, hyper- white and gray piece with vertical bars, a snarling bear on the left temple, aggressive. his TT logo on the chin, a stamp of the medallion he wore on the crown But amid the NHL’s repeated denials to his entry, Thomas shaped his and Don’t Tread On Me on the back. style into technique, albeit a unique form. Thomas’ attack vector on the The mask told the story of a man in full belief of himself and his abilities. puck carrier made him a virtual lock to stop the first shot. His He turned out to be right. competitiveness and athleticism set him up to turn back second and third attempts. Thomas did not enjoy a storybook ending in Boston. During his sabbatical, the Bruins traded his contract to the Islanders. In 2013-14, Of all his strengths, Thomas’ mind was his most significant asset. Thomas restarted his career in Florida. Later that season, the Panthers The ace made showstopping saves routine. They provided me with traded Thomas to Dallas. regular entries to his thinking when I asked him about them afterward. And so it ended. Thomas said goodbye to hockey and vanished. His insight was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Observers, including those within the Bruins, cracked that he had settled He would identify a stickhandler’s curve to classify him as either a threat into his bunker. to shoot or pass. Thomas knew which opponents preferred white or black It turned out that Thomas was trying to deal with severe post-concussion tape on their blades. syndrome. It was tough to read. But I was happy to see he was feeling For Thomas, events that occurred at dizzying real-time speeds — an better and well enough to attend the US induction oncoming odd-man flurry, how his teammates defended rushes — ceremony. happened in slow motion. He could anticipate the likelihood of a play My last interaction with Thomas took place during the 2013-14 season taking place because of his superior processing power. It’s how he was when he was with Florida. I waited for Thomas after the Panthers’ able to position himself in front of pucks that had no business being morning skate at TD Garden. Thomas saw me as he walked out of the dressing room. His guard was up. Thomas started to say he wasn’t talking. I interrupted. I told him I just wanted to say hello and wish his family well. We shook hands and went our separate ways.

I hope he knew I meant it.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182321 Buffalo Sabres Every player, no matter their contract, lost potentially thousands of dollars in playoff bonus money. Winning the championship could earn a player more than $10,000 in additional money.

Players on Sabres' ECHL affiliate suffer financial hit with season Most players on ECHL contracts need to maximize their earnings so they canceled don't have to get a summer job. Working 40-plus hours per week takes away precious time from on- and off-ice training. The season cancellation occurred at a time when most offseason jobs aren't available because By Lance Lysowski rinks across North America cannot hold hockey clinics and camps.

Players on ECHL contracts weren't given severance pay after operating on what are essentially day-to-day contracts. The severity of the coronavirus pandemic first confronted the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones inside Toledo's Huntington Center on March 11. "If you come to one of our games in Cincinnati, you’d say, ‘Oh, they’re a high-grade professional sports team,’ " said Vaive, a fourth-round draft The 8,000-seat venue was eerily quiet as the Cyclones made their way pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. "Yeah, everyone in there is going to from the visitors' dressing room and down the tunnel. Suddenly, the call themselves a professional athlete. With the crowd size and building arena echoed with the chorus of boos from the Toledo Walleye bench. size, it’s comparable to any American league team. You would assume "When we got on the ice, Toledo, the entire team, started booing us guys aren’t making the money they are and that’s what hurts the most. because there weren’t any fans there to do it," said Cincinnati Nobody puts light on it because everyone assumes it’s better." defenseman Frank Hora, a 23-year-old Cheektowaga native. "It was Even players still receiving a paycheck weren't sure where to go when actually hilarious. It was kind of like playing a beer league game." the season was canceled. Many do not have access to their offseason "Man, it was brutal," joked Cyclones winger Justin Vaive, a 30-year-old residences. Some have apartment leases scheduled to begin in June from Buffalo. and others are subleasing their permanent residences to someone. Cyclones ownership offered to continue to pay for housing in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, the Buffalo Sabres' ECHL affiliate, proceeded to lose, 5-3, in a but most players quickly made plans to leave town. game only team members and credentialed media were permitted to attend. Three days later, the Cyclones learned their season was officially The team gathered for individual exit interviews in which players and canceled by the league. coaches sat 6 feet apart. Though the process occurred months sooner than expected, the gist of the conversations with coach Matt Thomas did Players signed to ECHL contracts lost three regular-season paychecks, not change. The discussion centered around hockey, though Thomas causing them to scramble to find a different offseason job during an requested updated contact information and asked about each player's economic collapse. Playoff bonus money also was off the table for the next steps. entire team. League veterans such as Vaive were left wondering how many more opportunities they'll have to win a championship. Even Vaive planned on remaining in Cincinnati, but he reconsidered and players on contracts who are still being paid packed his car to drive to his parents' house in Niagara Falls. He planned were forced to find different living arrangements. to remain in until he and his girlfriend move into an apartment in Nashville on May 1. Vaive has arranged an offseason job "Everybody has their different reasons and different ways it affects them, coaching youth hockey clinics and camps in that area, though that's on but one thing collectively is that we lost out on a chance to do something hold because of social distancing measures. special," said Vaive, whose father, Rick, scored 441 regular-season goals in the NHL. "I think, over time, it was only going to get better, and Vaive plans to return to Cincinnati next season after the 6-foot-6-inch, obviously we aren’t going to be able to see what the end product would 237-pound forward scored 72 regular-season goals in the past three look like or what we would have done in the playoffs." seasons.

The Cyclones were first in the Central Division and owned the league's Hora was impacted differently. Though he is among those receiving his fifth-best record, only nine regular-season games away from beginning a final regular-season paychecks, a postseason run would have given him possible long playoff run. The game against the Walleye, who had the an opportunity to showcase his talents to scouts before his AHL contract second-highest attendance in the ECHL, was an ideal tuneup for the expires this summer. He also needs to continue off-ice workouts in the postseason. event he's asked to join the for a playoff run, and his offseason training is on hold until Buffalo's LECOM Harborcenter However, the Walleye closed the game to the public following a reopens. recommendation by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to limit large gatherings. Hora described the atmosphere in Huntington Center as Hora, who signed a one-year, AHL contract with Rochester last summer, "super dead" and "very strange," and Vaive said the lack of crowd noise had four goals with 12 assists in 60 games for Cincinnati, his third created an atmosphere similar to a training camp intrasquad scrimmage. season in the ECHL. In hindsight, they would have rather completed their schedule with no "The further you go in the playoffs, the more eyes you have on you fans in attendance than experiencing what happened after the loss. because less and less teams are around, so there will be more scouts at The Cyclones stepped off the ice that night to discover Rudy Gobert of the final rounds," said Hora, who is with family in Fort Myers, Fla. "It’s the Utah Jazz had tested positive for the coronavirus, and it became hard not only for me, but everyone trying to get a deal next year. A lot of clear to them their season was in jeopardy when the NBA announced it guys are only on one-year deals. A lot of people perform well in playoffs was halting all games indefinitely. The news was the topic of and a lot more eyes are on you in the playoffs than in the regular conversation during the long bus ride back to Cincinnati that night. season."

"It’s not like guys were freaking out or getting apocalyptic on us, but I "I think one of the greatest things you get as a young pro is the ability to think in the back of everyone’s mind that we knew it was done," Vaive look back on a completed season," Thomas said. "Completed meaning it said. "Once a multibillion dollar league like the NBA suspends play, in ends the right way, not the way it’s ended here for everyone." what world are we going to be able to keep running?" Financial help could be on the way for those in need. The PHPA, in Following a series of conference calls over the next two days, Vaive partnership with the ECHL, established a Covid-19 economic relief fund. learned what he suspected: the ECHL's season was over. As the team's The players' union contributed $200,000 with a plan to raise $800,000, representative with the league's union, the Professional Hockey Players' which is the estimated amount of total wages lost. Association, Vaive sent word to his teammates via text message and However, it's unclear how both parties will determine who receives the made individual phone calls to anyone on an ECHL contract. money and how much. Many players still will encounter a significant While most of the Cyclones are playing on guaranteed AHL contracts, financial loss. And although this is the result of an unprecedented global Vaive and approximately 10 other players lost their final three regular- pandemic, it exposed shortcomings in a league where full-time players season paychecks. The league's pay scale ranges from $500 to $1,200 are not afforded some of the benefits given to regular full-time per week – as an established league veteran, Vaive is in the latter employees, particularly severance. category – and the ECHL's average annual salary is $16,940. "As angry, mad, disappointed, sad or any emotion that I want to be or other guys want to be, as much as we want to blame other people or the league, this hasn’t happened in however many years," Vaive said. "I can’t sit here and say, 'You guys should be more prepared.' Well, how can you be prepared for something that’s never happened before? It’s obviously tough. Yeah, I think there are also other reasons that could cause a stoppage in play and I think that might be something that needs to be looked into during the next CBA (negotiations), to have some sort of contingency plan, whether it’s an outside insurance group or a severance package built into the league dues and hardship funds."

Buffalo News LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182322 Buffalo Sabres the air in celebration, only to see Hasek somehow flopped onto his back and gloved Bure’s shot just short of the goal line while upside down.

Hasek’s creativity in net inspired me. He’d often toss his stick aside in My favorite player: Dominik Hasek order to make a blocker save he would’ve been otherwise unable to make, so I began doing the same — or at least trying to imitate it. Anyone who played sports as a kid has likely served as their own By Jesse Granger Apr 6, 2020 imaginary public address announcer, and my own calls quickly transitioned from “what a save by Roy” to “what a save by Hasek!”

Then, a little more than a year into my Hasek fandom, came the 1998-99 The first time I ever played hockey it wasn’t on ice. It was in the concrete Stanley Cup playoffs. I watched every game the Avalanche and Sabres driveway of my childhood home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. played through the first three rounds, dreading a possible Cup final The “net” was initially designated by a few squares in the design of the matchup between my hometown team and my favorite player. Colorado garage door. That was quickly replaced by a plastic hockey net after my eventually lost to Dallas in the Western Conference finals, while Buffalo parents grew tired of the constant clanging noise of pucks and hockey cruised past Toronto, making the rooting interests for a very confused 8- balls slamming into the metal garage door. year-old much easier.

Then we moved to the street, just in front of the house. The residential Hasek was brilliant throughout the series, without a single game below a street wasn’t very wide, so we were constantly pausing the game and .900 save percentage. No performance more spectacular than in Game dragging the net over to the sidewalk to allow passing cars to drive 6, where he stopped 48 of Dallas’ first 49 shots. through. Errant shots meant chasing the ball all the way down the street, More importantly for my 8-year-old self: He kept the 1-1 game going hoping it didn’t find a storm drain. through regulation, overtime and double overtime, and then into triple From the very first time I played, I wanted to be a goalie. I was 5 years overtime. The game was seemingly endless, and thankfully came after old in 1996 when the hometown Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, and as summer break had begun, allowing me to stay up past my bedtime. I watched on TV I was enamored by . When my parents agreed to let me stay up until the game ended, they weren’t expecting it to run through 11:30 p.m., more than five hours after As the last line of defense, he carried the team on his back. It didn’t the initial puck drop. matter what the rest of the team did, because until you beat the goalie, it means nothing. Not only did he appear to be playing a different game Then, at 11:32 p.m., in Colorado Springs — which seemed much, much than the other skaters on the ice, but it sure looked like he was having later to me at the time — scored the goal that will forever be the most fun. Diving headfirst, rolling on his back and doing everything he etched in hockey history. His skate was in the crease. It crushed me, could to keep the puck out of the net. strangely, more than any Avalanche loss ever did. I went straight to bed and tried to pretend the goal was never scored. Imagining Hasek and Ed And most importantly: He looked the coolest with all of that gear on. Belfour were still dueling into the night and early morning.

I wanted to be just like Roy, but early on I didn’t have goalie gear. I was That game is still the most memorable NHL moment of my childhood, just only just gaining interest in playing the sport and equipment is obviously barely edging out the Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2001, and expensive. So I did what any young kid would do and got creative. Joe Sakic famously handing the Cup to .

I started with oversized, adult soccer shin pads on my legs, a I continued playing goalie, and still do every chance I get in men’s league glove on my left hand and another soccer shin pad on my right hand. games in Las Vegas. I no longer wear the Bauer birdcage-style helmet, Yes, I strapped a shin pad to my hand to simulate a blocker glove, and it haven’t for a while. They are clunky, heavy and much harder to take off probably looked ridiculous, but at the time I thought I looked cool. and put on. But when given the choice of which number to wear, the answer is always No. 39. I loved going with my parents to the thrift store or the sporting goods store that sold used equipment for next to nothing in an attempt to slowly The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 piece together a goalie outfit with allowance money. I eventually found some tattered leg pads that allowed me to butterfly, and finally a mask. It wasn’t the modern style that I saw Roy wearing on TV. It was a black Bauer forward helmet with a full, metal birdcage design.

I wasn’t thrilled because I still didn’t look as cool as Roy. But it protected my face, so it would due for now.

Then after a few weeks of wearing the Bauer mask, I sat down to watch the Avalanche play the Buffalo Sabres. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Sabres goalie was wearing the same exact mask as me.

That was the moment Dominik Hasek became my favorite player.

Early on I had no idea he was one of the greatest goaltenders to ever live. I just knew he wore the same outdated mask that I wore. From that point on, when I pulled that Bauer helmet over my head, lowered the wire mask over my face and buckled the chin straps, I wasn’t wearing the wrong mask. I no longer felt out of place. I was wearing the same mask as Hasek.

The old saying, “look good, feel good, play good” comes to mind. I was only 7 at the time, but I will never forget how different I felt wearing that mask after I learned one of the best goalies in the world wore it too.

I quickly educated myself on Hasek’s greatness and fell even further in love with him as a player. His erratic, acrobatic style was effective and insanely fun to emulate in the street — and eventually on a real rink. While my favorite team remained the Avalanche, I followed Hasek’s career as closely as I could in a time without the internet to stream out of market games.

Whether he was robbing Jaromir Jagr with a rolling double-pad stack or recklessly sliding out to his own blue line to collide with an unsuspecting forward, sending them flipping head-over-heels, I was captivated by Hasek. I distinctly remember watching Pavel Bure throw his hands into 1182323 Sportsnet Pacific has featured:

• John Shorthouse’s ‘Slayed the Dragon’ call, when scored twice, including the OT winner, in a first-round, Game 7 takedown of the THE HOCKEY FIX IS IN: Sportsnet going overtime on blasts from the Cup-c•hamp Blackhawks in 2011; past • And Pavel Bure’s breakaway goal during to beat the Flames in Game 7 during the Canucks’ 1994 run to the Stanley Cup final.

Todd Saelhof Oh … the memories!

Meanwhile, Sportsnet Ontario has checked back in on the Toronto Maple Hockey is on hold. Leafs:

So, Rogers has hit the rewind on games, going • That night when they eliminated the Ottawa Senators in Game 7 of the retro to help quench the thirst of puck fans during this coronavirus 2004 playoffs in 4-1 fashion at Air ; pandemic. • And that memorable Game 6 loss in 1993 to the , The Canadian communications giant has turned back time, opting to fill when Doug Gilmour was clipped by a high-stick — without a penalty the hockey void with throwback tilts on its seven Sportsnet channels. being called — by Gretzky, who then went down amid controversy and scored the overtime winner. There is NHL Classics. “Gilmour tweeted while watching it and said it was the first time he’d There is NHL Rewind. ever watched the game,” said the Sportsnet spokesperson. “And he said how different it was from a fan’s perspective.” And coming soon to a TV in your man- or woman-cave, Sportsnet will air seven different NHL Best-of-Seven series, with each of the Canadian Tweeted Gilmour: “Watching as a fan I feel your emotions, this is the first clubs represented during the initiative. time I’ve seen it, lots of stuff you don’t see when you’re in the moment!”

It’s just what the doctor ordered for hockey faithful during these tough As fans, there’s lots of stuff we don’t remember either until we see it world times. again.

“Right now, we’re scheduling games that we think will resonate — the That’s why we’re loving the throwback. ones we think the fans want to see,” said a Sportsnet spokesperson. “So we’re diving into the archives to pick out those classic highlight games Sportsnet has: that everyone remembers and wants to watch again. • Eric Desjardins’ hat-trick effort, including the OT winner over Kelly “We’ve got a database of thousands of games. We don’t have Hrudey and the Kings in Game 2 of the 1993 Stanley Cup (“Great game everything, but we’ve got enough that we’re not going to run out any time to watch for hockey fans,” tweeted Hrudey of the broadcast. “But pretty soon.” sure I won’t be watching. Not my favourite hockey memory”);

That’s good, because we’re not sure how long we’re in lockdown with no • The , starring Hrudey in that marathon fourth-overtime win NHL games in play. by the over the Washington Capitals in 1987;

So we’re counting on Sportsnet to bring us the best of yesteryear, just as • Steve Yzerman’s Game 7 laser shot to oust Gretzky and the St. Louis it has since three weeks back, when the COVID-19 crisis put a pause on Blues in 1996; the season at hand. • And ’s first home game and first goal for the Pittsburgh It began Saturday, March 13, with a few throwback games broadcast Penguins over the Bruins back in 2005. here and there throughout the subsequent days. “Historic games,” said the spokesperson. “Are you going to see a new Classics such as: Oilers or Canucks or Flames game every week? Hard to say. We can’t promise you that. • ’s white-towel surrender game against the Chicago Black Hawks in the 1982 playoffs; “But the idea is each fanbase will be served something fresh — bring some sort of variety to the fans.” • ’s final NHL all-star game appearance in 1980; Fresh for the fans this week: • And Ron Tugnutt’s 70-save performance in a regular-season, 3-3 draw with the Boston Bruins in 1991. • Multiple playoff matchups of Crosby and Alex Ovechkin;

There were a few replays of recent contests as well. Including the feisty • A 1986 regular-season clash between Gretzky and ; re-ignition of the Battle of from Jan. 11, when Zach Kassian and • Brett Hull’s infamous skate-in-the-crease goal to give the Dallas Stars the tangled with Matthew Tkachuk and the Calgary the Stanley Cup over the Buffalo Sabres; Flames. • Games 6 and 7 of the magnificent ‘guaranteed win’ series “To start when everything went down, we were just slotting in games against the New Jersey Devils in 1994; because we weren’t sure how long it would last,” said the Sportsnet spokesperson. “Now there’s a bit more strategy to it so that you’re not • And the clinch of the 1974 championship series between the Bruins and seeing the same game over and over again, and we’re trying to spread the Philadelphia Flyers. games out and cater to each fanbase in Canada.” New Canadian content includes: Indeed, the past few weeks have found the Sportsnet channels dotted with games featuring Canadian teams. • Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final featuring the Rangers and the Canucks; Sportsnet West has had a focus on the Flames and the Oilers: • The sudden Todd Marchant breakaway goal to push the Oilers past the • Game 7 of the 1989 Stanley Cup clincher by the Flames over the host Stars in 1997; — the only time a visiting team ever captured the NHL’s Holy Grail on hallowed Forum ice; • The 7-4 bounce by the Flames of the Canucks in the first round of the 2015 post-season; • ’s five-goal night to reach 50 goals in 39 games against the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 30, 1981; • The goalie fight between the Oilers and the Flames on Feb. 1 of this year; • And a couple of memorable Game 7 tilts — the Steve Smith own-goal of 1986, and the spin-o-rama overtime • The Sedin twins’ final game in Vancouver; marker in 1991. • Patrick Laine’s five-goal performance for the Winnipeg Jets over the St. Union’s Red Army squad filed off the ice early in a show of grievance Louis Blues in 2018; over the physical play of the Philadelphia Flyers during ’76.

• And Cory Cross’ OT winner for the Maple Leafs in Game 3 of the 2001 • ‘ scores the goal. The Islanders win the Stanley Cup!’: On first-round series against the Senators. May 24, 1980, Nystrom redirects a pass home against the Flyers in overtime of Game 6 for the Stanley Cup-clinching goal, igniting “We are working to make a wide range of games from all sports available the first of four titles for the New York Islanders. to our fans,” said the Sportsnet spokesperson. “We pick matchups that we believe viewers will be most interested in nationally and regionally.” • ‘He scores … Mario Lemieux, with 1:26 remaining!’: On Sept. 15, 1987, ‘Super Mario’ potted the winning goal to clinch the 1987 for The NHL Rewinds are essentially replays of games in their entirety from Canada over the USSR crew in Hamilton, marking another classic the past few decades. hockey moment in our battle with the Soviets.

The NHL Classics, however, are one-hour condensed look-backs at • ‘Have another doughnut!’: On May 6, 1988, New Jersey Devils head momentous tilts. coach fired those strange words — and more — at “It is a fine balance, and it comes down to preference,” said the Sportsnet referee Don Koharski after a 6-1 Eastern Conference Game 3 loss to the spokesperson. Boston Bruins.

“Some people say: ‘I want to see the full game.’ And then on the other • ‘Klima gets the goal for the Edmonton Oilers!’ May 2, 1990, Petr Klima side, they say: ‘I don’t need to see everything — I already know the ends the marathon first game of the Stanley Cup final — as called by outcome.’ And it also comes down to programming strategy to make Cole — in favour of the Oilers, who win 3-2 on his tally in the third everything fit into the time slot.” overtime against the host Bruins.

The puck programming ahead, however, should fit the bill quite nicely. • ‘It is Gilmour … waiting, waiting, around the net, waiting …!’: On May 3, 1993, Doug Gilmour’s incredible individual effort behind the net — as Sportsnet is set to roll out its NHL Best-of-Seven highlights on April 20, narrated by Cole again — for a 2OT goal gives the Maple Leafs a leg up featuring one of the most entertaining playoff series in the history of each in their second-round series with and the St. Louis Blues. Canadian team: • ‘Gold medal, Canada!’: On Feb. 24, 2002, Cole is back at it again, • The 1987 Stanley Cup final: Edmonton vs. Philadelphia (7 games); calling the 5-2 gold-medal victory for Canada over host USA in the finale of the 2002 Winter in Utah. • The 1989 Stanley Cup final: Calgary vs. Montreal (6 games); • ‘Oh, my gracious. The puck was in’: On June 5, 2004, ABC • The 1993 Stanley Cup final: Montreal vs. Los Angeles (5 games); commentators declared Martin Gelinas’ chance on a rebound crossed • The 1993 semifinal: Toronto vs. Detroit (7 games); the line for the Calgary Flames, but it was a no-goal and the went on to win Game 6 3-2 in double-OT and eventually • The 2011 Western Conference quarterfinal: Vancouver vs. Chicago (7 hoisted the NHL’s Holy Grail. games); • ‘Sidney Crosby … the Golden Goal!’: On Feb. 28, 2010, ‘The Kid’ takes • The 2017 Eastern Conference second round: Ottawa vs. New York a pass from and quickly fires low to beat Ryan Rangers (6 games); Miller in overtime of the gold-medal game in Vancouver for another vivid Olympic hockey memory for , courtesy of legendary broadcast • And the 2018 Western Conference second round: Winnipeg vs. . Nashville Predators (7 games). • ‘ has gone over to the Flames hallway outside their Now, that’s hockey! room.’: On Jan. 18, 2014, Flames broadcaster Rick Ball calls the “In addition to the NHL Classics and NHL Rewind programming, In intermission shenanigans of an upset ‘Torts’ as the Canucks head coach Conversation with Ron MacLean just debuted Wednesday night with tries to get his licks in during a feisty affair that started with a five-on-five special guests Wayne Gretzky and Hayley Wickenheiser,” added the line-brawl. Sportsnet spokesperson. “We’ve got our interactive NHL Digital Watch Calgary Herald: LOADED: 04.07.2020 Party on YouTube and Facebook airing. Fans are invited to join Sportsnet hosts and NHL alumni in watching an NHL Rewind game.

“And we’ll be airing a 30-minute show called NHL Brothers, joined by the Hughes, the Tkachuks and the Staals.”

Games we’d like to see rebroadcast

Which NHL classic would you like to see on Sportsnet to help soothe the soul during this strange new world?

The appeals have been pouring in from fans across Canada, hoping to see those memorable moments from yesteryear.

“Our social feeds are blowing up with requests from fans asking us to show this game or that game,” said a Sportsnet spokesperson. “And not just from hockey fans — the Blue Jays fans have their games they want to see. The Raptors fans, same thing.

“So we get a lot of requests, and we pay a lot of attention to those and take a lot of things into consideration to give the fans what they want.”

Hockey-wise, a few throwback games resonate with us here at Postmedia that we’d like to see replayed.

So here’s hoping we can relive a few of these epic memories:

• ‘Henderson has scored for Canada!’: On Sept. 28, 1972, that defining moment for Canada came courtesy of hero and play-by- play legend to give the Canadians the triumph over the Soviets in Moscow.

• ‘They’re going home!’: On Jan. 11, 1976, hall-of-fame broadcaster rocked the airwaves with that unforgettable phrase when the Soviet 1182324 Calgary Flames “I’ll just be really excited to be back in Calgary, back playing and being around the guys and just getting back to the normal,” said Gaudreau, who sits second on the Flames’ scoring charts with 58 points in the 2019- Flames superstar Gaudreau piling firewood during NHL pause 20 campaign. “Hopefully we can get back to it as quick as possible, but I understand that we need to stay safe, stay healthy and try to beat this thing.”

Wes Gilbertson RITTICH RECOVERING

The pause in the NHL’s schedule has allowed David Rittich an opportunity to recover from an elbow injury. Johnny Hockey has apparently been moonlighting as Johnny Lumberjack. The Flames’ all-star goaltender has returned home to the , but revealed on a video-conference with reporters that wasn’t With the NHL on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Calgary Flames able to resume off-ice/at-home workouts until earlier this week. superstar Johnny Gaudreau headed home and is self-isolating with his family. “One day before leaving (Calgary), I had gotten plasma injection into my elbow that had been bruised and I had some stretched tendons there,” “I’m out in the middle of the country here in New Jersey at my parents’ said Rittich, according to a story posted on NHL.com. “I could not do house, so I’ve been riding the bike a lot and my dad has me and my anything for a week … This week, I started to exercise a bit and recover.” brother outside chopping trees down,” the 26-year-old left-winger said in a phone interview Friday. “I think we have enough firewood to last us for Calgary Herald: LOADED: 04.07.2020 four years.

“We’ve been staying active for the most part, for not being allowed to go anywhere or do anything. But it gets a bit old after a while. I wake up every morning hearing the chainsaw and I’m like, ‘Yep, better get outside or else dad is going to be inside pulling me out of bed.’ ”

This should have been the time of year that Flames fans were dreaming of a lengthy playoff run, of a reignited Red Mile.

Gaudreau & Co. were supposed to wrap their regular-season slate Saturday with another instalment of the Battle of Alberta. From High River to High Level, fingers were crossed for a long-overdue post-season showdown between the Flames and arch-rival Edmonton Oilers.

It could still happen, but not anytime soon. On Friday, the City of Calgary banned any public events until the end of June, meaning the lights at the Saddledome will remain switched off into summer.

The NHL, which halted action March 12, has asked teams to provide rink availability for July and August.

“It’s definitely been tough — you’re expecting to go into playoffs in about a month, you have 10 games left and you’re fighting for a playoff spot, big games coming up, and all of a sudden you’re at a standstill and it shuts off immediately,” Gaudreau said of the pandemic pause. “You want to be on the ice with your teammates. You want to be playing hockey. But for me personally, it was also nice to get home. It was a rough couple weeks there with my grandfather passing away, and then my grandmother is sick. So it’s been a tough year. So to be home and spend some time with my family … It’s been really good.

“It’s time I kind of needed. But at the same time, you want to be playing hockey. You want to be on the ice with your teammates and trying to win a Stanley Cup.”

The NHL is hoping to resume its season but all team facilities are currently off-limits due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, forcing the skating stars to be creative as they try to stay in shape while stuck at home.

Gaudreau, like so many NHLers, owns a Peloton bike.

He has also been getting a virtual assist from Michelle McGrattan, whose husband Brian was an enforcer/fan favourite for the Flames and is now on the team staff. Michelle is a nutrition coach and fitness instructor, and one of Gaudreau’s sisters subscribes to her site.

“We watch her videos online and we’ll follow her steps and stuff, and they’re pretty good workouts,” Gaudreau said. “We’ll crank the heat up in our house and try to get a good sweat in.

“I told Grats it’s a little bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I was expecting to go through like a little breeze, and it’s actually a really good workout.”

When he’s not chopping down firewood or sweating in the living room, Gaudreau has been killing time with X-Box and card-games and admitted to “a lot of Amazon purchases” as he fills up the summer home that he purchased last year.

Whenever he gets the word, he’ll be anxious to report back to the rink. 1182325 Calgary Flames

City says no home games before June 30 for Stamps, Flames

Daniel Austin

Neither the Calgary Flames or Stampeders will be allowed to host home games until June 30 at the earliest.

On Friday, the City of Calgary announced that it was banning all public events until the end of June in an effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

That includes outdoor festivals, races and sporting events — including Flames and Stamps home games.

“(Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Tom Sampson) says they will not be permitted to have gatherings of that type,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Look, even if before the end of June we are in a situation where we think we’ve seen the other side of the mountain, even if we’re in a place where the number of cases are coming down, I’m no epidemiologist, but I really don’t think it’s wise to say let’s have 17 or 20 or 35,000 people all in one space.

“That’s probably just not wise from a public health perspective, so certainly between now and the end of June I cannot imagine that you would see events like that starting up again.”

The NHL has put its season on pause but has asked teams for rink dates into August. The Flames had eight games left on their regular-season schedule and were in a playoff position at the time of the season’s postponement.

The CFL, meanwhile, has postponed the start of its mid-May training camps but has not announced anything regarding its plans for the regular season.

The Stampeders were scheduled to play three home games before the end of June, starting with a pre-season tilt against the Roughriders on May 30 at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182326 Calgary Flames from your living-room couch? It’s a difficult, potentially slippery slope because there needs to be a level of detachment in the relationships you forge with the players you cover. When young reporters ask me about My favourite player: Lanny McDonald that, I usually tell them that there’s a line that you cannot cross. On the one hand, you need to know a little bit about them because if you don’t have that, then you’re writing about ghosts, and your words will usually sound empty. But you also have to keep an arms-length distance too – By Eric Duhatschek Apr 6, 2020 because eventually, they’re going to have a bad night, and you’ve going to point out they’ve had a bad night and they likely won’t be too happy with you. The key is to approach every interaction with the goal of being Trying to name your favourite player is a little like being asked to identify scrupulously fair. If you can manage that, usually, you’ll be all right. your favourite child – impossible to do, and fraught with risk if you try. In my family, there are two people tied for No. 1 – and they will remain tied In the end, McDonald played most of eight seasons in Calgary and had a for No. 1 in perpetuity. storybook ending to his career. On the night the Flames won the only Stanley Cup in their history, McDonald – who’d become an aging fringe Where it’s different in sports is how your favourite can ebb and flow – and player in coach ’s Murderers Row lineup – scored the goal- there are different criteria to consider what makes someone a favourite at ahead goal that put them ahead to stay. McDonald wasn’t even every stage in your life. For example, growing up in Toronto as a diehard supposed to play that night, but Crisp thought he would provide an fan of the Maple Leafs, my favourite player was . And by the emotional boost to the team, which was trying to become the first visiting way, that wasn’t just me. Everyone that I knew who cared about the team in history to win the Stanley Cup in Montreal at the Forum. It turned Leafs listed either Keon (or sometimes Johnny Bower) as their favourite out to be precisely the right call. player. Keon just never had a bad night. When play-by-play man Bill Hewitt was choosing the of a game, you knew instinctively McDonald was a fan favourite in Toronto and that ultimately gave him an what was coming every single time: The two goalies and Dave Keon. opportunity to appear in a series of local television commercials. One that That’s just how it was. he did with Leaf teammate Brian Glennie – for Hungry Man frozen dinner entrees – is the stuff of legends and thankfully lives on in the YouTube Less popular – but critically important to me in a different way – was era. In 2000, after McDonald’s retirement, when he was still doing some Keon’s teammate, . Now Mahovlich was a bit more of a promotional work for the Flames, he and I and Grant Pollock, then the lightning rod for fans, even kids who were fans, because he was a big television host for the local broadcasts, were asked to shoot a television man that didn’t always play big, and there was a certain inconsistency in commercial together, to promote Chrysler Neon Night at the his play, from game to game. Some nights, when Mahovlich was focused Saddledome. The idea was that the Flames were giving away two and in a groove, he was the dominant player on the ice – better than redesigned Chrysler Neons as a promotional event – one to a lucky fan Gordie Howe, better than . The problem was, there was an in the building, the other to someone at home in the television audience. equal number of nights when he was practically invisible. We filmed the commercial outside the Saddledome on a snowy February day in 2000 – and I would gently argue our commercial for Neon Night is But as a kid growing up with a funny-sounding surname in a city with a as campy and mindless as any that McDonald did before or after in his white-bread reputation, Mahovlich was a beacon of hope for me. Early career. on, I noticed that whenever Hewitt was doing his play-by-play, he would stumble over certain names – , in particular, gave him Throughout his life in hockey and after hockey, McDonald worked trouble – but his pronunciation of Mahovlich was always spot on. That tirelessly on behalf of Special Olympics. He’s never had a bad day resonated with me. It told me that even a child of immigrants could make interacting with fans. For years, McDonald and I served together on the his way in the adult world with an unpronounceable surname provided Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee. When unexpectedly you accomplished something meaningful in your life. Mahovlich’s died, McDonald was chosen to replace him as the chairman of the success with the Leafs gave me that hope: That just because the letters HHOF, a position he still holds today. I rotated off the HHOF selection of your last name seemed like a word salad to some, it didn’t always committee in 2018 after reaching the 15-year term maximum, so we don’t have to be that way. I was a fan of Keon’s for what he did on the ice and run into each other as a scheduled matter of course anymore. But a fan of Mahovlich’s for how he inspired me off the ice. because we both live on the western outskirts of the city, it’s convenient to get together for lunch a couple of times every year. But I believe this exercise is not about childhood role models necessarily, but about the second, working chapter of my life – which for 40-plus McDonald still has a lot of irons in the fire – his work with the HHOF, the years now has involved covering sport, mostly hockey. And this is where Flames’ alumni, a brewery in Montana and of course, his various fantasy it gets hard to name a single favourite player because at different times, football leagues. He still wears that distinctive identifiable moustache. He covering different teams, there were just so many who qualified as my is arguably the most popular player in Calgary history and one of the favourite at a given moment in time. Among the ones that have settled in most popular players ever to play for the Leafs too. Here’s what I liked Calgary and that I run into most often: Perry Berezan, Craig Conroy, Joel most about him: At every step of the way, he admirably represented the Otto, Colin Patterson, Jim Peplinski, Theo Fleury, Gord Sherven, Hayley game. As a player, he was skilled, physical and determined. As an Wickenheiser. The ones that moved away but still stay in touch: Hakan ambassador, he was approachable, friendly and generous with his time. Loob, Doug Gilmour, Al MacInnis, Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk. As a man, he understood and greatly valued family. The friendships that developed once their playing careers ended: Anders Hedberg, Igor Larionov, , Jim Fox. On the day McDonald was traded to Calgary from Colorado, I went out to the airport to meet his plane and interview him for a story. The next day, But in the end, my favourite player is Lanny McDonald – for a lot of there was a picture of the two of us on the front page of the local paper – different reasons, but primarily because McDonald is the one athlete that McDonald arriving, me with pen in hand, taking down notes. We’re both straddled both the hockey fan part of my life and then the professional laughing – over what, I can’t remember. But I would just say this: Our side that came later. McDonald played the first seven years of his NHL relationship started with a good shared laugh – and that’s how it’s career for the Leafs before getting traded to the Colorado Rockies in the continued for going on 40 years now. Yes. Lanny McDonald is my 1979-80 season. On the day that happened, my level of disgust for the favourite player. despicable Leafs owner hit a new high. Just a devastating blow to a team that in the late 1970s seemed as if it were on its way to The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 new heights. Right down to the face shield McDonald wore to protect a twice-broken nose, I can remember every detail of the goal he scored in overtime of the seventh and deciding game to eliminate the highly favoured New York Islanders in the ’78 playoffs and get the Leafs to the semis against Montreal. I would say that was my favourite sports moment as a fan – better even than the Cups Toronto won in ’64 and ’67, which is when I first started watching hockey.

Then, in November 1982, or midway through the Flames’ second season in Calgary, McDonald was traded to Calgary from Colorado – and that became one of the real litmus tests of my evolution as a reporter. How do you cover a player that – only a few years ago – you were cheering for, 1182327 Others raised the need to play as many regular-season games as feasible to preserve the integrity of the playoffs, as well as a need to re- acclimate to the speed and intensity of the action.

'We’d play anywhere’: NHL playoff scenarios run the gamut of where, The need for tuneup games was not lost on Oilers captain Connor when and how McDavid. Edmonton faces the prospect of opening the playoffs against Calgary — a rivalry that featured several penalty-filled regular-season matchups already this season. By JOHN WAWROW and STEVE WHYNO ASSOCIATED PRESS | "I don't think you can just step into the playoffs, Game 1, have Calgary APR 06, 2020 | 2:42 PM come to Edmonton and guys just run around and kill each other and haven't played a game in two months," McDavid said.

Flames captain noted the playoffs would be additionally Shorts and skates don’t usually mix. Maintaining NHL-quality ice in competitive because teams would feature healthy rosters, given the August or holding a Stanley Cup Final in September? Those are far from amount of time players have had to rest and recover. the norm, too. As it happens With the NHL playoffs, which were to begin Wednesday, on indefinite hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, anything and everything is on Be the first to know when sports news breaks with these alerts delivered the table if Commissioner 's objective to complete the to your inbox. season is to be realized. "You can train and practice and stuff, but when you get to camp, I find the What the format will be, when play might realistically resume and NHL shot and speed of the game is something you have to catch up on," whether the NHL might require games at neutral sites — how's North Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said. "It would be nice to have a Dakota sound? — is anyone's guess. few to get back in touch."

“Those are all fair questions but not ones that we have to resolve right Foligno raised a concern over the number of games some players might away,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press by have to play over a calendar year should the playoffs stretch into email, likening the situation for the league to “a multifaceted puzzle.” September, and the following season being a month or two later.

Over the weekend, the governors of New York and Florida both tamped "You've got to think about the longevity of guys' careers and their health down President Donald Trump's hope of sports resuming in August. New as well," Foligno said. "Any idea is worth it at this point. But we've got to York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: "I would love to see sports back to help think about how we're going to go ahead here and smartly both on the with cabin fever. … But this is not about hopes and dreams and business side and the health side." aspirations and what you would like to see." Jets coach Paul Maurice was on board for any scenario, so long as it [Most read in Sports] Bulls have interviews with at least 2 candidates for means providing fans a distraction. a new head of operations, but several other targets are already off the board » "God, it'd be playoffs with fresh hockey players and it'd be pretty darn exciting," Maurice said Monday. "We'd play anywhere." The NHL, which postponed play March 12, has several times pushed back its self-quarantine guideline — it's now April 15 — before players LOADED: 04.07.2020 can even think about reporting to team facilities. The date is expected to be extended again.

Wherever and whenever the Stanley Cup is awarded, one thing will still hold true as far as Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford is concerned.

"Whoever wins it, it is going to feel the same whenever they win it, on whatever day they win it, as it would winning it normally in the middle of June," Rutherford said.

The latest the Cup has ever been awarded is June 24, in 1995 and 2013, with both instances following lockout-shortened seasons. The pandemic, however, has no timetable.

That leads to questions over whether the NHL will have time to squeeze in any of the remaining 189 regular-season games to determine seedings, or skip directly to the playoffs based on the current standings, be it by based on total points or points percentages.

In the percentage scenario, the ninth-place New York Islanders would have the edge over the eighth-place Columbus Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference. In the West, seventh-place Winnipeg would be the odd team out with Vancouver in.

Other possibilities include expanding the playoff format to take into account the uneven amount of games teams have played.

The various formats led to amusing exchanges between players during recent video calls.

"I'd rather start the playoffs right away," said Alex Ovechkin, whose Washington Capitals lead the . He then laughed and said, "Sorry guys," referring to the other three players on the call.

"Don't say sorry to me," Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno said. "We're in a playoff spot."

New Jersey defenseman P.K. Subban proposed a 31-team format — every team in the league — which might be the only way the Metropolitan's last-place Devils qualify. 1182328 Chicago Blackhawks “For every sports team in Chicago, our fans have been there for us, in both good times and bad,” White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. “The teams receive so much support from our fans that it is our Chicago sports teams proclaim ‘We Are Not Playing’ to promote stay-at- responsibility to give back whenever and however we can.” home orders “As far as time-outs go, none are more important to our fans than this The Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears, Fire, Red Stars and Sky one,” Blackhawks chairman added. “All of us need to listen all signed on with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new campaign. to the experts by staying off the field of play and stay at home. We owe that to ourselves, but we especially owe it the people that do not have that stay-at-home option, beginning with our front-line responders.”

By Ben Pope Apr 6, 2020, 1:03pm CDT Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 04.07.2020

All eight of Chicago’s major-league professional sports teams signed on to a new public information campaign with a motto that would’ve been unthinkable in any year but 2020: “We Are Not Playing.”

The new campaign, announced Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office, is intended to support the stay-at-home order in place throughout and most of the rest of the .

“I am grateful to each of our hometown teams for stepping up and doing their part by joining in this call for every neighborhood and community,” Lightfoot said in a press conference at . “They’re not playing, and neither are we. The more we stay home and act responsibly, the more lives we’ll save.”

The campaign will be spread on digital and physical billboards throughout the area, then move onto online and social media channels, per a press release.

“This is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. It really doesn’t,” Lightfoot said. “And young people—I remember back in the day thinking nothing could stop me. That I was invincible. If we can get credible messengers like sports athletes who can really reach sports fans, but also young people in particular — that’s why we’re activating this group of people. We know that they have cache. We know that they have reach.”

Easily recognizable athletes from every team — including of the Blackhawks, of the Cubs, Eloy Jimenez of the White Sox and Coby White of the Bulls — will participate with videos and messages encouraging Chicagoans to stay home.

“Sports has always served as a great example of achieving a common goal and overcoming the odds,” Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said. “If we can all do our part to follow public health guidelines to stay at home, we can slow or stop the spread of this disease. Stay inside so that we can come together and watch baseball soon.”

Although no pro sports have taken place in the city in weeks, the motto is still jarring during a time where nearly every Chicago team would normally be either in-season or gearing up for it.

The Cubs were initially scheduled to have finished a six-game homestand Sunday and start a series in Pittsburgh on Monday. The White Sox were supposed to host the Mariners in a Monday matinee, starting their own series.

The Blackhawks would’ve just concluded their regular season Saturday against the Rangers, and the Fire would’ve hosted the Red Bulls that same day. The Bulls would be starting a pair of Staples Center road games, Monday against the Clippers and Wednesday against the Lakers, with two home games left on the schedule.

And the Sky and Red Stars would have been anticipating their season openers a few weeks away.

Lightfoot was asked about the possibility of professional football and other major sporting events resuming without fans in the stands.

“We’re not at that point yet. But, I know that the various sports leagues are talking about a variety of different options, depending on how long the public health personnel believe that we need to be reducing the size of crowds,” she said.

Instead, the entire Chicago sports scene — along with much of the rest of the city — is paused indefinitely.

Monday’s campaign announcement seeks to translate that blatantly obvious reality into day-to-day behavior changes for fans of the seven teams, emphasizing self-isolation activities that will flatten the curve over time and limit the burden on the city’s overloaded medical system. 1182329 Chicago Blackhawks

'We Are Not Playing': Chicago's teams join mayor to help stop spread of coronavirus

Scot Gregor

Speaking on reducing the spread of COVID-19 at an empty Soldier Field Monday, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot offered some hope.

"We see a tiny pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel," Lightfoot said.

In attempt to let in more needed light, Lightfoot announced a new campaign, "We Are Not Playing."

The initiative is a partnership with Chicago's eight professional sports teams -- the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, Fire, Red Stars, Sky and White Sox.

The statewide stay-at-home order has been mostly successful and Lightfoot wants to increase the effectiveness with the help of some of Chicago sports.

"I am grateful to each of our hometown teams for stepping up and doing their part by joining in this call for every neighborhood and community," Lightfoot said. "They're not playing, and neither are we. The more we stay home and act responsibly the more lives we'll save, and the sooner we'll be able to get our city back on track and enjoying the games we love.

"We all have a role to play in meeting the challenge of COVID-19, and our success is directly tied to every Chicagoan making sure they stay home and save lives."

"We Are Not Playing" is an integrated initiative that is kicking off with digital and out-of-home billboards around Chicago before moving online and to social media.

"Normally, this is one of those sweet times of the year when we're enjoying White Sox games and Cubs games and Blackhawks games and Bulls games and Fire games," Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said. "Of course, the situation our city and our world are in right now is anything but normal. We've all got to do what we can to get through this.

"That means following the Mayor's directive and staying home. We owe it to our families, our friends, our neighbors and all of the medical personnel who are working so hard and so selflessly dealing with this crisis."

The Hawks' Jonathan Toews, the Cubs' Jason Heyward, the White Sox's Lucas Giolito and Eloy Jimenez and the Bulls' Coby White are some of the Chicago athletes helping spread the campaign's message with online videos.

"Sports has always served as a great example of achieving a common goal and overcoming the odds," Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts said. "As we battle the biggest public health crisis facing our generation, the are happy to join the Chicago sports community in encouraging Chicago residents to work together as a team to fight this pandemic.

"If we can all do our part to follow public health guidelines to stay at home, we can slow or stop the spread of this disease. Stay inside so that we can come together and watch baseball soon."

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182330 Chicago Blackhawks

Top 10 Blackhawks we wish stuck around longer

By Slavko Bekovic April 06, 2020 1:58 PM

Hockey is a business, and because of that, players get moved frequently.

Salary caps, trades, free agency; all of that factors into player movement and often results in fan-favorites leaving a team.

We took to social media and asked Blackhawks fans which players they wished they saw more of in a Blackhawks sweater.

From Bobby Orr to to Robin Lehner, the responses stretched across decades.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182331 Chicago Blackhawks I miss hearing what we've all known for years to be the best National Anthem in sports sung by Jim Cornelison.

I miss puck drop. I can't imagine the thrill of seeing live NHL game play What I miss about covering the Blackhawks right now. Big league speed and skill, and the jubilation of a goal would be a welcomed replacement for "Ozark" and "Tiger King," the new agents that have been raising my dopamine levels. By Scott King April 06, 2020 9:18 AM I miss seeing legendary sports writers like Bob Verdi and legendary broadcasters like , and thinking how ridiculous it is that they know a guy's name who used to be a kid in the seats. Nothing against Blippi. Due credit for building a loyal YouTube empire. Seems like a guy you'd want to get an apple juice with. I miss what is reportedly one of, if not the best second-intermission spreads for media in the NHL. After overindulging in the fine buffet, I kick Elena of Avalor and Mira, Royal Detective are ambitious, young, my writing into second gear before sluggishly heading down to the media promising Disney employees. But like a lot of you, I'm ready to work in room to put the finishing touches on my game “Takeaways” near the the field again. midway mark of the third period. You can catch the remainder of the The truth is, after a lot of long days and late nights as a sports writer, this game on TVs in the room. extra time with my wife and two kids has been very beneficial and was I miss the finality of a game's conclusion. Something was gained and lost needed. for not just both teams, but for every player who stepped on the ice. With that said, they also need school, friends, their grandparents and to I miss thinking of story angles and corresponding questions as I wait for see their parents go to work. Plus, I really need hockey. the locker room to open for player availability. The Blackhawks' last game was on March 11, a Wednesday. They I miss jostling for position in postgame scrums, which at times could best enjoyed a crowd-pleasing, decisive 6-2 victory over the visiting San Jose be described as a mosh pit with occasional professional courtesies. Sharks. I miss the look on a player's face when he's asked the same question for Earlier that day, famed NBC Sports play-by-play announcer Mike 'Doc' a second, third and sometimes fourth time by a media member arriving Emrick bought a table full of Hawks writers a meal at The Palace Grill, late to a scum. The redundancy seems maddening for them, but we all located a few blocks east of the , for his annual Cancer need our quotes and sometimes have to go to multiple scrums. The Survivors' lunch in celebration of Emrick being cancer free another year. players always accommodate the repeat questions in one way or That was the last time I covered a hockey game. 27 days ago. The NHL another. paused amid the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12. I miss 's insightful assessment of the game and his Like everyone, I've spent weeks watching this pandemic play out, players. He doesn't throw people under the bus, but he's honest. tragically impacting some more than others, and wondering what the I miss writing my second postgame story and seeing the impact that future holds. I'm eagerly waiting for life to resemble the normalcy of the quotes from Colliton and the players can have on it, and where to plug not too distant past so we can go back to enjoying the finer things, like them in. live hockey. I miss finishing "Jim and Sam" on the way home in the car while drinking There's so much I miss about covering the sport. I welcome the time a water from the United Center (opened with press meal, not stolen). when I get to experience my gameday routine again and the limitless possibilities of what could unfold over the course of a day when there's I miss the peacefulness and guilt of walking into a dark and quiet house, an NHL contest at the United Center. knowing the screaming, tantrum-driven circus my wife endured getting the kids to bed a few hours ago. I miss having a cup of coffee while listening to SiriusXM's "Jim and Sam” on my drive from the suburbs to the United Center. You won't find a I miss the comfort of knowing I'll get to see my family a lot more when funnier, more entertaining show. Blackhawks are off or have practice the next day.

I miss the chill of the 100-level concourse greeting me as I walk in to Which brings me back to the present. I'm seeing them a lot during all of cover the morning skate. this, and we're safe. For now, that's what's important.

I miss the loose, casual vibe after morning skates that often allows for Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 meaningful, one-on-one conversations with players if you're able to procure such a chat. I wouldn't mind one of those right about now.

I miss writing a pregame story before heading to The Palace with a few writers and being forced to make the difficult decision of choosing between lunch or breakfast at 1 p.m. I could go for one of our conversations about what's transpiring with the team at the restaurant, usually followed by Palace owner George Lemperis sitting down to entertain us with a Rolodex of jokes, and me laughing the hardest at the ones that make everyone else blush and squirm because I ain't right.

I miss my second cup of coffee at The Palace, and my third and often fourth at the United Center.

I miss getting my bag from the media room and crossing paths with Hall of Famers like Chris Chelios and Tony Esposito, who work with the Blackhawks now, on my way up to the press box. After sitting for a bit, I usually draw the player with one of the longest cold streaks in our goal pool (whoever picks the Hawk that scores first wins). I'd definitely take that kind of action now.

I miss game time inching closer when I return to my seat in the box after grabbing some pretzels and a bottle of water as fans take their seats.

I miss the first glimpse of the Hawks' radiant red sweaters in pregame warmups and seeing the line combinations. They provide insight as to who is being rewarded, who's in the doghouse and how the game might unfold. 1182332 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks fill out goaltending depth, but what about Corey Crawford?

By Charlie Roumeliotis April 06, 2020 12:40 PM

The Blackhawks took care of some housekeeping items last week when they agreed to terms with a pair of 2017 draft picks on entry-level deals and re-signed two of their pending restricted free agents, which included goaltender Kevin Lankinen.

On Monday, the Rockford IceHogs announced they inked goaltender Tom Aubrun to a two-year AHL contract. He's coming off of back-to-back seasons in which he was named the NEHC Player and Goaltender of the Year for NCAA Division III. At Norwich University, Auburn went 50-8-5 with a 1.27 goals against average, a .946 save percentage and 20 shutouts in 65 career appearances.

The Blackhawks now have three goaltenders under NHL contract for the 2020-21 season (Collin Delia, Lankinen and Matt Tomkins) and one on an AHL deal (Aubrun). The goaltending situation for next season is quickly taking shape at all levels, with Delia or Lankinen expected to be in big leagues, the other manning the crease in Rockford with Tomkins, and Aubrun possibly getting his feet wet with the in the ECHL.

RELATED: Blackhawks announce 4 signings

Which leaves us with the biggest question of them all: Corey Crawford, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent.

It's no secret the 35-year-old, two-time Stanley Cup champion wants to continue playing hockey, prefers to finish his career in Chicago and believes he can still be an everyday starter.

Crawford certainly strengthened his case when he started 10 straight down the stretch and went 6-4-0 with a 2.41 goals against average, .930 save percentage and 6.17 goals saved above average before the NHL put its season on pause.

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, it's difficult to project what a fair deal between Crawford and the Blackhawks would be due to the uncertainty of what next season's could look like. However, it might mean both sides could be willing to come to an agreement on a shorter-term, team-friendly contract given that every other team in the league will be dealing with financial challenges as well.

The future of the 2019-20 season and whether the Stanley Cup will be awarded remains unclear, so there's not necessarily an urgency to figure it out right now. But the Blackhawks don't have a proven NHL starter among the four goalies currently under contract, which means filling the most important position appears to be the final order of business on the goaltending agenda after rounding out the rest of the group.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182333 Chicago Blackhawks uncertainty about Mitch Trubisky’s performance to date and weathered questions about online sports gambling. That’s both an incredible sentence to write, even in 2020, but it also makes sense. This is a Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Chicago teams announce ‘We’re not playing’ problem that requires complete participation from all corners of society, initiative which means the Stoolies need to take part too.

“I remember thinking back in the day, nothing could stop me, that I was invincible,” Lightfoot said. “If we can get credible messengers like sports By James Fegan Apr 6, 2020 athletes, who can really reach sports fans, but also young people in particular, that’s why we’re activating this group of people. We know that

they have caché, we know that they have reach.” At a youth outreach event during NBA All-Star Weekend in February, Questions on the disturbingly large portion of African-Americans among Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot noticed the kids were not matching her Chicago’s COVID-19 deaths, what the mayor’s office is doing to prevent enthusiasm for being in the same room as 14-year NBA veteran Muggsy evictions and whether the CTA would ever need to be shut down, served Bogues (whom it might alarm you to know is now 55 years old). The as sobering reminders that the effects of the coronavirus are a lot more tenor changed when the kids got a glimpse of an athlete closer to their serious than what can be addressed by athletes filming PSAs on their age bracket. laptops. For the most part, Chicago athletes are a second wave, “The minute Zach LaVine walked in the room, it was like the light had encouraging people to fall in line with recommendations that gained heft shined brightly,” Lightfoot said. when Lightfoot began issuing official decrees and having police enforce restrictions on congregating. That moment was at least a small part of the genesis of “We’re Not Playing,” a campaign announced Monday at Soldier Field by the mayor’s “We’re not going to be able to erase decades of health disparities in a office in coordination with eight Chicago professional sports teams (the few days or a week,” Lightfoot said. “But we have to impress upon people Bears, Bulls, Sky, Cubs, Blackhawks, White Sox, Red Stars and Fire), in these communities that there are things that they can do, there are aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. tools at their disposal.”

Select athletes from each team have taken part in PSAs encouraging Lightfoot is also clearly a sports fan who has no regrets that she can loop people to continue staying at home, which is expected to increase in that part of her life into this work. Her podium was set up at the 50-yard difficulty as the weather improves. The Cubs’ Jason Heyward, Bulls’ line of Soldier Field. She strode out in a custom-made “We’re Not Coby White, Sky’s Cheyenne Parker, White Sox’s Eloy Jiménez, Bears’ Playing” jacket that bore a resemblance to a ’90s White Sox Starter Pat O’Donnell, Red Stars’ Alyssa Mautz, Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews, jacket that she indicated was anything but unintentional. She said she and Fire’s Miguel Angel Navarro were listed as the initial participants, but was bullish on the impact the White Sox’s offseason signings would have others are expected to contribute. For the White Sox, for example, Lucas on their offense, before the entire season was thrown into turmoil and Giolito’s video is already out and Tim Anderson is expected to drop one games in empty stadiums played thousands of miles away became a soon as well. possible consideration.

VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM “I was excited to see if Giolito’s still got it,” Lightfoot said on what she was looking forward to this season. WE ARE NOT PLAYING, AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU. STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19. #STAYHOMESAVELIVES A month ago to the day, Giolito looked like he still did in his Cactus #WEARENOTPLAYING League debut. Now he’s cradling his pet dog on his couch and pleading with people to stay indoors for their safety. And he’s not the only one. A POST SHARED BY CHICAGO WHITE SOX (@WHITESOX) ON APR 6, 2020 AT 10:12AM PDT The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020

The idea is that teams and players themselves will promote the effort on their widely-followed social feeds. And whether it’s Jiménez goofily waving “Hi Mom!” or Navarro delivering his message in Spanish, the city is hoping they add some extra level of personality and communication skills to what’s already being done on an official level. It’s also a show of solidarity from teams, who stand to lose money hand over fist during this process and have financial incentive to be less than full-throated in their support, but show no sign of breaking with the mayor’s message of caution.

“This crisis has changed almost everything, particularly our sports,” Lightfoot said. “Coming to these parks now would be dangerous and deadly to ourselves and our city.”

It could also be seen as a continuation of the mayor’s effort to lean fully into easily accessible social media content and memes, which has the dual purpose of communicating a simple but restrictive public health message and probably wildly increasing her popularity among people who only casually engage with local politics. This effort, like Lightfoot’s popular Twitter video, were credited heavily to Michael Fassnacht, whom she announced on Monday would serve as her chief marketing officer.

I DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME TO MYSELF THESE DAYS, BUT I FELT I NEEDED TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS HOW I FEEL ABOUT THIS STAY AT HOME ORDER. WHICH ONE MOTIVATES YOU THE MOST TO STAY AT HOME? #STAYHOMESAVELIVES PIC.TWITTER.COM/PDBCDYSMQK

— MAYOR LIGHTFOOT #STAYHOMESAVELIVES (@CHICAGOSMAYOR) MARCH 30, 2020

The oft-repeated term on Monday morning was “young people,” who might not be plugged into city announcements or voraciously watching “Chicago Tonight,” and have plenty of ability to spread the virus even if their diminished vulnerability can blunt their investment in the effort of “flattening the curve.” Monday’s event ended with the mayor sitting down for a separate interview with Barstool Sports, with whom she shared her 1182334 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks fan survey: Make your voice heard on the team’s present and future

By Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus Apr 6, 2020

We see you. We read you. We hear you.

We see you on Twitter — your lamentations, your diatribes. We read you in the comment sections of just about every story, no matter the topic — your frustrations, your dissertations. And we hear you at the United Center (at least, we heard you at the United Center) — your boos, your exasperated exhortations.

The Blackhawks fan base is frustrated — even the optimistic ones, the ones with big-picture perspective, the ones who are enjoying affordable tickets on the secondary market and fun young stars-in-the-making. The team hasn’t made the playoffs in three years, hasn’t won a playoff series in five. Oh, sure, no fan of any other team feels the least bit sorry for you after you got to celebrate three Stanley Cups in six years. But after that kind of success, five fruitless years feels like a lifetime.

But Twitter, and it’s important to remember this, is not a perfect cross- section of the wider world. It amplifies those of us who are loudest, who are most obsessed, who are most passionate. And as a result, it can become an echo chamber. So we’d like to get a better picture of how the Blackhawks fan base views the franchise right now. With that in mind, we’re inviting all Blackhawks fans to participate in this 20-question survey. Let us know how you feel about the team, about its management, about its stars, about its future. If you’d like to have your voice heard further, please include a comment after your answer. Your responses might be shared in the story revealing the results.

You can also vote through this link, which you can share with your friends who aren’t subscribers (yet).

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182335 Chicago Blackhawks “People sideswipe, like he’s a one-catch wonder,” Tyree later told Sports Illustrated. “I had a pretty good career.”

GREATEST CATCH OF ALL TIME? IT’S A NO-BRAINER ♂ The greatest one-hit wonders in sports, and why we love them so much

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID TYREE!

Stephen J. Nesbitt Apr 6, 2020 TO VOTE FOR THIS AS THE GREATEST MOMENT IN NFL HISTORY, GO TO HTTPS://T.CO/SG6HRTBEKA #NFL100 PIC.TWITTER.COM/NJWGBX7WU1

One day, 20 years ago, a middle-aged man with curly hair poking out — NEW YORK GIANTS (@GIANTS) JANUARY 3, 2020 beneath his cap walked to the pitcher’s mound at Comerica Park in Detroit to deliver the ceremonial first pitch. You know how some people Sorry for sideswiping, but Tyree hits all the right notes for a one-hit take the invitation to throw the first pitch and really make a meal out of it? wonder: They wave their arms to the crowd. They wait for a sign from the catcher. • Came out of nowhere It’s disgusting behavior. • Had a brief, incredible peak Well, this guy was truly making a show of it. He dropped to a knee and patted the dirt on the mound, smoothing it here and piling it there, until it • Never reached close to that level again sat just so. Then he pulled a plastic bag from his back pocket and filled it with dirt from the mound. No one intervened. In fact, the crowd roared at Plenty of athletes satisfy two of those qualifications. Jeremy Lin went his antics. What’s worse, no one in the bleachers was clapping louder from undrafted and unnoticed to instant celebrity with the Knicks in than my dad. February 2012, but he bounced around the league for seven more seasons and even won an NBA championship in 2019. Tim Tebow had I was 9. I had never heard of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. one miraculous playoff run with the Broncos, but he was far from unknown. The Tigers’ Armando Gallaraga was a subpar pitcher robbed A little while later, after Fidrych’s first pitch, my dad and brothers and I of a perfect game in 2010, yet he was a rookie-of-the-year candidate just walked through the concourse and saw Fidrych headed our way. My dad two years prior. Yankees rookie Shane Spencer hit eight home runs, flagged him down, and Fidrych signed our ticket stubs. (The other including three grand slams, in 38 at-bats for the Yankees in September autograph on our tickets belonged to then-Tiger Rod Lindsey, who 1998, then homered twice in the American League Division Series. played in only 11 Major League games. At least we knew Lindsey’s Though his power surge was a flash in the pan, Spencer won two World name. We had no clue who Fidrych was.) Series.

My brother David saved his ticket stub. (Courtesy of David Nesbitt) No, the truest one-hit wonders meet all three conditions. They aren’t But my dad seemed a little awestruck by The Bird. See, my dad was 22 prodigies who flame out. They aren’t once-great players who plummet in 1976 when Fidrych, then 21, captivated the baseball world. He pitched from their peaks. They are unknowns who are defined by a season, a with panache and pure love for the game. He manicured the mound dirt game, a moment, an image, and it gives their legacies life beyond when with his bare hands. He talked to the baseball. He strutted in a circle after others’ careers and accomplishments have dwindled out. They remain outs. He threw away balls that “had hits in them.” He ran on and off the lodged in the public consciousness. field. Fidrych had a 2.34 ERA and tossed 24 complete games that Timmy Smith was the Redskins rookie backup running back in 1987. He season. He started the All-Star Game, won American League rookie of carried the ball only 29 times in the regular season, but head coach Joe the year and was second in Cy Young voting. Gibbs started Smith over George Rogers in Super Bowl XXII. Smith And then Fidrych’s career crumbled. Injuries forced him from the majors rumbled for a Super Bowl-record 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns at 25. in a 42-10 win over the Broncos. Then inconsistency, injury and drug use derailed his NFL career. There on the concourse at Comerica Park, my dad shook Fidrych’s hand and thanked him for what he’d done for baseball, for always being as Cardinals rookie Bud Smith tossed a no-hitter against the Padres on authentic as the bag of dirt in his back pocket. Fidrych, who died in a Sept. 3, 2001. He was 21. He made only 14 more starts in the majors. truck accident on his farm in 2009, had a home in the hearts of a Rich Beem held off a hard-charging to win the 2002 PGA generation of Tigers fans. They never forgot The Bird. He was their one- Championship. As third-round leader Justin Leonard faded in the final hit wonder. round, Woods birdied each of the last four holes to finish 9-under, but Chumbawamba. Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Blind Melon. The music Beem, in the group behind Woods, dropped a 35-foot putt for birdie on scene is littered with one-hit wonders, bands remembered for the one the 16th hole and won by one shot. Beem never finished better than 15th (and only) time they climbed the charts with a hit song. at another major.

There are one-hit wonders across the sports world, too, and this week Douglas was a 42-to-1 underdog for his fight Feb. 11, 1990, against Mike we’re celebrating them. Over the next few days, The Athletic will be Tyson. Douglas beat Tyson with a 10th-round knockout to claim the title featuring some of the greatest one-hit wonders in sports history, from of undisputed heavyweight champion. But eight months later, in his first Buster Douglas to Peyton Hillis to Joe Charboneau to, yes, Fidrych. Each title defense, he was knocked out by Evander Holyfield. Douglas retired had a brief moment of stardom, and then, unable to replicate it, they that night. disappeared into obscurity. The latest inductee into the One-Hit Wonder Hall of Fame was a 42-year- This isn’t to denigrate the athletes. One-hit wonders are beloved. They old man from Toronto, a kidney-transplant recipient, a two-time survivor capture our imagination. They are the ultimate underdogs. And there’s an of skin cancer and … an emergency backup goaltender. David Ayres everyman quality to them. For sports fans, it’s easy to think that if we had was called on to protect the Hurricanes’ lead for 28 minutes on Feb. 22, a chance — just one shot — maybe we could pull it off, too. But these and he skated away with an NHL win, stopping eight shots in a 6-3 one-hit heroes have what most of us don’t: A hit. A moment we’ll victory over the Maple Leafs. remember forever. EMERGENCY BACKUP GOALTENDER DAVID AYRES IS FIRST STAR Take David Tyree. The Giants receiver, a sixth-round pick out of OF THE GAME AND GETS AN OVATION FROM LEAFS FANS Syracuse, averaged less than a catch per game over his first five years in PIC.TWITTER.COM/5ARQTH1RE3 the NFL. Then came Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning engineered a last- — BRADY TRETTENERO (@BRADYTRETT) FEBRUARY 23, 2020 ditch drive, down 14-10, and heaved a third-down pass to Tyree, who had a touchdown catch earlier in the game. Tyree leaped and caught the There’s a whole wing of this Hall of Fame dedicated to emergency ball, securing it against his helmet as he fell to the turf. The Helmet backup goalies — EBUGs is the shorthand version — and they might be Catch. The Giants scored and won, 17-14. my very favorite variety of one-hit wonders. Ayres’ Instagram profile now states, “An average guy who got to play a little bit of hockey.” It’s perfect. That was the last catch of Tyree’s career. Anytime an amateur steps onto the ice with pros in a real NHL game, Twitter begins to boil over. Before Ayres there was Scott Foster. He played college hockey and then transitioned into the corporate world, working as an accountant in Chicago. On March 29, 2018, Foster stepped in as the Blackhawks’ savior and became the first EBUG to stop a shot. He stopped all seven, in fact. He returned to work the next morning. All he got, Foster later said, was “beer league glory.”

After Ayres’ win, Hurricanes goalie James Reimer signed a stick for Ayres: To Dave: Way to hold the fort! And Ayres’ own stick was sent to the Hockey Hall of Fame, where it is now on display.

Now, Ayres is just like the rest of us, stuck in quarantine with his family.

VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM

THE WAY I STAY READY FOR @NHL SHOOTERS…..YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT GET THE CALL! @AUSTONMATTHEWS @SPITTINCHICLETS @BARSTOOLSPORTS #EBUG @GOALIESONLY

A POST SHARED BY DAVID AYRES (@DAVIDAYRES) ON MAR 23, 2020 AT 12:37PM PDT

From this day forward, each time an EBUG gets a chance in net, pulling on an NHL sweater for the first time, Ayres and Foster will be mentioned, and their big moments remembered. Such is the life cycle of a one-hit wonder. Their time in the spotlight is short, but their legacy lives on for ages.

The Athletic will be telling the stories of our favorite one-hit wonders in sports during the next week. We’ll catalog each of those stories here. Here is a running catalog of those stories.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182336 Colorado Avalanche In November, the network filed an antitrust suit alleging Comcast is trying to force Altitude out of the market with the idea of acquiring those broadcasting rights and then creating its own RSN in the Denver market.

Even with everything going on, Altitude TV is staying busy in ‘the new William Isaacson is an attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. The firm — normal’ which represented the Department of Justice in the antitrust United States vs. Microsoft suit back in 2001 — was hired by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which is Altitude’s parent company. Isaacson said the Ryan S. Clark Apr 6, 2020 contracts RSNs sign with providers are necessary to cover their costs and remain in business.

“Altitude has been on the air all these many years under a long-term Todd Romero has just blasted a shot of whipped cream in his mouth contract with standard terms,” Isaacson said. “Comcast continues to sign while his wife, Melinda, uses FaceTime for Kyle Keefe, Conor McGahey those type of contracts with regional sports networks, including its own, and anyone else who happened to tune in on this particular Friday throughout the country. … You can’t cut these things by 60, 50 or 40 afternoon broadcast. percent and have that company stay afloat. If a company does not stay Ironically enough, Romero does this after showing viewers what afloat, these rights are sellable and the company is available. workouts they can do at home to stay in shape while in self-isolation. “Comcast knows this. … They are knowingly offering terms to Altitude But there are more serious moments. Such as when Laura-Anne under which it knows Altitude cannot survive. It’s a power play.” Cleveland, the associate chief nursing officer at the Rocky Mountain The latest update on the case itself is Comcast filed a motion to dismiss Hospital for Children, offers advice for what parents can do to help make on March 27, with Isaacson saying the start of discovery was delayed the environment around COVID-19 more manageable for their families. until the end of April. If it were to go to trial, it would be held in Denver, as Last Tuesday, “Sports Social” had its first show, a two-hour outlet Altitude the document was filed in the United States District Court in Colorado. TV has used to give its viewers live programming. The show itself is a Isaacson said the case needs to go faster so local viewers can watch representation of the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape that has games on Altitude once they eventually return. altered everything. Network personalities including Keefe, McGahee, “Hopefully, at some point, Comcast and Altitude are able to reach some Chris Dempsey, Vic Lombardi and Katy Winge are talking about several resolution if we don’t go to trial,” Isaacson said. “History will tell you that subjects that relate to sports but can stray into another conversation the closer you get to trial, resolution happens. Sometimes it happens altogether. midtrial. We’re going to keep pushing until Altitude is back on the air.” The show is a live broadcast that is digitally aired from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. But why does the lawsuit remain active and a priority considering COVID- MT. It can be seen on the websites belonging to Altitude, the Colorado 19 shut down sports, placing every network at a loss? Avalanche, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Mammoth and the Colorado Rapids. It can also be viewed through each of those entities’ “You can break that into two pieces,” Isaacson said. “Negotiations Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts. A second viewing is then re- happen all the time when things go to court. We are hired when things go aired on Altitude from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. MT. to trial. We’re working on this with the anticipation of going to trial. Anyone will tell you that legal cases do not stop negotiations, but they “I think the point is to reach people like you, like me and say, ‘This is the often help them. Comcast has said in court it does not want to negotiate. new normal,’” Keefe said. “Sports is gone for now. But everyone is a The virus has no impact on the lack of negotiations.” normal person. Athletes are normal. Politicians are normal. Grandmas and grandpas are normal. We have to find a medium. We have to find a A spokesperson for Comcast responded to an e-mail from The Athletic, way to speak to each other in normal temps.” saying last week that they did not believe there were any new developments but would further look into the matter. Regional sports networks (RSNs) are no different than any other business right now when it comes to making adjustments. Altitude Miller said sports being on an indefinite hiatus further reinforced how the normally airs the Avalanche, the Nuggets, the Mammoth and the Rapids. network was entering a changing environment. He said there had been There is also the additional original programming it provides viewers. But previous discussions about doing a similar show that’s a radio/TV mid-March is around the time when the network is at its busiest. The simulcast or would be distributed via social media. NBA and NHL are preparing for playoff runs, the MLS season is in its infancy and the NLL is more than beyond the halfway point of its “It’s about trying to reach more fans, and with cord-cutting and everything campaign. else out there and all the offerings now, how many of these shows that are obscure shows are now being discovered like ‘Tiger King’ on Netflix Nearly every league and sporting event around the world is on pause. It and Hulu?” Miller said. “The future is everything. We need to be out leaves networks unexpectedly scrambling for ways to fill air time while there, whether that’s distributing our content on DirecTV, Comcast, Dish ensuring their employees can do their jobs in a safe environment during Network — but even beyond the content, they are creating on other self-isolation. platforms, and that’s where sports fall into that.

How “Sports Social” came to be is a mix of those dynamics. Josh “We’re thrown into a situation like this, like, ‘All right. There’s no time like Kroenke, who is the president and governor of the Avalanche and the present to execute something we’ve been talking about.'” Nuggets, reached out to the office of Gov. Jared Polis about developing a show that could be used in part for community outreach. Ken Miller, who There have been challenges when it comes to keeping an RSN on the air is the executive vice president/general manager for Altitude, stated the with programming, but Altitude has found success. Miller said leagues program is “certainly a sports show” but it wanted to also use its platform granted special compensation from the leagues to rebroadcast games to assist causes such as Food Bank of the Rockies or other groups trying from earlier this season. That way, it allows them to offer nightly to help those in need. programming in those slots in the event fans want to watch an older Avalanche, Mammoth, Nuggets or Rapids game. Keefe and McGahey speaking with Cleveland is an example. Normally, the network would not have a medical professional on its airwaves, but He also said the leagues granted them access to air classic games as circumstances have changed. well. Miller said the leagues own the rights to those games and the network would seek permission if it wanted to air a Stanley Cup playoff Then again, one could argue it has been like that for Altitude for the past game from the Avalanche’s first season. several months. Airing games from this season along with the classic games supplements Altitude entered the NBA and NHL preseasons seeking new deals with what Altitude has done beyond “Sports Social.” He said there has been Comcast, DirecTV and Dish Network. The network agreed to a new some talk about potentially simulcasting the shows aired on Altitude’s contract with DirecTV on Oct. 31 but has yet to strike a new agreement radio station (92.5 FM), but those plans are still under development. with Comcast or Dish. It has led to the Avalanche and Nuggets enjoying two of their strongest seasons in recent memory and the knowledge that “It gets us doing stuff again,” said Vic Lombardi, who is entering his fifth more than the majority of the region is made up of Comcast subscribers year with the network. “It gets us back in the world. It gets us thinking, who cannot watch their games. creating and doing what we are supposed to be doing this time of year. That’s informing, entertaining and doing interviews. It feels like we’re needed. I think that’s what most of us missed. When you do television, at And it provided the goofy moments when Avs color analyst Mark Rycroft the heart of television is that need to create. It’s that need to share. joked about a meme he shared on Twitter of a cartoon coffee cup running a race and giving a baton to a glass of wine. The top of the “When you are sharing something on television or a digital platform, there image reads, “LITERALLY EVERY DAY,” while the bottom reads, is satisfaction that comes with that.” “#QUARANTINE2020.”

Lombardi and Miller explained how this new set of circumstances every “We’re trying to find a way to communicate and say hello to those who broadcast company is facing could lay the groundwork for a future are out there,” Keefe said. “It’s asking, ‘How do we find some sort of setting. normalcy in this world? How do we find some sort of common ground for The way it works with “Sports Social” is the network’s on-air talent sits in a group of people even if it is for something like 15 minutes? How do we front of a computer at home on a Zoom teleconference. From there, a communicate anymore, because our lives are on TV. If we don’t have producer is responsible for altering the screen to use graphics or other that, then what do we have?’ devices during a specific segment. Miller said the show’s editors are “This is therapeutic for me. It’s my way of reaching out and saying hello working from home and their work is uploaded to Altitude’s servers. He to everybody and asking people what they are going through.” said there is a master control operator who is the only physical person in the network’s Centennial-based studios. That person’s role is to be there The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 for playbacks and commercial breaks.

“Our show is dependent upon the internet, and we’ve all agreed that 5G cannot get here fast enough,” Miller joked. “It can get clunky. It can get slow. You could be watching the show and every one of your neighbors is online while their kids are taking their classes. We are doing a live broadcast that is dependent upon people’s internet speed at home.”

Lombardi said doing “Sports Social” is different compared to being in a studio. A studio is a more controlled environment in which anchors like Keefe and Lombardi have earpieces with a producer who is helping them direct traffic. But now there is nobody in their ear and everyone must adjust to every single unscripted change at a moment’s notice.

“You are flying blind, and this is where we shine at Altitude,” Lombardi explained. “We do live television. Ninety percent of what you see is live television, and you will see a difference between those who are used to it and those who are not. Every broadcast is something we are taking live. I like it.”

Doing such a new and different show reminded Lombardi of how much the industry has changed. He said a live remote shot 10 or 20 years ago meant providing a satellite truck and a fiberoptic line, among other requirements. It was a costly undertaking compared to knowing when a smartphone can do the same thing. But that also means those in the industry have had to adjust to what else comes with technology.

Those who worked in television were taught from the beginning that sound and visual quality were everything. A hollow microphone meant the sound was useless, while anything that was even a bit blurry was a waste of time.

“I think that’s all changed. I call it the YouTube revolution,” Lombardi said. “If it’s not shot well, the thought was you don’t use it. If the camera was shaky or awkward, you didn’t use it. But that’s all changed. Now? If you can make out the illustration or the animation, you can make a video out of it and people will watch.”

Conor McGahey, top left, and Kyle Keefe, top right, talk with Laura-Anne Cleveland. (Courtesy Altitude TV)

Keefe said the show’s most important feature is that it is relatable to audiences. He said those segments like the ones with Cleveland further illustrate the current reality in which COVID-19 is inescapable. There was a moment when Cleveland was explaining what parents can do to teach their children the importance of tasks such as continually washing their hands.

She told Keefe and McGahey that parents can use a teaching tool. Cleveland said parents can pour black pepper into a bowl of water and then cover a finger in soap. Upon dipping their finger into the water, they will see the black pepper scatter from the soap to show germs disperse.

“You can say (the black pepper) is the germs and the germs don’t want to go where the soap is,” he said. “It’s this great way for kids to go, ‘Oh, I get it.'”

But at the same time, “Sports Social” allows the latitude to talk about sports and the personalities who go with them as a way of providing viewers with an outlet.

The show has already had a wide range of guests. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog and Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. talked about how their lives along with those around them have been altered. Friday’s broadcast witnessed Avs sideline reporter Lauren Jbara interview new Denver Broncos offensive lineman Graham , as they knew each other from their time as students at the University of . 1182337 Columbus Blue Jackets — the strike, collusion, the madness of the steroids era — could’ve been bypassed, or at least mitigated. Giamatti was a brilliant and enlightened man with a classicist’s moral code. He was not Bud Selig.)

Michael Arace | Chance to get Bart Giamatti’s autograph was too good to We sat in the dugout and watched batting practice at Beehive Field. Bart pass up asked a lot of questions — about my family, about my job, about the Red Sox. He was sincerely interested in the kid sitting next to him. It was the teacher in him. He was a highly regarded and widely published academic Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Apr 4, 2020 at 6:41 PM who specialized in English and Italian Renaissance literature.

It occurred to me to say, "You know, we have something in common."

In the absence of sports and with the shuttering of saloons, many of us "What’s that?" are now forced to spend time with our families as we ride out the COVID- 19 pandemic. Under such trying conditions, my attorney, Randy Kilbride, "I was an English major, too." has advised me to tell tavern stories, to build a big bar rail we can all He smiled, turned to me, fixed me with his twinkling eyes and said, "And sidle up to in 6-foot intervals. Pull up a stool. you’ve got a job?"

Among the cardinal rules of sports writing is no autographs. This And that’s when I picked up a ball off the floor of the dugout and asked sometimes comes as a surprise to people who say, "You get into games him to sign it. It was a general violation of my profession and a specific for free. Can you get me Cam Atkinson’s autograph? And one of his violation of the words on the front of my press pass. It was also petty hockey sticks? And the password to his Wi-Fi router?" theft.

No autographs, no sticks and never mind about the password. In the 33 years since, I’ve moved a lot. I don’t know what happened to All press credentials say "No Autographs" right on the very front. At least that baseball. they used to. The once-ubiquitous warning has disappeared over the Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 04.07.2020 course of my career. Why? Because if you don’t know "No Autographs," then you shouldn’t be in a locker room pretending to be a reporter.

Yet, I must confess: I asked for an autograph. Once. How I wish I could find it 33 years later.

Angelo Bartlett "Bart" Giamatti bore a strong resemblance to my father. They were about the same size and build, short and stocky. They had the same full head of black hair, shading to gray, and the same shaded rings under their eyes. They both had the ashy-olive pallor of a middle-aged, Italian American cigarette smoker in the second half of the 20th century. In that era, they looked like Little League coaches.

Giamatti, commissioner of at the time, died of a heart attack at age 51 in 1989. This was eight days after he effectively banned from baseball. It was two years after my father died of a heart attack.

I like to think A. Bartlett Giamatti and Carmen R. Arace were like brothers. They shared a similar heritage and, best I can tell, a strikingly similar zest for life. And neither would ever appear on a public service announcement for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Bart’s father was a Yale graduate and a professor of Italian at Mount Holyoke College. When Bart was a kid, dinner-table conversation sometimes slid into a discussion of Dante’s "Divine Comedy." No kidding. It’s noted in his New York Times obituary.

Carm’s parents were not exactly graduates of prestigious universities, but they did make it out of Naples before Mussolini and his fascists rose to power. Carm’s mother taught herself how to read and write in English — and she did profess. When Carm was a kid, dinner-table conversation ranged into the realm of Dante’s "Inferno." Athough Dante might not have been cited by name, an inferno was definitely involved. My grandmother was, pound-for-pound, a force of nature.

Bart ran a school. He was president of Yale. Carm ran a school. He was principal of Bloomfield Middle in Connecticut. Bart played a hard game with unions. Carm played a hard game with future union members. Uncanny.

They were both great teachers, by acclaim, at different levels of the game.

Bart grew up a big Boston Red Sox fan. He liked to say the only thing he ever wanted to be was president of the American League — but he wound up as president of the vastly superior . Our paths crossed in spring 1987, when I was covering the double-A New Britain Red Sox and he was "touring" some minor league ballparks. Methinks he just wanted to take a short drive to get a look at Brady Anderson.

(When Giamatti ascended to the commissioner’s job two years later, his first order of business was to deal with the Dowd Report and run Charlie Hustle out of the game. As it turned out, it was his last order of business on earth. I like to think that, had he not died so young, he could’ve avoided the crushing 1994-95 strike — although that’s debatable given his history with unions. I like to think that much of the pain of the decade 1182338 Columbus Blue Jackets If Natalie Atkinson had coronavirus symptoms, would Caden have been taken from her the moment she gave birth? Would she be allowed to hold him pending test results? Would she be able to nurse him?

Born in a pandemic: Cam and Natalie Atkinson welcome a son in trying (A Riverside spokeswoman said a baby would be separated from the times mother only if the mother needed intensive care.)

“Those are all good questions,” she said, with a laugh. “And those are all By Aaron Portzline Apr 6, 2020 things I was trying not to think about the whole time.”

The nursery on every labor and delivery floor is usually packed with swaddled babies. But not these days. The nurseries have a one-baby-at- COLUMBUS, Ohio — The labor and delivery wing is typically the a-time policy, so newborns mostly stay in the room with the parents. happiest spot in any hospital, all joy and wonder, pinks and blues, crying babies, giggly grandparents, proud papas and ecstatic, exhausted The longer you’re in the hospital, the greater the risk for exposure. So the mothers. Atkinsons were told that 24 hours is the targeted length of stay. They arrived back home as a four-person family only 26 hours after they left. If Cam and Natalie Atkinson hadn’t enjoyed all of that two years earlier, their experience a week ago might not have seemed so startling. But the drama didn’t stop there. Natalie Atkinson spiked a 103-degree fever last Tuesday, a worrying sign these days. The coronavirus has changed so much about our day-to-day lives, but imagine having a baby in the middle of a pandemic. “I could not move off the couch,” she said. “If I didn’t have a huge blanket on me, I just started vibrating with chills.” “We were told a couple of weeks before that if it got really bad here in Columbus, with a lot of positive cases, that Riverside (Methodist By Thursday, they were able to get her tested at a drive-thru station near Hospital) would be turned into just a COVID-19 hospital,” Cam Atkinson Mapfre Stadium, home of the Columbus Crew. said. “And if that happened, they’d move us to a Dublin hospital for “I wasn’t that worried about Cam; he’s a professional athlete, he’ll be delivery. OK,” Natalie said. “And I really wasn’t that worried about Caden, because “You’re already on edge, right? But we could tell a month or so before he’s getting my antibodies (by nursing). that this was going to be different.” “But Declan … I cried every night. Those two days waiting for the results Doctors and nurses had questions for Cam Atkinson, like what it’s like to of the test were terrifying.” play for the Blue Jackets, would the NHL’s season be completed, etc. On Saturday, Natalie’s test came back negative. She already was feeling And the Atkinsons had questions for doctors and nurses, like how better, but the test results helped. frightened they are by this pandemic, do they have enough masks and supplies, etc. (Courtesy of the Atkinson family)

Caden John Paul Atkinson, a dark-haired 9-pounder, joined the world on Now the family is sharing duties and bonding while the NHL season March 28, and the Atkinsons are now back home safely in Upper remains on indefinite pause. Arlington. “We can’t play zone anymore, can’t double-team Declan,” Cam Atkinson But they’ll have a heck of a story to tell Caden when he’s old enough for joked. “We can only go man-to-man against these guys. words like quarantine and incubation. “I’ve been playing outside with Declan almost nonstop because the Since neither set of grandparents could safely travel to Ohio for the big weather’s been nice, and Natalie has been hanging out with Caden. But day, and because only one visitor was allowed in the hospital, the we do a handoff now and then.” Atkinsons’ older son, Declan, had to stay at home with a babysitter when they headed to Riverside on that Saturday. They’ve also found new ways of showing off the new little guy because no visitors are allowed at the house. The grandparents might not be able “Right when we walked through the door, there were two nurses standing to visit for several weeks — it’s driving them crazy — so they’ve used there to take our temperatures,” Natalie Atkinson said. “That’s when you FaceTime, Zoom and other apps to stay connected. go, ‘OK, so this is going to be a little different.'” It’s amazing how the world has turned upside down in less than a month. If Natalie had a fever, she would have been quarantined in a separate part of the hospital. If Cam had a fever, he would have been sent back Atkinson, bothered most of the season by a high ankle sprain, was due to home, forced to miss the birth of the couple’s second child. return to the lineup on March 12 versus Pittsburgh. The Blue Jackets held a playoff spot with 10 games remaining in the season. The scene in the hospital was positively dystopian, with “pandemic” protocols put in place. They were planning to play a game before an empty Nationwide Arena that night because of an order by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine a day earlier, Most elective surgeries have been rescheduled or canceled. Patients are but the NHL postponed the season indefinitely a few hours before no longer allowed to walk the hallways but are being asked to remain in faceoff. their rooms. Visitors are not allowed in most cases. Nurses have been assigned to single patients. That decision, along with DeWine’s closing of schools, restaurants, bars, and nonessential businesses last month, could end up saving thousands “There was just no one there. Nobody,” Natalie Atkinson said. “The lobby of lives in Ohio and beyond by “slowing the curve” of the virus’s spread. by the main entrance was empty. We walked to the elevator, went up to our floor, and it too was empty. We saw one or two doctors and people “Thank God for DeWine,” Cam Atkinson said. “Thank God he set the cleaning. That’s all we saw in the hallways. tone and took the initiative. He was one of the first ones out there making the call. Thank God for him. “It was a little eerie because you’re used to seeing so much activity. But, honestly, with what’s going on, it made me feel safe, too.” “The doctors all told us that we were a couple of weeks ahead of the curve, and that makes a huge difference. I’m sure people were cursing The Atkinsons were encouraged to take special care in packing their (DeWine) behind his back in those first couple of days, but now he’s a bags before they headed to the hospital because come-and-go privileges hero.” no longer exist. The hospital instructed visitors not to leave the unit. Natalie Atkinson’s mother is making masks for the whole family out of “And if you leave the hospital for any reason,” Cam Atkinson said, “they Blue Jackets material. They should arrive in the mail soon. wouldn’t allow you back in, period.” “We’re trying to make the most of it,” she said. “We’ll look back on this as (Courtesy of the Atkinson family) a memory someday, for sure. Caden … born during the quarantine.”

There were other concerns, too, based on what’s happening in New York The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 City and other parts of the world. 1182339 Columbus Blue Jackets That’s what makes old games hard to watch. I not only know what’s coming, but I’ve also got the set list.

The best book I’ve read on what it means to be a die-hard sports fan is Reed: Classic rebroadcasts just aren’t the same minus their happy Nick Hornby’s “Fever Pitch.” (Heaven help those basing their knowledge anxiety of it on the awful baseball movie by the same title.) The autobiographical essay tracks Hornby’s devotion to a London-based soccer team, Arsenal, and how he rearranges his life, sometimes with damaging effect, to By Tom Reed Apr 6, 2020 ensure he can see every match. It’s a wonderfully uncomfortable read.

I’ve never gone to the same outer edges, but I can relate to many anecdotes. I’m a lifelong fan. I’ve been a Liverpool Clicking aimlessly through sports channels nowadays takes me back to supporter for the past two decades. Two years ago, I missed a plane my parents’ basement, where my father would pop in his VHS copy of home from New York because I got so wrapped up in a Liverpool- the 1986 double-overtime playoff between the Browns and Jets. It’s also Tottenham game that I didn’t see the gate change until my bird was known as the greatest Browns victory in the era of color television. airborne. He had about a dozen videotapes on file from the late and early In the fall, I took a 6 a.m. flight to Denver to arrive in time for a soccer 1990s and kept them more meticulously organized than the Library of match. My Uber driver in Colorado was bewildered by my destination. Congress. Years before the advent of ESPN Classic, the old man spent his football offseasons watching endless replays of the Bernie Kosar-led Driver: It says here you want to be dropped off at the British Bulldog. Browns. He sat in his recliner and viewed big wins and crushing postseason losses in their entirety, fast-forwarding only through Me: That’s right. commercials and halftimes. Driver: That’s a bar.

Sometimes, I’d keep him company. I can still quote Don Criqui’s play-by- Me: Yes, I know. play from the Browns-Jets marathon the way drunk uncles recite lines from “Christmas Vacation” at holiday parties. Driver: It’s 8:30 a.m. Do you want me to at least drop you off at your hotel first? “Kosar backpedaling. Long ball to Webster Slaughter. He’s got it at the 5- yard line and the Browns indeed have a chance to win it.” Me: I might miss kickoff.

I inherited my passion for sports and history from my parents but never Driver: For what? understood the appeal of vintage broadcasts. Highlight packages? Absolutely. YouTube clips? You bet. Oral histories and documentaries Me: Just drive. about famous games? I’ll make the popcorn. Liverpool beat Aston Villa in stoppage time — Sadio Mane with an Just don’t ask me to invest two or three hours in an edited game I’ve outrageous header for the win. already seen. VIEW THIS POST ON INSTAGRAM

Maybe this admission makes me a bad fan, but I’ve had plenty of time to ARRIVED AT A DENVER SOCCER BAR AT 9 AM AND THE FIRST formulate an opinion. The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic GUY I MEET IS FROM WARREN, OHIO. has placed the games we love on pause. A POST SHARED BY TOM REED (@TREED1919) ON NOV 2, 2019 AT So I get the need for distractions, escapes from talk of illness and 8:52AM PDT unemployment. I also realize why networks are inundating us with great games from the past. They have time slots to fill. Just as we have I’m 55 years old. I’ve seen the Rangers raise one Stanley Cup banner commitments to our readers at The Athletic. and Liverpool win a pair of Champions League trophies. I’ve watched highlight packages of all three title-clinching victories but have never sat A lot of fans seem to enjoy the old games — my Twitter feed swells with through rebroadcasts of any game. observations of critical sequences and individual performances that went unappreciated in real time. (Example: J.R. Smith’s heroics in the third I’m not saying others should deny themselves similar pleasures. My wife quarter of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.) watched the re-airing of Game 7 from the 2016 NBA Finals last week and thoroughly enjoyed it — even with Kyrie Irving’s memorable 3-pointer I’ve tried watching some of the rebroadcasts. I’ll tune in just to listen to a over Stephen Curry mysteriously edited out. favorite announcer. Jon Champion calling a Merseyside Derby. calling an NBA playoff game. I’d listen to Doc Emrick describe ice But what makes it meaningful for me is the happy anxiety. That feeling of melt, which I think he did during the 2011 NHL Winter Classic featuring waking up and knowing your team has a big game to play in a few hours. the Penguins and Capitals at soggy . That gnawing sensation in your belly during a frantic fourth-quarter drive or a last-minute push for a tying tally with the goaltender pulled. But what’s always missing from the replays, at least for me, is feeling. That nervousness in your gut when you have no idea what’s coming next There’s no drug or alcohol that can put you in that state. And, there’s and how it might make an impact on the game. damn sure no rebroadcast that can replicate the feeling.

I’m nobody’s idea of a baseball fan, yet the loudest I’ve screamed was I don’t need a rooting interest to experience such contact highs. When I when Rajai Davis drilled the eighth-inning for the Indians in cover a great game or witness a remarkable athletic performance, I often Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. I had a similar experience in 1997 tweet what “a privilege” it is to watch it. Those are the moments that draw when Sandy Alomar Jr. went deep against the Yankees in Game 4 of the us to live sports. American League playoffs. I was driving up Interstate 95 between A year ago, I was in the Nationwide Arena press box for Game 4 of the Baltimore and Washington, honking my horn like a loon because I was so Blue Jackets’ stunning sweep of the heavily favored Lightning. Columbus happy for all my friends back home. was nursing a 4-3 lead in the final minutes. The arena was at full throat, That’s why we watch and listen. It’s what makes sports so different from long-suffering Blue Jackets fans trying to get the home team over the line almost any form of popular entertainment. I can watch “The Royal for its first playoff series win. Tenenbaums” and “The Big Lebowski” countless times and never get When Artemi Panarin scored into an empty net with 1:53 remaining, I got tired of the same old jokes. But there are no emotional ties there, and I’m up from my seat and walked down the dark hallway that connects all the not on the couch anticipating surprises. booths. The building was trembling from all the joy within its walls. We all know people who have been moved to tears at concerts when I took off my glasses and wiped away a few tears. I have no allegiance to they hear their favorite songs. I respect their feelings and appreciate their the Blue Jackets, but I love hockey and I know what that win meant to passion, but I rarely get caught up in the moment. Maybe it’s because I fans in my adopted city. expect the performances to be good, and for the artists to know all the lyrics and chords. I might not know the set list, but I have a general idea of what’s coming. At this moment, sports have never felt so immaterial. There are no game- day jitters. We’re all experiencing another form of anxiety that needs no explanation.

Eventually, the games will return. So will the joy. In the meantime, find what makes you happy and escape to that place for a few hours a week.

My dad watched the old Browns tapes to his dying days in 1995. Last night, I found the ’86 Browns-Jets playoff game on YouTube. It’s 2 hours, 36 minutes in length. I skipped ahead to the final drive in the second overtime, Kevin Mack slicing through an exhausted New York defense to set up Mark Moseley’s winning field-goal attempt.

I watched Moseley’s kick from 27 yards. You know, just to make sure the ball went through the uprights again.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182340 Dallas Stars that Dallas will use at the draft. At that call, McDonnell also assigned prospects to various scouts for deeper film study.

“You have scouts from different areas try to compare players,” McDonnell How NHL’s stoppage impacts the Dallas Stars’ preparation for the 2020 said. “You could have a European scout compare a kid from Finland to NHL draft say a kid from Ontario. Or Ontario to Russia. It’s not gonna change our list much, maybe a bit, but it gives you another little tool … if we are in normal circumstances you are out and about at games, where there By Sean Shapiro Apr 6, 2020 really isn’t a ton of time to sit every night and watch a couple games.”

McDonnell is also using this extended time to dig into players’ backgrounds. The Stars have been calling coaches of prospects; they At some point, there will be a 2020 NHL Draft. have found plenty of time to talk during a global pandemic with no team We don’t know where, we don’t know when and we don’t know how. The to coach. They’ve also spoken to certain players and their families on the draft, originally scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal, was phones. Many of these conversations would often happen at the scouting understandably postponed. combine in person; the Stars as a team have put a big emphasis on character since Nill took over. But FaceTime and phone calls will have to Like most things at the moment, the draft’s future is fluid. The NHL is do for now. considering a bevy of options according to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, including a scaled-down version or something done virtually with war “You can’t meet them, obviously, and just trying to get every little bit of rooms, NFL-style, instead of all 31 teams on ice level at one arena. information that you can now that everybody is just hanging out at home,” McDonnell. “You talk to anyone that might know them. Coaches and The order of the draft will also be hotly debated if the season doesn’t even players — for example, players that we’ve drafted that we have that come to a conclusion. One team has suggested a tournament for the first might be playing on the same team as that guy. We’d call them and say, overall pick (fun idea, but unlikely). There would also be some past ‘What’s this kid like, is he a good teammate? Does he work hard off the precedent for a tweaked lottery going back to 2005, when an NHL ice?’ All stuff like that.” lockout canceled the entire season. McDonnell said the Stars’ undetermined draft position doesn’t really “Whatever they figure out, if we can’t play the rest of the season impact his approach. He also typically doesn’t let the current season or someone is going to be upset. That’s the only certainty right now,” Stars circumstances impact who the Stars are scouting. Dallas heads into the director of amateur scouting Joe McDonnell said last week. “Someone is 2020 draft low on picks — they don’t have a second- or third-round going to feel like they weren’t treated fairly.” selection — but McDonnell said he needs to be ready for everything.

McDonnell has run the Stars drafts since 2014 and before that was one “It’s like last year — we want to add more picks. I’m sure that’s of the ’ key decision-makers, particularly when it came something Jim will look at when the time is right to look at such things,” to prospects. March and April in a typical year have meant cross-checks McDonnell said. “It’ll be interesting to see how all of this unfolds. It’s all a and second looks at potential prospects as the Stars would start to build big unknown. Could we have a season and be drafting in September? their draft board. They would then potentially do some tweaking after the Could something be before that and we don’t have a season? I don’t NHL draft combine, which was supposed to take place June 1-6 in know. It’s all unknown, so we just have to be ready for when it is our turn Buffalo. to pick, whenever that is.”

The NHL may return, but junior leagues across the board have already The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 declared their season is complete. There won’t be any more in-person chances to watch the 2020 class before making a selection.

“You like to say you were ready, but I don’t think anybody is ever really ready,” McDonnell said. “It’s an ongoing process from September to May and playoffs, and playoffs are a big factor in that and seeing how the kids perform under pressure, so we miss that. Not an awful lot changes conceptually – you still have to try and make the best pick – but how you saw things before has changed.”

McDonnell said the cancelation of the 2020 IIHF Under-18 world championship, scheduled for April 16 to 26 in Michigan, is one of the most noteworthy alterations because that’s the tournament where he and Stars general manager Jim Nill would watch many European prospects who had been identified by the Stars scouts in Europe.

“That’s a huge tournament. Living over here, you get to see those players maybe four or five times in different tournaments, but the April one was really huge,” McDonnell said. “The thing that is fair is everyone is in the same boat on that.”

The Stars have relied heavily on Europeans in past drafts and have one of the most diverse rosters in the NHL. McDonnell said he’s always had faith in his European scouts, headed up by director of European scouting Karri Takko, but a year like this puts even more responsibility on their shoulders.

“You are laying a lot of trust in all of your scouts this year (without the crossover time),” McDonnell said. “There is a kid in that I just kept missing. He was injured and then he was suspended; when you live 10 hours away, it’s not like you can just hop in a car and go see him. You have to plan a schedule, and my schedule for him was last week of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs, and we missed that. So you have to rely on people in that area, and you work as a team.”

McDonnell, as you’d expect, wouldn’t reveal the name of the Quebec player he had in mind.

Video becomes even more vital than usual for this draft. The Stars’ scouting department took part in a conference call in late March where all of the scouts submitted their lists, which are used to build a “big board” 1182341 Detroit Red Wings Cruz had a double and three sac bunts. No Tigers position player since has had three sacrifices, and just three have done it since World War II.

(Full disclosure: I remember watching this one live despite living on the Fox Sports Detroit re-airing epic Pistons, Tigers, Wings games: Ranking other side of the country. For me, it aired while I ate lunch in a dining hall the ones you must watch! at Olerud’s alma mater, Washington State, where I was a senior. I rooted for the Mariners, of course, and, like usual for an M's fan, I was disappointed.)

Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press Published 6:03 a.m. ET April 6, 2020 | 7. Thursday: Game 2, 1997 Updated 5:36 p.m. ET April 6, 2020 Memorability: 5. Epic-ness: 4. Nostalgia: 6. Average: 5.0.

June 3, 1997: No NHL trade is won in a single game. But if there was a On the 20-year anniversary of Tiger Stadium's final game, we reflect on game that finally closed the ledger on the October 1996 deal that brought our favorite memories from The Corner. Detroit Free Press forward to the Wings in exchange for defenseman , it was this one, won by the Wings, 4-2. Shanahan opened Well, folks, we made it. the scoring for the Wings, with a goal that deflected off Coffey’s skate 97 Not to the return of live sports. No, we’re far from reaching that seconds in. milestone, with the coronavirus pandemic still ravaging the country. Shanahan finished the scoring for the Wings, too, though mercifully But after the cancellation of basically all sporting events led to roughly Coffey wasn’t involved — one of just two Detroit goals in the first two three weeks of Fox Sports Detroit airing the highlights — and we use that games the future Hall of Famer wasn’t on the ice for. In between, the term loosely — of the Pistons’, Red Wings’ and Tigers’ 2019-20 seasons, Wings got another goal from The Captain, Steve Yzerman, and another we finally get a week of glory. one from a Grind Liner, Kirk Maltby.

Looking ahead to next week’s schedule by rolling it back to some But the Wings knew they weren’t done, just as Maltby knew he wasn’t Classics. #AprilinTheDpic.twitter.com/GhMeJt1FQk done when he scored the winner: “I didn't even see it go in," he told the Freep. "I was already backchecking to play defense when I saw the puck — FOX Sports Detroit (@FOXSportsDet) April 1, 2020 come out.”

Actually, for eight days, at 8 p.m. from Monday to April 13, FSD will be [There's a Big Ten mascot brawl: Here's who'd be left standing] airing three games each – but no clinchers, unfortunately – from the Wings’ 1997 Stanley Cup Finals and the Pistons’ 2004 NBA Finals, plus 6. Tuesday: Game 1, 2004 NBA Finals the Tigers’ farewell to Tiger Stadium and opener at Comerica Park. Memorability: 6. Epic-ness: 4. Nostalgia: 6. Average: 5.3. UPDATE: FSD's run of classic title games will extend deep into next ' Richard Hamilton and Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant week and also cover the Pistons' 1989 title, the Wings' repeat Cup in share a hug prior to the start of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 6, 1998, the other Wings Cups from 2002 and 2008 and the start of the 2004, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 1984 World Series. June 6, 2004: The stage was set the day before the game, when We are rolling back the clock starting tomorrow. Rasheed Wallace, the midseason acquisition that was the final piece of pic.twitter.com/qtrskcnZhP the “Goin’ to Work” puzzle, was asked in a media scrum whether the — FOX Sports Detroit (@FOXSportsDet) April 5, 2020 underdog Pistons were worried about the mighty Lakers: “Ain't nobody scared here," he barked. "Ain't no punks on this team! Get away from me Former Tigers outfielder Kirk Gibson looks on during the postgame with that scared (expletive).” ceremony after the Tigers beat the , 8-2, in the final game at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 27, 1999. Shaquille O’Neal got his, with 34 points, including 20 in the first half. As did Kobe Bryant, who scored 25 (though he needed 27 shots to do it). Former Tigers outfielder Kirk Gibson looks on during the postgame The rest of the Lakers, though, had just 16 points, with seven from the ceremony after the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 8-2, in the final two other future Hall of Fame starters, Gary Payton and Karl Malone (all game at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 27, 1999. (Photo: J. Kyle Keener, in the second half). DETROIT FREE PRESS) 5. Monday: Game 1, 1997 Stanley Cup Finals Do you really have the time to watch all eight games? Probably, if you’re reading this. But just in case you’re looking to limit your FSD viewing, we Memorability: 6. Epic-ness: 4. Nostalgia: 7. Average: 5.7. thought we’d rank all eight on their rewatchability, semi-scientifically. May 31, 1997: The Red Wings’ first Stanley Cup Finals victory since Each game was rated on a scale of 1-10 in three categories: 1966 – remember, they’d been swept two seasons earlier – basically memorability (aka, how likely you are to remember exactly where you followed the recipe for rebuilding their dynasty in the 1990s. First up in were while watching it); epic-ness (aka, how likely it is to be on “all-time Philadelphia, a pair of goals from Grind Liners Maltby and Joe Kocur. great games” lists); and nostalgia factor (aka, how likely you are to say, Next, add a dash – and we do mean dash – of scoring touch with the “Hey, I remember that … ” during the broadcast). winning goal from Sergei Fedorov. And the final ingredient? A goal from just over the blue line by Yzerman. We’ll try not to spoil the games too much as we go, but if you find yourself getting worried about the outcomes, don’t. These were all wins Still, it was just Game 1 — there were at least three more games to go, for Detroit — note the lack of Lions games — and, boy, it’s been a while which let Stevie Y keep it in perspective afterward. “It's OK, I suppose,” since we’ve been able to say that. he told the Freep’s Keith Gave. “But I’m not overly excited with it. It's a good start to the series, but this thing is just getting under way and 8. Saturday: Comerica Park’s 2000 debut winning the first game isn't necessarily an indication of the way the series is going to go.” Memorability: 6. Epic-ness: 2. Nostalgia: 6. Average: 4.7. 4. April 13: Game 4, 2004 NBA Finals April 11, 2000: The 2000 Tigers actually weren’t that bad — they finished 79-83 and won this one, 5-2, despite not hitting a home run in a much Memorability: 6. Epic-ness: 8. Nostalgia: 5. Average: 6.3. more cavernous “Comerica National Park.” (It took four games, and a visit from the generous Tampa Bay pitching staff, for the first homer at Lakers' Kobe Bryant drives past Pistons' Tayshaun Prince during the CoPa.) second quarter in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Sunday, June 13, 2004 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Three trivia tidbits: 1. Seattle’s John Olerud got the first hit — a double with two outs in the first; 2. Luis Polonia got the Tigers’ first hit, a triple to June 13, 2004: In the end, the Lakers were one superstar short. Kobe lead off the bottom of the first, and was driven in by Gregg Jefferies — Bryant put up 20 points despite making just eight of 25 attempts from the yes, he was a Tiger, and for two full seasons; 3. Tigers shortstop Deivi field. And Shaquille O’Neal did all he could to carry the Lakers, with 23 points and 17 rebounds in 35 minutes; no matter, as the Pistons cruised and the Lakers slumbered to a 56-56 tie. In L.A., everybody shows up After the game, a legion of former Tigers passed the American flag 440 late, right? feet from the flagpole in center to catcher Brad Ausmus. And then, at the end, as he had been since 1960, there was Ernie Harwell bringing it to a But this one was at the Palace, and it was the Pistons showing up late as close: “Tonight," he said, "we say good-bye ... but we will not forget. Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace combined for 21 points and the team Moments like this shall live on forever." shot 58.8% from the field. The Lakers not named Bryant or O’Neal? They went 1-for-5 in the fourth as the Lakers never led in the final period. Was Editor's note: Since the time this article was written, FSD announced it over? Chauncey Billups was too polite to call it publicly — "It's nice that more classic games added to their schedule. They are: at 8 p.m. April 14, we're up 3-1," he said, "but it's still the first one to four." Game 2, 1989 NBA Finals, Lakers at Pistons; at 8 p.m. April 15, Game 3, 1989 NBA Finals, Pistons at Lakers; 8 p.m. April 16, Game 2, 1998 T-2. Sunday: Game 3, 1997 Stanley Cup Finals Stanley Cup final, Capitals at Red Wings; 8 p.m. April 17, Game 2, 2002 Memorability: 9. Epic-ness: 6. Nostalgia: 7. Average: 7.3. Stanley Cup final, Hurricanes at Red Wings; 8 p.m. April 18, Game 4, 2002 Stanley Cup final, Red Wings at Hurricanes and 8 p.m. April 19, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ron Hextall can't stop by Detroit Red Game 1, 1984 World Series, Tigers vs. Padres. Wings' Martin Lapointe for Detroit's third goal of game three in the Stanley Cup final Thursday, June 5, 1997, in Detroit. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 04.07.2020

June 5, 1997: The record books say the Wings broke their 42-year Stanley Cup drought on June 7. But this game — the Red Wings' first Finals victory in Detroit since April 16, 1964 — sealed it. The 19,983 fans at Joe Louis Arena knew it even before the puck dropped, serenading Yzerman with 15 seconds of “Stevie” chants during introductions. "It really gets your heart pumping," he said. "It gave me the chills. … It's a special feeling."

The fans had a special feeling, too, even after the Flyers scored first for their only lead of the series. That lead lasted just 120 seconds before Yzerman opened the Wings’ scoring. Three others — Fedorov, Shanahan and Martin Lapointe — made it a 6-1 game and a 3-0 series lead. But it was Yzerman who made the difference. As Shanahan noted after the game: “We've been feeding off him all year, especially in these playoffs. He does everything a captain does. And I haven't played with a better defensive forward."

T-2. Friday: Game 3, 2004 NBA Finals

Memorability: 8. Epic-ness: 6. Nostalgia: 8. Average: 7.3.

June 10, 2004: Game 1 was a stunner for the basketball world. Game 2 was a stunner for the Pistons, whose failure to foul Bryant while leading late led to an OT crusher. Game 3? That was pure “Deeee-troit bask-et- ball,” as the Pistons locked down on Bryant, holding the Lakers star to just 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting at The Palace. O’Neal didn’t get much either, putting up 14 points and just eight rebounds.

From the start, it was the Pistons’ night and the Lakers never had more than 20 points in a quarter. Oh, and while Bryant was in a shooting funk, Rip Hamilton lit it up for the Pistons: 31 points on 11-for-22 from the field, But it wasn’t just him. Billups had 19 points. Tayshaun Prince had three steals. Rasheed Wallace had two blocks. Prince summed up the approach with a quote that made the team effort clear, telling the Freep’s Perry A. Farrell: “When Rip and Chauncey are going that well, we're tough to beat," he said. "People ask me how am I stopping Kobe, but it's Ben and Rasheed in back of me telling me what's going on that's helping me a lot."

1. Wednesday: The Corner’s 1999 finale

Memorability: 10. Epic-ness: 4. Nostalgia: 11. (This one broke the scale, thanks to FSD’s plan to show the postgame ceremony.) Average: 8.3.

Tigers left fielder Luis Polonia (23) is greeted by teammates at the dugout after hitting a home run in the first inning of the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals, 8-2, in the final game at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 27, 1999.

Sept. 27, 1999: For 104 years, the Tigers played at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull. First at Bennett Park, then Navin Field, which grew and became Briggs Stadium, known finally as simply Tiger Stadium. And now, on the final day before the franchise moved a little more than a mile away, the history came flooding back.

The game itself was secondary; the Tigers took the lead on — what else? — a homer in the first, lost it, took it back for good on another homer in the sixth, then put the exclamation point on the day with a grand slam in the eighth inning.

But the history — not the home-run hitters (in order: Polonia, Karim Garcia, Robert Fick) — was the point. The Tigers starters came out wearing nameless jerseys, their numbers paying tribute to the Tiger Stadium all-time team as voted on by the fans. 1182342 Detroit Red Wings

Chris Terry named Griffins’ recipient of AHL’s Man of the Year award

By Peter J. Wallner

Chris Terry was named Monday the ’ recipient of the AHL Man of the Year award for his contributions to the community this season.

Terry, 30, earned Man of the Year last season as well with the Griffins. Plus, he was named Laval’s recipient in 2017-18.

He is the third player to earn multiple Griffins Man of the Year awards, joining Jimmy Howard (2008-2009) and Tom McCollum (2014-2016, 2018).

While the season is suspended, Terry has stayed busy. According to the Griffins, he spearheaded the Griffins’ efforts to support Kids’ Food Basket’s COVID-19 emergency response and be a part of the local solution to childhood hunger. He contributed $500 to kick off the initiative and has frequently been encouraging others through the Griffins’ social media channels to consider donating.

In addition, Terry and four teammates are each giving $500 to buy bagels and other food items that will be delivered to medical personnel at both Metro Health and Health hospitals. He also began reading children’s books on videos that are shared through the team’s social media platforms and will eventually be distributed to local schools.

Around the holidays, Terry donated several Thanksgiving meals and bought a number of gifts for use in the Christmas store of Family Promise, a Grand Rapids organization whose mission is to end homelessness.

For the second straight year, Terry purchased season tickets to donate to The ALS Association Michigan Chapter and then hosted those families at games.

Terry and several teammates visited Paws with a Cause on Oct. 22 to interact with and help train dogs that will, in the future, be used to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Last summer, he participated in the Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic and was a part-time instructor at the Griffins Youth Hockey Camp.

Terry, a native of Brampton, Ontario, who makes his offseason home in Northville, Mich., is now one of 31 finalists for the AHL’s 2019-20 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The winner will be announced at a later date.

Terry is also talented on the ice. He leads the team in scoring (21-30-51) and was named to the AHL All-star team.

Michigan Live LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182343 Detroit Red Wings 2018, led OHL defensemen in goals (27) and tallied 60 points in 56 games with London.

Trading for Robby Fabbri: A Grading Steve Yzerman’s moves in first year as Red Wings GM Skilled forward drafted 21st by St. Louis in 2014, his career was sidetracked by two major knee injuries. Yzerman, continuing to seek value moves, dealt expendable fourth-line center Jacob de la Rose for By Ansar Khan Fabbri, a top-six forward who provided offense (14 goals, 31 points in 52 games) and is only 24.

Trading for Eric Comrie: C It has been nearly one year since Steve Yzerman returned to Detroit, replacing long-time general manager and tasked with He allowed nine goals in two starts, struggling with rebound control, overseeing the Red Wings’ rebuild. before being waived and claimed by Winnipeg, his original club. Despite the Red Wings’ lack of goaltending depth in the organization, they didn’t It is a massive job that will take several more seasons and require much put in a claim for him when the Jets waived him shortly after. Vili patience, something Yzerman stressed during his introductory address. Saarijarvi, the small, skilled defense prospect traded to Arizona for That was evident during one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Comrie, does not appear to have a future in the NHL. When the NHL “paused” on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trading for Kyle Wood: C- the Red Wings were 17-49-5 (39 points), which is the third-worst points percentage in franchise history (.275). The Red Wings signed skilled right-shooting defenseman Oliwer Kaski in May after he flourished in Finland. But they didn’t give him much of a They had 11 games remaining, and while the NHL hopes to crown a chance to show what he can do, dealing him for Wood, a journeyman Stanley Cup champion this season, it’s highly possible the remainder of AHL defenseman, on Dec. 12. Neither has appeared in an NHL game. the regular season will be canceled. In that case, the Red Wings, long Wood had six points in 35 games with Grand Rapids. Kaski had 11 goals eliminated from the playoff race, would be done for 2019-20. and 20 points in 35 games with AHL Charlotte and has much more Here is a look back at Yzerman’s moves – from the draft to free agency upside. to mid-season trades to waiver claims to trade-deadline deals. Some of Claiming Cody Goloubef: D the grades, of course, could change over time. Defensive defenseman who appeared in only two games after being Drafting Moritz Seider: A claimed off waivers from Ottawa. He’s an unrestricted free agent who Yzerman pulled a surprise with his first-ever draft pick as Detroit GM, didn’t cost anything and isn’t likely to be re-signed. selecting a big, mobile, puck-moving defenseman from Germany that Claiming Dmytro Timashov: B many draft analysts projected would be taken much later than sixth overall. A modestly sized but physical winger (5-10, 192) who might develop into a serviceable bottom-six forward. He didn’t show much in five games (no Seider, who turned 19 on Monday, has yet to make his NHL debut but points) but a larger sample size is needed before drawing conclusions. made a smooth transition to the North American pro ranks with the AHL He’ll be a restricted free agent who’ll likely be re-signed and can be Grand Rapids Griffins. It’s difficult to assess draft picks this soon, but waived if he doesn’t pan out next season. Seider looks poised to anchor the Red Wings’ blue line for many years and should launch his NHL career in 2020-21. Trading Mike Green: B

Signing Valtteri Filppula: D The veteran defenseman has dealt with injuries and illness the past two seasons and wasn’t going to be re-signed, so getting a conditional fourth- Needing a second-line center, Yzerman signed Filppula to a two-year, $6 round pick from Edmonton for him was fine. It remains to be seen if the million deal on July 1, knowing the former Red Wing well, having signed conditions will be met for the pick to be upgraded to a third-rounder (he him in Tampa Bay in 2013. Filppula scored 17 goals last season with the needed to play half of the Oilers’ games). Islanders but struggled in his return to Detroit, picking up six goals and 15 assists in 70 games and posting a minus-42 rating, second-worst in Trading Andreas Athanasiou: B- the league. He was going to be traded, it was just a matter of when. Yzerman opted Signing Patrik Nemeth: B to move him at the deadline for a pair of second-round picks (likely to be mid- to late-rounders) and veteran forward Sam Gagner from Edmonton He was a healthy scratch for several playoff games on a strong Colorado rather than wait until the draft. Chances are, no better offer could have club last year but was a good acquisition for Detroit on July 1 for two been had (first-round pick), especially with the season possibly being years at $6 million. A stay-at-home defenseman and penalty-killer often scrapped. Gagner may or may not be re-signed to a short-term deal. matched against the opposition’s top line, Nemeth was the team’s most Regardless, it doesn’t seem like the Red Wings got enough based on consistent defender. Athanasiou’s talent and potential. Trading for Adam Erne: C Michigan Live LOADED: 04.07.2020 Yzerman had Erne in Tampa Bay and was hoping the 33rd overall pick in 2013 would provide a physical dimension while chipping in a little offensively. He had two goals and five points in 56 games. Still, it was worth it for just a fourth-round pick.

Trading for Alex Biega: B+

Acquired as a depth defenseman who could move back and forth from Detroit to Grand Rapids as needed, Biega improved as the season progressed and was teamed with Nemeth on what could be considered the top defense pairing. He was signed to a one-year extension at $8750,000 and cost only forward prospect David Pope, who has struggled at the AHL level.

Trading for Brendan Perlini: D-

The 12th overall pick in 2014 scored 45 goals in his first three seasons and appeared to have untapped potential when Yzerman acquired him from Chicago for defense prospect Alec Regula on Oct. 28. But Perlini has struggled to the point where he probably won’t be re-signed (one goal, four points in 39 games, frequent scratch). Regula, taken 67th in 1182344 Detroit Red Wings the only Red Wings to dress for all 82 games, plus all 11 playoff contests, this season.

This summer, the Red Wings want Seider to spend some time in Detroit A letter from the Red Wings’ 2024 locker clean-out, when Hockeytown is working with some of their young defensemen. Up in Quebec, top back penalty-killer Joe Veleno is expected to skate most of the summer with Anthony Mantha, who just posted his second consecutive 35-goal season.

By Max Bultman Apr 6, 2020 That’s been one of the most interesting things to observe as this rebuild has gone along: How the players everyone once referred to as the “kids”

have become the leaders of this team. It helps that they’re all still Today was supposed to be the Red Wings’ locker clean-out, a day that productive players, some of them highly productive, but their resilience formalizes the end of an NHL team’s season. Normally, players, coaches might be the most impressive thing they bring to the table. It’s clear those and executives reflect on the season that was, and look ahead to losing seasons back at the turn of the decade hardened them, and taught looming challenges. It’s a good time to take stock of a franchise’s them how to bounce back from adversity. Detroit rarely has losing position. With this Red Wings season, none of that would have been too streaks of more than a couple games these days difficult — even if a little painful — for anyone involved. Of course, none Now, though, the focus is on getting over the hump in the playoffs. That of that will be happening today, with much more pressing issues at hand. is one of the scary parts about the coming 2024-25 season for the But, there’s no reason we can’t take this opportunity to look ahead, to a organization: Finishing first in the Atlantic was a surprise, but the opening time when locker clean-outs will take on a very different tone. Here then, of the Red Wings’ “window” coincides with a looming cap crunch a year is a letter from 2024, in a world where the Red Wings are rebuilt, and the from now. Yzerman has thus far managed to avoid any crippling questions surrounding the franchise are of a whole new variety. contracts, even in adding Werenski. He handled Larkin’s extension May 6, 2024: smoothly, too.

There was something different about this locker clean-out, and not just But now with Stützle up for a new deal and Tuomisto and shifty winger the fact it was 75 and sunny outside. Robert Mastrosimone entering the final seasons of their entry-level contracts, the Red Wings are facing some pressure to win now, before It was certainly a disappointed group of players (losing an overtime they have to make the really tough decisions. They’ve already got one to Game 6 in the Eastern Conference semis tends to do that) but the make this summer, on whether to re-up ageless wonder Jonathan dejection from Saturday night in Toronto seems to have shifted form a Bernier, who will be 36 by the time fall 2024 rolls around. bit, even in just two days’ time. As Steve Yzerman opened the door to the Red Wings’ media room to give his final address of the season, you Back in the grueling days of 2019-20, it seemed like once the team could see a quick glimpse of in the hallway, having a turned the corner everything would be sunny. But the pressure to win and determined conversation with Tim Stützle. looming decisions from the front office are a reminder that every team has problems — some just happen to be “better” problems to have. Larkin’s gotten really good at that, since he became captain. Filip Zadina Perhaps the starkest example of the progress is that, in Yzerman’s locker was just talking about it the other day, before Game 3 against the Maple clean-out news conference, he was never asked about June’s NHL Draft. Leafs, saying how Larkin helped get him in the right head space for his Game 2 hat trick. (It also helped, of course, that Larkin assisted on two of He was, however, asked about an interesting quirk noticed at the arena those goals.) this morning just a few hundred feet away. While the ice is still out there at LCA, all the advertising logos have been wiped clean off the boards in Who knows what he’s telling Stützle, though. The 22 year old has a busy front of the home bench. A rumor has surfaced that the old “Hockeytown” summer ahead of him, and not just because has to decide whether to go logo from center ice at the Joe will be plastered there going forward. join Team Germany at the IIHF World Championship. He really cemented his place as the team’s second-line center this season, but he’s got some Yzerman didn’t let anything on, saying he hasn’t looked at the bench details to work on to help take his line to the next level. It’s also a since the team got back. Fans, it seems, will have to wait until fall to find contract year for him, and coming off a 24-goal, 61-point season, his next out. deal will be pretty significant to the cap picture as this team really turns One way or the other, though, in 2024, “Hockeytown” is back in Detroit. the corner. The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 The Red Wings were still a bit of an unknown coming into this season. They sneaked into the playoffs last year and managed to steal a road game off the top-seeded Hurricanes, but few expected them to be up 2-1 on the Leafs a year later, just two wins from the conference finals. Even fewer expected them to be the higher seed in that series after winning the Atlantic Division. Heck, if it weren’t for the injury to their big offseason acquisition, Zach Werenski, early in Game 4, they might be playing Game 7 tonight in Detroit.

But regardless, the word is out now. These Red Wings are contenders. Thinking back to 2020, it’s easy to forget how disappointed fans were when the Senators won the draft lottery to pick Alexis Lafrenière and the Kings moved up to take Quinton Byfield.

Both have become great players, without a doubt, but Stützle is beloved in Detroit. He and newly minted alternate captain Moritz Seider have the city in a German craze, waving flags at games and everything. When it’s been warm enough during playoff season, many have spent hours before games in the LCA Beer Garden, clinking their bottles of “Hard-Hitting Hard Seider” together. One of the local breweries is making a killing off that.

Seider’s been as advertised, by the way. He just averaged 26 minutes a night in the playoffs, and Yzerman was right: Werenski was a great partner for him. He’s producing more offense than most expected (32 points this season) and that uncanny ability to have opposing checkers just bounce off him has only gotten more impressive as he’s added strength. His leadership traits have really risen to the forefront, too. He and fellow 2019 draftee Antti Tuomisto stayed late after most practices this season, working on one-timers. Seider and Tyler Bertuzzi were also 1182345 Edmonton Oilers my toes. We’ve gone on some runs, so we’re both working on our cardio,” said Nurse.

“I love working out. So you take the game away or the gym away and I’ll Darnell Nurse remembers last game before COVID-19 stopped NHL still find a way to do it one way or another. There have been challenges but the backyard becomes your best friend.”

Until the stoppage, defence partner and rookie Ethan Bear was his ice Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal buddy.

Nurse had his ups and downs as a rookie on a team that struggled defensively. He got through it and is now part of the team core, but Edmonton Oilers Darnell Nurse remembers the last NHL knows how hard it is for kids in their first kick at the NHL can, even if game, which is almost a month ago now but seems like a year, where the Bear seems to have handled it with aplomb. questions afterwards were almost all about COVID-19 and an NBA player testing positive, not what had just transpired on the ice with the “It’s easy to get in your own head,” said Nurse. “You grow up in a world visiting Winnipeg Jets. of social media where you’re so used to being on Twitter or Instagram, you see everything everyone’s saying about you. It’s easy when you’re in There was certainty with the loss to the Jets. a hockey market to get on yourself.” But total uncertainty with where hockey was going. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 04.07.2020 “You’re out there playing the game, and you’re not really thinking much about anything else,” recalled Nurse. “But there was a little chatter before (game), and I think the NBA ended up postponing their season midway through ours.

“So afterwards you got a real sense of, obviously, if the NBA teams aren’t playing, and we share 12 or however many arenas … We travel to the same cities, stay in the same hotels. It’s hard for them to shut down, and for us to justify being out there on the ice and putting our fans in the same environment.

“You’re so invested at that point. You’re playing every other day. You’re on auto-pilot, then all of the sudden someone turns the car off. It was very, very weird.”

Nurse has no idea if the league will get back up and running for playoffs or league games in July or August, but did hear the NHL spit-balling ideas for neutral site games in North Dakota.

There’s a beautiful rink at UND (11,643 Ralph Engelstad with leather seats and cherrywood armrests, granite floors on concourse). There’s a practice rink, eight locker rooms, NHL style scoreboard, facilities for TV broadcasting, a full kitchen on site.

There 2,400 hotel rooms in Grand Forks and an airport that can take charter aircraft. They had the world junior in 2005 and UND is where Jonathan Toews, T.J. Oshie and played. Plus COVID-19 hasn’t hit North Dakota as hard as other states in the U.S.

NHL players know what they’re missing more than ever. This isn’t like a lockout where the owners dug in against the players; they’re all in this together, looking for a way to resume even if it seems pie-in-the-sky at times.

“It’s conflicting. As players this is our job, all we want to do is play. I would play in front of no fans in a heartbeat if somebody told me you could keep playing,” said Nurse. “But at the same time, we have a very loyal fan base that comes and supports us every night and they’ve been hungry for us to be in this position, a place we haven’t been in in a long time. You want to reward them by playing in front of them. That’s the conflict. If you put the puck on the ice I’m sure no matter where it is, it will bring out the best in everyone.”

Nurse has stayed in Edmonton going outside with his dog but not singing to his Doberman named Aria, while sister Kia, the Canadian women’s basketball national teamer, is back with her folks in Hamilton after she had the winning basket for Canberra in the Australian championship final.

“When she came back to Canada it was right when everything was starting to kick off, when everyone was starting to see the severity of what was going on in the world, and she got back just in time and we’re all very grateful for it,” said Darnell. “She’s at my parents’ place and we FaceTime every day and catch up, tell whatever stories are going on, whatever new shows there are to watch. Yeah, a lot of Tiger King like the rest of you on this (conference) call.”

Darnell’s day is the same as pretty much everybody’s (rinse and repeat) except he works out harder with PowerBlock weights.

“I wake up every morning, take the dog for a walk or throw the ball in the backyard, she’s nine months, 80 pounds. Lord knows how big she’s going to get. But she’s got all the energy in the world, so it keeps me on 1182346 Florida Panthers Everyone on the team, including coach Joel Quenneville, seemed confident they would make the playoffs over the final weeks.

The Stanley Cup playoffs would have started this week. The Panthers With no ice and an empty arena, Florida Panthers prepare for whatever could have been playing their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay comes next Lightning, for the first time in the postseason.

And they still may.

By George Richards Apr 6, 2020 Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, continues to hold out hope that the 2019-20 season will continue in some fashion and the league will be able to crown a champion sometime over the summer.

SUNRISE, Fla. — It was a surreal moment at the Florida Panthers’ home The Panthers are hopeful that if the season does continue, the regular arena late last month as workers dutifully chopped away at the ice season will be completed first, giving them a chance to qualify for the surface and carted it out chunk by chunk. playoffs.

The BB&T Center should have been a hub of activity this past week with “The NHL has been very vocal that they’re going to try everything they the Panthers playing their final three games of the regular season and can to award the Stanley Cup,” Caldwell said. “I think that’s very specific gearing up for a possible playoff series this week. on Gary’s part. In a perfect world, we could resume where we left off. That would be perfect. But if we can’t do that, perhaps there would be Instead, the arena is all but empty, shut down because of the coronavirus some kind of expanded playoffs. We haven’t been given any type of pandemic which has brought a halt to sports and much of the world. specifics and there have not been any decisions made.” Where the ice once sat is now just a gray, concrete slab. No one knows Things remain in flux. when it will return. The Panthers have locked up their training facility in Coral Springs with “Usually, seeing the ice come out means the end to your season,” only injured players allowed to come by for medical treatment. Panthers president Matt Caldwell said. “It was tough to see. But we’re all trying to stay positive. We’ll get through this.” Other projects, such as the renovation of Fort Lauderdale’s historic War Memorial Auditorium, which in the future will house the team’s practice A handful of employees still come into the arena on a daily basis, but for rink, are on hold. Concerts planned for the arena are off for now, the most part, the team’s support staff is working from home. although Caldwell said those could be rescheduled when things get back With the NHL season on hold for the immediate future, Caldwell said to normal. visiting his once-bustling arena is now very quiet. The NHL not only hopes to continue this season but play a full regular Even during the offseason, the BB&T Center is full of activity. It is not season next year as well. right now. What happens to this season may very well dictate what happens to the “We still have a security crew at the arena to keep an eye on everything,” next. If the 2019-20 season bleeds deep into the summer, the 2020-21 Caldwell said. “There are a handful of people who come and go. campaign could start later than usual.

“We have been able to transition pretty smoothly to all working remotely. There has already been talk of eliminating the mandated five-day break We all have laptops, we work on conference calls. We have been in daily for each team as well as the annual All-Star weekend. That, of course, contact. I meet with my executive team every day at 9 a.m., and we do it would be more bad news for the Panthers. virtually, obviously.” Florida was awarded the 2021 All-Star Game in January. It could become It is an odd feeling, Caldwell said, to come into the arena and see no one yet another big sporting event that falls victim to the pandemic. around. “It is tough because we had so much excitement surrounding that, but at If you drive into the sprawling facility, it looks like something big is going the same time, this is such a tough time for everyone,” Caldwell said. “It on. The parking lots are filled with cars. looks like a luxury right now. We will do whatever it takes to get next season in, and we will work with the league on that. We just want to get That is just a mirage, however. players back on the ice.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a league partner which also runs National and “But the league has said it wants to keep next season intact as much as Alamo, is using the BB&T Center’s acres of parking lots to store their possible. If we can start next season on time, yeah, we could still have it. excess inventory. With very few people traveling to South Florida at the The further we have to push next season to the right and whether the moment, there is little need for rental cars. league wants to get all 82 games in, yeah, the All-Star Game and the bye week are something they may look to shrink. But there are a lot of things Caldwell is looking forward to the day when his lots are filled with cars that go into that.” driven by fans who came to watch a hockey game or attend a show. When the games were halted in March, Florida players decided they “I probably go in once a week just to check on things, kind of walk the wanted to make sure part-time employees of the team were not hit too grounds a little bit,” Caldwell said. hard financially. “It’s crazy how quiet things are. It is just surreal. I’ve never been in the Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky pledged $100,000 to ensure that security arena when it was so empty. Even on off days, we always have people guards, vendors, ushers and the like were still paid as if games and there working or have a large security staff walking around. But now, it’s concerts were still being held. His teammates matched that number with just barren. You can feel the emptiness of the place. That’s real tough. owner Vinnie Viola saying he would cover whatever else was needed. “I still get calendar reminders; we were supposed to be in Boston, or we #FLAPANTHERS GOALIE SERGEI BOBROVSKY IS GOING TO had a game on this night. Saturday we had Washington. You see the DONATE $100,000 TO MAKE SURE ALL PART-TIME STAFF WHO reminders and you realize how much you miss the daily interactions with WORK AT BB&T CENTER GET PAID DURING THIS HIATUS. HIS everyone. These were milestones to our season. We planned to be in the TEAMMATES WILL MATCH THAT $100,000 WITH OWNERSHIP playoffs this week, packing the arena for those games.” PUTTING IN WHATEVER ELSE IS NEEDED. TONIGHT AT 7, THE #FLAPANTHERS WERE SCHEDULED TO PLAY PIC.TWITTER.COM/SKNSRJRECO THEIR REGULAR SEASON FINALE AGAINST THE CAPITALS AT — GEORGE RICHARDS (@GEORGERICHARDS) MARCH 13, 2020 BB&T CENTER. PRETTY QUIET IN SUNRISE. PIC.TWITTER.COM/EJ5WFGRGMZ As the unscheduled break continued, Viola sent word that team employees did not have to worry about being paid or losing their jobs. — GEORGE RICHARDS (@GEORGERICHARDS) APRIL 4, 2020 “We always talk about community and family, but actions speak louder When the NHL shut things down on March 12, the Panthers had 13 than words,” Caldwell said. “When you see Vinnie do these type of things games left to make up what remains a three-point playoff deficit. in tough times, it shows we mean what we say and we stand by our people.

“It has been an unbelievable morale boost. This is such an uncertain time for everyone. One of the most gratifying moments of my career was having a call with all of our leadership telling them no Panthers employee will be affected by this economically. It shows our players and our hockey-ops department that not only do we care about them, but we’re taking care of our sales reps, our security guards … everyone who is a part of this franchise.”

Although the team is working under the assumption that there will be no revenue coming in through June, Caldwell said the organization will be ready to fire things up when the time comes.

The ice may be gone, but if the BB&T Center gets to play host to hockey games again in the next few months, it will only take a few days to have things up and operational again.

“Vinnie has been amazing through this time of crisis,” Caldwell said. “The business is in a tough spot financially right now, but we know we’re going to come out strong on the other side. Vinnie has kept everything intact. Our team, our employees have really bonded together through this. I couldn’t be more proud of them. We’re all healthy, and safety comes first.

“When things resume, we’ll be ready to go. We just have to weather the storm no matter how long this lasts.”

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182347 MontrealCanadiens best for his long-term development. We are still discussing it internally. It’s also possible we send him to Laval next year. But Laval will be difficult as well. It’s a man’s league.”

Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield finally gets his say on his own hockey This was the first time Caufield had heard this from the Canadiens, he future said, and he learned it by clicking on an article, one he couldn’t even read or understand because it was written in French. It was the morning of the Badgers’ final regular-season game. Wisconsin had beaten Ohio State 3-2 the day before to earn their third win in a row and fourth in five By Arpon Basu Apr 6, 2020 games, the team’s best stretch since October. They were hoping to build some momentum so they could salvage their season in the Big Ten playoffs. This is what Caufield was focusing on that morning. Let’s get one thing out of the way immediately, something that is an inherent truth and needs to be emphasized over everything else. Then, this.

Cole Caufield is happy. “Once that article came out, I think my mind was kind of going a lot of different ways,” Caufield said. “Once everything settled down, I was fine, The Canadiens’ first-round pick from 2019 is happy to be returning to the but it was just tough timing for that to happen. With the article coming out University of Wisconsin for his sophomore season. He is happy to be and where our season was at that point, it was tough for not only me, but teammates with his older brother, Brock, for another year. He is happy to for the rest of our team just kind of seeing that and not really knowing take on more of a leadership role for the Badgers next season. He is whether I’m all in or not. So it’s good to just go back (next year) and know happy to help lead a bounce back from an incredibly disappointing year that all the guys can count on me to be there and trust me to be 100 for the team. He is happy to have another year to be a kid and a student percent in and just be a part of the team and be a part of the guys all and enjoy everything that comes with that. year.”

And he is happy he will be playing for the Canadiens one day, even The Badgers won that night in double overtime, with Caufield setting up though he has to wait at least another year for that to happen. the tying goal by Tyler Inamoto with just over three minutes left in regulation. The assist gave Caufield the Big Ten regular season scoring “Looking back on it, another year of less games and trying to grow my title, a first conference scoring championship for a Wisconsin player – let body and stuff off the ice and just kind of being a kid for another year alone a freshman – since 1978. before your life changes, I’m really happy with this decision,” Caufield told The Athletic in a phone interview Saturday. “There were a lot of TYLER INAMOTO’S SECOND OF THE SEASON WAS A ROCKET things on my mind going into it, but as I look back on it again, I just think it’s the best decision for me right now. In the long run I can look back and WE’RE TIED IN COLUMBUS!#ONWISCONSIN | #BADGERS say I had another year with my brother at school and a great experience. PIC.TWITTER.COM/TDVLSOGOKE Then, at the end of next year hopefully I can be ready to jump right in and be an impactful player.” — WISCONSIN HOCKEY (@BADGERMHOCKEY) MARCH 1, 2020

How Caufield came to this decision, however, is worth examining in “I think I played fine (that night),” Caufield said. “I mean, obviously, there greater detail. Because what’s important in his response are the words was a lot going on in my head. But once you play hockey, once you get looking back on it. Over time, with just how much the world has changed to the rink, that’s what you can focus on. It wasn’t too much of an issue from when this began, with things that have been going on in Caufield’s for me. When I’m playing hockey, it’s a whole different world than when personal life, and with the perspective required to be able to take a step I’m not. I think that took my mind off everything. It was just good to play a back and see things in a clearer light, Caufield has embraced returning to game that night, for sure.” Wisconsin. He has embraced not reaching his stated goal for this The next day, on Sunday, March 1, Caufield got a phone call from season, which was to sign with the Canadiens and turn pro at the end of Bergevin. it like his teammates Alex Turcotte and K’Andre Miller did. “He explained it to me a little bit more, and it was good to hear it from But initially, having this perspective was a bit difficult for Caufield. All he him,” Caufield said. “I think the way things turned out, everything’s fine saw when this began was frustration with how the situation – the next and I’m happy with where I’m at right now and happy with the decision step in his own hockey career – was playing out in the public eye, overall … For me personally, in my head I wanted to do what they felt completely out of his own control. was best for me, because they’re the ones at the end of the day who are “When I look back on it, obviously I was frustrated in the moment when going to know what they want from me. So I just listened to them. that stuff came out,” Caufield said. “But as of right now, I couldn’t be “He was pretty straight forward with what he wanted to do and the goal happier. I just want to be dominant at the college level next year and just that he has in mind for the future. So there was some good things to hear do what I can to help our team win and be a leader next year.” about, even though earlier in the year I wanted it differently. But the call It might be worthwhile to set the record straight on how all this played out with him was really good. It was nice to hear what he has planned for the from Caufield’s perspective. future.”

Back on Feb. 27, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, vice- All’s well that ends well; Caufield is happy with how everything turned out president of hockey operations and legal affairs John Sedgwick and and the Canadiens are happy he will get another year of development in senior vice-president of communications and public affairs college before signing his entry level contract with them. made their way to La Presse for an interview with Mathias Brunet. On But it is hard not to wonder why it had to play out this way. Bergevin gave that day, Caufield was preparing to play the final two games of the that interview to La Presse on a Thursday and had two days to give Badgers’ regular season in Columbus against Ohio State on Feb. 28 and Caufield a heads up as to what he had said before the article was 29. published on the Saturday. Either it was an oversight on Bergevin’s part Over the course of that interview, Bergevin was asked about his not to make that phone call before it was published, or he intentionally intentions for Caufield once his season at Wisconsin ended, and wanted Caufield to find out this way despite knowing he had set a goal to Bergevin answered honestly that the Canadiens would not close the door sign with the Canadiens in March. Neither is a particularly good look for to him turning pro if he really wanted to, but that their recommendation to the Canadiens. him would be to return to Wisconsin. It should be noted, however, that Caufield said he was given the option to Two days later, La Presse published the article on the morning of turn pro and play in Laval even if the Canadiens’ preference was that he Wisconsin’s final game of the regular season, Feb. 29 in Columbus. remain in school. So it’s not as if everything was settled when that article was published and it’s not as if Caufield was forced into anything, just as “Cole Caufield is having a good year (in the NCAA),” Bergevin told Bergevin had said in the interview with La Presse. Brunet in French. “But, in our eyes, he’s not ready. We’ll make a decision at the end of the year. If he really wants to leave college, we won’t force Ultimately, Caufield chose to follow Bergevin’s recommendation and him, but we’re going to recommend that he stay (at Wisconsin). That return to Wisconsin. doesn’t mean that he’s been a disappointment. We are thinking of what is “Obviously you have goals that you set for yourself and they can be short-term or long-term,” Caufield said. “I think, with the season I had, I did what I could. Timing and stuff is kind of up to them and I can just do what I can control. I think in the moment I was probably frustrated, but looking back on it and looking kind of more in the future, it’s probably the best decision I could make.”

This, unfortunately, was not the last time Caufield’s future played out in the media without his involvement.

Following Wisconsin’s elimination from the Big Ten playoffs on March 7, Caufield met with Wisconsin head coach Tony Granato later that week to tell him of his intention to respect the Canadiens’ wishes and return to school for his sophomore season. The news of that conversation broke on March 17 when Granato was asked about it by Todd Milewski of the Wisconsin State Journal. Later that day, the Canadiens confirmed that was indeed the decision they had come to with Caufield.

At the time, Caufield was in Florida with his brother and their mother, Kelly, to visit his ailing grandfather.

“My mom, brother and I went and saw him for, like, a day and a half. It was just good to see him,” Caufield said. “It went pretty quick because of what was going on. He’s doing a lot better now. It was good for us to go see him and make him happy.”

Caufield was not in a frame of mind to start doing interviews on this at that moment.

“At the end of the day it’s up to the organization and my family and I to decide what’s best for me,” he said. “Obviously it’s tough kind of hearing it from a reporter or someone like that rather than the organization or me. It was just tough to have the news come out from someone other than that. But I’m happy with the decision; I think people will benefit, and especially me, I’ll benefit from it in the long run having this extra year to develop and grow as a person and as a hockey player. I’m pretty happy.

“I just wish some things could have went different with how it got put out there, then there wouldn’t have been a whole lot of question marks out about whether this is what he really wants, or whatever. Once it came out from the Canadiens, I was pretty happy with it.”

Which, again, is what is important here, that Caufield is pretty happy with it. His hope is that next season can be a little quieter for him at Wisconsin without this decision to turn pro or not looming over everything. And despite an extraordinary freshman season on a personal level, he still has things to accomplish in Madison.

“I think what’s left to accomplish is just winning,” he said. “I just want to do my part and contribute. I think having last year to look at, I think I’ll have a lot more confidence. I think the stretch where I was hitting posts and not putting the puck in the net, I was getting frustrated, but I think I handled it pretty well. I don’t think that’s going to happen next year. It’ll just be a little easier to know what to expect and kind of just be a leader on the team and contribute a little bit more than I did last year…I’m looking forward to being a guy on the team that everyone’s going to look at to put points on the board. I also want to grow as a leader and have a positive mindset.

“Just to have that year to look back on and feel like everything’s fine and not really freak out at anything will be pretty big for me.”

And at the end of it, Caufield will almost assuredly get to realize that dream of signing with the Canadiens and beginning his professional career.

When that happens, maybe Caufield will even be able to announce it to the world himself.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182348 Nashville Predators

Predators coach John Hynes moves family, stays busy during NHL 'pause'

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 7:18 p.m. CT April 6, 2020

No play hasn't meant no work for Predators coach John Hynes.

He's has had plenty of things other than work to keep him busy during the NHL's "pause" of the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He's closed on a house in the Nashville area. Moved his wife and three daughters from New Jersey.

But he hasn't spent the last three-plus weeks only unloading his life from boxes and avoiding appearing in his teenage daughters' TikTok videos.

He's also used the downtime to study his new team. To talk with general manager David Poile on a near-daily basis. To talk with his coaches twice a week via teleconference. To talk with fellow coaches from around the league three times a week. To work on preparing his team, from afar, for what he hopes is the resumption of the season.

The Predators are clinging to the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference as the season hangs in the balance. Hynes has been on the job just a few short months.

The time he's spent with his team has been valuable, he said.

But so, too, has the time away. He said the coaching staff communicates regularly with players.

"We have tried to give players some space, but we also want to keep in communication with them," Hynes said Monday during a video conference call with local media. "We've gone through a pretty thorough process with our coaching staff. We've gone through every single player on our team. We've got everyone's strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, what type of person they are, how they fit in our culture."

The Predators are 16-11-1 under Hynes. He constantly was preaching the importance of mental fortitude.

He said he thinks the Predators were "going in the right direction right before the pause."

They had won three in a row, tying their longest such streak this season.

Still, Hynes understands that instilling his style and system is going to take time. He's using this time to try to better understand his players, who haven't been on the ice much, if at all, since the pause.

"It was always going to be fairly difficult to get tactically exactly where you want to be when you come in midseason," he said. "A couple things that helped us get in the right direction ... was our mental toughness, our camaraderie. It grew over the course of time.

"The way we were trending and the way we were playing and the things inside the locker room ... there was some really strong cohesion starting to build. Unfortunately, we weren't able to finish it off yet."

Yet.

With the status of the season up in the air — and different scenarios, such as going straight to the playoffs if and when it does resume — Hynes said he trusts the NHL will do the right thing, what "makes the most sense for the league."

"I just know that for the Nashville Predators, if it does come back, we're going to play some high-stakes hockey. ... We just need to make sure we're prepared to get back — if it does get back."

Tennessean LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182349 Nashville Predators

Predators Foundation to distribute $700,000 to local nonprofits

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 11:09 a.m. CT April 6, 2020 | Updated 3:26 p.m. CT April 6, 2020

The Predators Foundation announced that beginning Monday it will distribute 168 grants totaling $700,000 to local nonprofits this month, a record for one year since the foundation began 22 years ago.

The announcements will run until April 29 and can be found on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

The foundation distributed more than $675,000 last year, and partnered with SmileDirectClub before the 2019-20 season.

The foundation has allocated more than $7.2 million since its inception.

The first seven grant recipients Monday were: A Soldier's Child Foundation, Book'em, Colby's Army, Rebuilding Together Nashville, Meals 4 Health and Healing, The Next Door and Turnip Green Creative Reuse

"During this unprecedented time, as the City of Nashville not only attempts to mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus, but also works to continue supporting those affected by the recent tornadoes, the Predators Foundation recognizes that the priorities of many recipient organizations have drastically changed in recent weeks," a statement from the team said. "With that, the Foundation will allow the non-profits to reallocate funds to benefit operation expenses including staff salaries."

We are excited to award $700,000 in grants to 168 non-profit organizations this year! For the rest of April we will release 7 different recipients daily. We are proud to start things off with these great partners! Stay tuned for more info on each organization!#2020PredsGrantspic.twitter.com/H9QH2xL1Vl

— Preds Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub (@PredsFoundation) April 6, 2020

Tennessean LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182350 Nashville Predators grew over the course of time together, whether it was handling adverse situations, whether it was a real strong belief in what we were doing and that we do have a good team and a good group of players, but we’ve got to be more focused, more consistent. I think we were able to do that as a In quarantine, John Hynes is preparing the Predators for ‘high-stakes group, and that led to us being able to find ways to win more games. hockey’ “I really liked the direction that the team was going. You could see that the guys were in (it) together. They were playing for each other. I think we were starting to get some consistent performances throughout our By Adam Vingan Apr 6, 2020 lineup, which were really important. I think the way we were trending and the way we were playing and the real things inside the locker room — the team, the players — there was some really strong cohesion starting to In the three and a half weeks since the coronavirus pandemic forced the build. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to finish it off yet, so we need to shutdown of the NHL, John Hynes has spent most of his time finalizing make sure we stay connected and stay prepared so when we do get his move to Nashville. back, we are ready to play the game the right way and give ourselves the best chance to win.” Hynes recently closed on a home in town, so he, wife Sarah and daughters Sophia, Julia and Anna have been getting used to their new There is no telling when — or if — it will be safe for the league to resume surroundings. His new hobbies are “emptying and cutting up boxes” and play this season. There has been plenty of chatter about what the season avoiding becoming an internet meme. could look like if the coronavirus pandemic subsides, including the possibility of an expanded playoff field. “I try to stay away from the TikToks,” Hynes said. “My daughters are 14 and 13, and they’re all over TikTok, so I’ve tried to stay off of those as Hynes said there was too much uncertainty for him to have a preference, best I can. I’ve been fairly successful.” but he is prepping for a spirited finish.

Although the coronavirus outbreak has pried the Predators apart, Hynes “I think the thing that is most important is the league will make the right has been using his government-mandated downtime to catch his breath decision as far as what is the most equitable (format) and what makes after a hectic two months. He coached his first game less than 12 hours the most sense for the league,” Hynes said. “I’m not sure what that is. I after being announced as the replacement for Peter Laviolette on Jan. 7, just know that for the Nashville Predators, if it does come back, we’re and his days were consumed by implementing his vision on the fly. going to play some high-stakes hockey, whether that’s finishing some games in the regular season to get into the playoffs. If it starts now and “Now that I’ve had the opportunity to be here, when we do start, whether you go with teams (based) on (the) standings and points percentage, that’s in two months from now or later this summer or next year, I think we’d be in the playoffs. the fact that (I) came in and have a really good feel of the players, the organization, how things go, it certainly does help,” Hynes said Monday “I think the most important thing for us as coaches and obviously our during a call with local reporters. “When the stoppage is over, you know players, too, is just understanding that whatever the league decides is the players, you know the people, you know your team’s strengths and going to be the right thing and the right way to go about it. We just need weaknesses, you know the personalities of your coaches and your staff. to make sure that we’re prepared to get back — if it does get back — to It’s a unique situation, but it’s certainly one I think you can benefit from be able to play some high-stakes hockey. I think that’s exciting.” because of the two months that I had the opportunity to work with everybody.” The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020

Hynes said he speaks to Predators general manager David Poile daily and meets with his coaching staff twice a week via video conference to go over team concepts and prepare for a potential resumption of the season.

The coaches are also in regular contact with the players, the majority of whom remained in Nashville to quarantine as the team recommended. Hynes also participates in an hourlong conference call three days a week with other NHL coaches, which he said covers a wide range of topics, including “hockey stuff, dealing with the quarantine (and) communicating with your team.”

“We have tried to give the players some space, but we also want to keep in communication with them,” Hynes said.

“We’ve gone through a pretty thorough process with our coaching staff and the management. We’ve gone through every single player on our team. We’ve got a written report on everyone’s strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, what type of person they are, what type of player they are, how they fit in our culture. We’ve done an extensive (evaluation) collectively as a group on our players.”

John Hynes has a 16-11-1 record as Predators coach. (Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)

When the league paused the season, the Predators were in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, and their 16-11-1 record under Hynes was among the best in the conference since he took over behind the bench.

Statistically, the team regressed on offense and defense to varying degrees and was largely propped up by improved goaltending, but Hynes was especially encouraged by the strides the players made in the mental side of the game.

“I think we were going in the right direction right before the pause,” Hynes said. “It was always going to be fairly difficult to get tactically exactly where you want to be when you come in midseason. But I think a couple things that helped us get in the right direction — (have) a winning record, put ourselves in position to be in the playoffs — was our mental toughness, our team camaraderie, our team togetherness was better. It 1182351 New Jersey Devils

Devils public address announcer continues to call goals - even if they’re not real

By Brian Bobal

The New Jersey Devils haven’t taken the ice at in over a month, but public address announcer Kevin Clark has still been busy calling out goals - even if they’re not real.

Inspired by what he saw from Al Murdoch, the voice for Rogers Arena and the , Clark has been giving Devils fans a chance to have their names announced with the NHL’s season currently paused because of the coronavirus.

He tweeted a video on March 18 telling fans to send him direct messages with names and sweater numbers, hoping to get to as many of them as possible.

Requests have been pouring in.

“I expected maybe 25 or 30 responses,” he said. “I stopped counting at 200 and we’re still going. It’s definitely slowed but we’re still going. It’s been a lot of fun I’m not going to lie.”

Here ya go. I hope you and yours are safe and well. Hopefully seeing everyone back @PruCenter very soon! @ErikaWachter @BryceSalvador @NJDevils pic.twitter.com/lLz5Lv9Fn7

— Devs PA 53 (@bronc53) April 1, 2020

It’s become an interesting way to connect and interact with Devils fans during the work stoppage and Clark is happy to do whatever he can to get minds off of the pandemic.

Some goal announcements have even prompted videos in return.

“The best part is I’ve done some for parents who wanted me to do an announcement for their kids,” he said. “I’ve gotten some thank you videos back of their kids imitating me and those are just priceless. I love those.”

Love love love this! https://t.co/tZWHmSbK5p

— Devs PA 53 (@bronc53) April 3, 2020

Clark has also been recording himself for in-game promotions and announcements that the Devils have creatively used while streaming their simulated games of EA Sports NHL 20.

“To go down into my basement and sit there by myself and do announcements, it was a little odd at first,” he said. “It took some getting used to but I think we pulled it off.”

Clark has been the voice of Prudential Center since the building opened back in October 2007. He also spent 19 years announcing minor league baseball, two with the New Jersey Cardinals and 17 with the Lakewood BlueClaws, stepping aside after the 2018 campaign.

His announcing style for hockey, though, dates back to his time with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, an ECHL team that won a Kelly Cup in 2003.

He spent five seasons at Boardwalk Hall but his love for hockey didn’t start there.

Clark had been a Devils season ticket holder during the team’s rise to prominence in the 1990s and has been a fan of the team since day one.

He’s gone from fan to ticket holder, to arena announcer and even had a pit stop as an actor in some hilarious team commercials along the way. One dove into how he was handling the extra time during the NHL lockout in 2012 and the other did the same for the 2014 Olympics.

“They were fun to do and I loved doing them,” he said. “Nobody can be full of it and phony like me so that was right up my alley.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182352 New Jersey Devils Jakub Vrana (No. 13) or Dylan Larkin (No. 15) would have given them a significant boost. Three of the Devils’ six picks in this class didn’t play in the AHL this season, and it looks unlikely that Josh Jacobs (No. 41) or Brandon Baddock (No. 161) will ever make an impact with the Devils. Ranking the Devils’ drafts (Part I): Tracing the end of the Cup-contending era 36. 2001

Best pick: Aaron Voros (No. 229)

By Corey Masisak Apr 6, 2020 Voros played 162 NHL games, but none until the Devils traded him in 2007.

Worst pick: Adrian Foster (No. 28) The Devils built the foundation for their three championship runs in nine years at the NHL Draft. During his best season in five years with the Devils’ AHL club, Foster finished with eight goals and 21 points. Sure, there were a few deft trades and one fortuitous arbitration decision that delivered . But the core of those three Stanley Cup- What if: Tuomas Pihlman (No. 48) winning teams — , Scott Niedermayer, Ken Danyeko — Mike Cammelleri (No. 49) eventually did join the Devils. Before that, were Devils draft picks. Brendan Shanahan, the free agent defection that though, he scored 144 goals in five seasons (2005-10) and had 13 goals led to Stevens, was too. Twelve months before the first title in 1995, the during Montreal’s 2010 conference finals run. Devils drafted Patrik Elias and he became a critical part of the next two. NHL players: Voros Just as the rise of the Cup-era Devils started at the draft table, the eventual decline began there as well. New Jersey hopes the recent draft Four picks in the top 60, and six in the top 72. They combined for 21 NHL classes will help restore the club to contender status. games. A total whiff, when the Devils could have added valuable assets to fund a potential dynasty. The Athletic decided to rank New Jersey’s draft classes — all 38 of them — but split into two parts. Each class includes the best pick, the worst 35. 2007 pick and a “what if” — a player who was drafted within three picks after the Devils made a selection. The classification of NHL players is Best pick: Matt Halischuk (No. 117) subjective, but generally a player needed to spend at least 3-4 seasons Halischuk had one goal in 21 games for the Devils before he was traded as a regular, or close to 200 games. for (second tour of duty). He then had one 15-goal season Here’s the first half of the rankings. You should be able to see where with Nashville. things started to go wrong for the Devils. Worst pick: Mike Hoeffel (No. 57)

38. 2006 The Devils didn’t have a first-round pick and Hoeffel, the second-round Best pick: Vladimir Zharkov (No. 77) pick, didn’t reach the NHL.

Zharkov played 82 games in the NHL, but he did score two of the three What if: Vili Sopanen (No. 177) goals this class produced. Paul Byron (No. 179), who has played more than 400 NHL games, was Worst pick: (No. 30) part of a trade for veteran defenseman Robyn Regehr the summer before the 2011-12 season. Could he have helped the Devils add a veteran to While everyone in this class qualifies here, Corrente was the first-round improve the roster ahead of what became a Cup finalist season? pick and thus received more attention. He had six assists in 34 NHL games. NHL players: Halischuk

What if: Kirill Tulupov (No. 67) This is another draft class that highlights the decline of the franchise after the players from the Cup era began to age out. The Devils just didn’t Calder Trophy-winning goaltender (No. 69) came two picks have enough reinforcements, and continuing to fill holes with trades and after Tulupov. His stellar rookie year (2008-09) was the same year Martin free agents is never a sound long-term plan. Broduer got hurt and New Jersey needed for 40 games. Mason might not have played enough with the Devils to win the 34. 2002 Calder, but he probably becomes a valuable trade asset in the summer Best pick: Cam Janssen (No. 117) of 2009 or 2010 in this alternate universe. The best player in this draft class scored six goals in 336 NHL games. NHL players: None Worst pick: Anton Kadeykin (No. 51) This was a top-heavy draft league-wide. Nine of the top-10 players by games played were off the board before the Devils picked at No. 30. That The Devils had five picks in the first three rounds. They combined to play said, the failure to pick a single player who became a regular makes this 28 NHL games. class a dud. What if: Barry Tallackson (No. 53) 37. 2014 This one is a killer. The Devils drafted at 51 and 53, and then Chicago Best pick: None selected Duncan Keith at No. 54. Everything about the past decade is different if the Devils have one of the best defensemen of his generation. It’s possible, and more likely than not at this point, that this class won’t produce an NHL regular. NHL players: Janssen

Worst pick: John Quenneville (No. 30) For the third straight year, the Devils had a stockpile of picks in the first three rounds and failed to turn them into a collection of NHL talent. He’s played 42 NHL games, but he’s struggled to convert AHL success to the next level. 33. 1997

What if: Quenneville Best pick: Scott Clemmensen (No. 215)

Claude Lemieux’s kid, Brendan, was the pick after Quenneville and has Clemmensen’s work in 2008-09 helped save the Devils’ season when become a regular for the Rangers after a couple of trades. Martin Brodeur was injured. He played 12 NHL seasons.

NHL players: None Worst pick: Jean-Francois Damphousse (No. 24)

The Devils weren’t going to have a first-round pick at all because of the Damphousse was the first goalie the Devils drafted in the first four rounds Ilya Kovalchuk contract saga, but the NHL eventually gave them No. 30. since Brodeur and Mike Dunham in 1990. He was the first of several They would have had the 11th pick, where selecting Kevin Fiala (No. 11), picks the Devils considered a potential heir to Brodeur’s throne and did Semak had one of the best one-hit wonder seasons in league history not become an NHL goaltender. when he racked up 37 goals and 79 points in 1992-93. He played in only 172 NHL games after that. What if: Damphousse Worst pick: Corey Foster (No. 12) Brendan Morrow (No. 25) would have definitely helped as a middle-six forward in the first part of the 2000s and likely would have been a fan Foster played two games for the Devils before being flipped for the No. favorite for his combination of skill and snarl. 18 pick in the 1989 draft. That pick became Jason Miller, who played six NHL games. NHL players: Clemmensen What if: Matt Ruchty (No. 65) This was a bad draft — there’s no other way around it. You can’t even make the excuse that they traded away too many picks. Ruchty was a left wing who did not make the NHL. That means he scored 1,533 fewer points than , who was pick No. 67. 32. 2010 NHL players: Zdeno Ciger (No. 54), Semak Best pick: Jon Merrill (No. 38) Fourteen picks combined for fewer than 300 games with the Devils. Merrill played 214 games for the Devils over four years before going to Vegas in the expansion draft. 28. 2009

Worst pick: Scott Wedgewood (No. 84) Best pick: (No. 20)

Wedgewood, a third-round pick, has played 24 games in the NHL, Josefson had plenty of opportunities but never finished with more than including four with the Devils. six goals or 14 points in a season.

What if: Wedgewood Worst pick: Alexander Urbom (No. 73)

The pickings are slim from this draft. Julian Melchiori (No. 87) might have Urbom was a third-round pick who played 34 games across four NHL played more than 30 NHL games if he were there during Ray Shero’s seasons. first couple of seasons. What if: Eric Gelinas (No. 54) NHL players: Merrill Gelinas had a couple of solid seasons with the Devils, but Dmirti Orlov New Jersey didn’t have a first- or fifth-round pick and the rest of them are (No. 55) would have been a much better long-term option on the blue uninspiring. line.

31. 1999 NHL players: Josefson

Best pick: Mike Commodore (No. 42) Four of the seven picks played in the NHL, but none of them became impact players. Commodore played 57 games for the Devils before he was part of the trade package that landed Jeff Friesen. 27. 2005

Worst pick: Ari Ahonen (No. 27) Best pick: Mark Fayne (No. 155)

Ahonen spent five seasons in the AHL before returning to Europe for 10 Fayne developed into a solid NHL defenseman for several seasons, more years. which is great value for a fifth-round pick.

What if: Brett Clouthier (No. 50) Worst pick: (No. 38)

Adam Hall (No. 52) played 682 games in the NHL. He might not have Frazee was another of the potential successors to Martin Brodeur who cracked the Devils lineup before the 2004-05 lockout, but he would have didn’t find a place in the NHL. been a better trade asset than Clouthier. What if: Nicklas Bergfors (No. 23) NHL players: Commodore Bergfors had one promising season and became part of the package that This is one of the worst drafts in NHL history at the league-wide level. At landed Ilya Kovalchuk, but the next pick was T.J. Oshie. He would been the local level, seven of the eight players the Devils drafted never played an extra top-six forward for the Devils in the early 2010s. in the NHL. NHL players: Bergfors, Mark Fraser (No. 84), Fayne 30. 1986 Selecting three players who spent at least a few seasons in the NHL Best pick: Kevin Todd (No. 129) pushes this group ahead of the worst New Jersey classes, but not drafting a player who reached 400 games makes it a disappointing haul. Todd had 21 goals and 63 points as a rookie in 1991-92, but he never got close to that again in an NHL career that lasted 383 games. 26. 2013

Worst pick: Neil Brady (No. 3) Best pick: Miles Wood (No. 100)

Brady had two goals in 29 NHL games before the Devils traded him for Often the target of fans’ ire over the past two seasons, Wood is still a future considerations when he was 24 years old. He never reached 100 fourth-round pick who has become an NHL regular. He’s also scored the games. third-most goals of any Devils draft pick since 2008, behind Nico Hischier and Blake Coleman. What if: Brady Worst pick: Ryan Kujawinski (No. 73) Any of the next three selections would have been a better pick than Brady. had the potential to be the No. 2 center A third-round pick who lasted three years in the AHL and played part of behind Kirk Muller on those late 1980s teams. his fourth season in Austria.

NHL players: Todd What if: Kujawinski

After four good-to-great drafts, this was the franchise’s first dud since Pavel Buchnevich (No. 75) would be a nice option to have right now, moving to New Jersey. given the Devils’ depth chart on the wings is light on scorers.

29. 1988 NHL players: Wood

Best pick: Alexander Semak (No. 207) The Devils sent their first-round pick (No. 9) to Vancouver for . The rest of the class, save for Wood, has not worked out. Steven Santini (No. 42) played 114 games for the Devils, mostly when Best pick: Jesper Bratt (No. 162) the defense corps was short on NHL-ready options. Bratt is the only player drafted after the fourth round from this class who 25. 2018 has played more than 62 games in the NHL so far.

Best pick: Ty Smith (No. 18) Worst pick: Brandon Gignac (No. 80)

Smith was disappointed to not make the Devils roster in training camp, Gignac had 14 points in 36 games this season and has been passed by but he had a monster second half of the season and remains the club’s a few forwards on the organizational depth chart. top prospect. What if: Michael McLeod (No. 12) Worst pick: Xavier Bernard (No. 110) McLeod has yet to establish himself as an NHL regular; Charlie McAvoy It’s too early to rule out anyone from this class, but Bernard hasn’t (No. 14) would be the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately matched the offensive production from his draft year in either of the past need. two seasons and has slid on Devils’ prospect lists. NHL players: Joey Anderson (No. 73), Bratt What if: Yegor Sharangovich (No. 141) Anderson played much better in his second stint with the Devils and Sharangovich caught fire in the final 15 games of the AHL season, but should be a regular moving forward. McLeod has a lot to prove in 2020- Mike Callahan (No. 142) was a top-10 collegiate defenseman in points 21. The Devils traded Yegor Rykov and Jeremy Davies for present-day per game while playing with Devils prospects Tyce Thompson and help, but both could be NHL defensemen in the future. Patrick Moynihan at Providence. 21. 2000 NHL players: None Best pick: Paul Martin (No. 62) Other than Smith, Akira Schmid is an intriguing goaltending prospect and a couple of the other players could find a way to the NHL. Martin was a really good NHL player with unfortunate timing. He arrived in New Jersey in 2004, then Pittsburgh in 2010 before leaving in 2015. 24. 2008 The Devils won the Cup in 2003, while the Penguins won in 2009, 2016 and 2017. Best pick: Adam Henrique (No. 82) Worst pick: Teemu Laine (No. 39) Henrique scored two series-winning goals en route to the Stanley Cup Final as a rookie in 2012 and was one of the most popular players in Laine was the first of the Devils’ four second-round picks in this draft franchise history to not lift the Cup. (Martin was the fourth). The first three combined for 18 NHL games.

Worst pick: Brandon Burlon (No. 52) What if: Max Birbraer (No. 67)

The second-round pick spent five years with the AHL club, but never Joel Lundqvist went one pick after Birbraer. What a missed opportunity earned a recall and eventually ended up playing in Europe. that doesn’t have to do with the 134 games he played in the NHL. Imagine Henrik’s twin brother playing against him in the Hudson River What if: (No. 24) rivalry.

The Devils drafted a Swedish center who failed to develop into an NHL NHL players: (No. 22), Martin, Mike Rupp (No. 76), Deryk player and ended up back home. Three picks later, a kid who grew up Engelland (No. 194) playing youth hockey in northern New Jersey, John Carlson, went to the Capitals. It’s not just Carlson in this class: Burlon was one pick before Rupp scored one of the most memorable goals in franchise history. New Travis Hamonic, Patrice Cormier (No. 54) was one before Marco Jersey had seven of the top 76 picks in this draft. It could have set the Scandella and Matt Delahey (No. 112) was two before T.J. Brodie. That’s Devils up to continue their reign as a top Cup contender into the second an above-average defense corps in one draft class. half of the decade. It didn’t work out that way.

NHL players: Henrique 20. 2012

Henrique was the only impact player the Devils drafted between 2005 Best pick: Damon Severson (No. 60) and 2011, but the rest of the class offered no further depth and there were clearly some missed opportunities. Severson is one of the two best defensemen, along with Adam Larsson, the Devils have drafted since 2000. 23. 2004 Worst pick: Stefan Matteau (No. 29) Best pick: Travis Zajac (No. 20) not giving this pick up, when the NHL had given the club Zajac was going to play in his 1,000th NHL game for the Devils at the the option of yielding one of four first-round picks from 2011-14, was end of this season had the league not stopped because of the borderline malpractice at the time. The NHL did relent and gave them the coronavirus pandemic. He might have to wait until next season to reach 30th pick in 2014, but it cost them 19 spots. And Matteau didn’t pan out. that milestone. What if: Matteau Worst pick: Alexander Mikhailishin (No. 155) Tanner Pearson (No. 30) would have spent the past half-decade as a With no picks in the second, third or fourth round, the Devils made top-six forward for the Devils. Mikhailishin the second member of the class. He never came to North America, playing only six games in Russia’s top league (the pre-KHL NHL players: Severson, Alex Kerfoot (No. 150) super league). The Devils drafted two good NHL players, but signed only one of them. What if: Josh Disher (No. 185) Kerfoot spent four years in college and became a free agent before signing with the Avalanche. Robbie Earl (No. 187) played 47 games in the NHL, which was 47 more than Disher, and would have helped the AHL club, at least. Disher played The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 in one AHL game and two ECHL contests.

NHL players: Zajac

After landing Grant Marshall for the ‘03 Cup run, the Devils traded up from No. 22 to get Zajac in two of the three deals that cost them the missing draft choices. Getting a stalwart like Zajac late in the first round translated to good value.

22. 2016 1182353 New York Islanders Lamoriello said Pelech, who suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon in early January, would be ready for next season. That could mean he’s available for whatever comes in the summer, but his long absence from skating would make his return difficult. Cizikas and Johnny Boychuk would be ‘Our game was coming’: Barry Trotz hasn’t stopped strategizing during ready, however. the break “It’s everybody starting at almost equal footing,” Trotz said. “There’s teams that were locked in all year and then it got cut off. I felt like we were locking it back in and now we’re healthy. We’ve been a team when By Arthur Staple Apr 6, 2020 we get to sort things out, we’ve been good out of the blocks. What an opportunity that is. I wouldn’t care who we play — I think we’d have a great opportunity.” For Barry Trotz, the indefinite pause of the NHL season doesn’t mean his coaching brain has turned off. There’s time now, of course — plenty of it The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 — so he can work on projects around the family’s home, get in walks and runs and learn the finer points of Mario Kart with son Nolan, the only one of his four kids still at home.

“I played maybe 12 races. I think I won one,” Trotz said.

That leaves the Islanders coach with many hours each day to plan. For what, no one knows exactly, but that hasn’t kept Trotz from gaming out as many different scenarios as he can drum up. He’s basing them off of NHL reports on Twitter or from his conversations with Lou Lamoriello and his Islanders players, all of whom are cooped up like Trotz is.

“I’m trying to prepare like we’re going to start up again and what that will look like,” he said. “It helps me mentally, because when we do get going it’ll be 0-60 pretty quick.”

Trotz has heard all the rumored options that the league and the players association have thrown around, from trying to pick up where the regular season left off to starting the playoffs immediately based on the current standings to even adding 2-4 playoff teams per conference. And he’s studying accordingly.

“I’ve got four or five different models of what it might be. You might not use most of them, but you’re not wasting time,” Trotz said. “You’re continuing to reassess so you’ll be more mentally prepared to take on the challenge of when it does come about. I’m doing stuff I would change, looking at possible teams to start up. You hear the different scenarios — 12-team playoff per conference, you look at that. Look at your own stuff, see what you did and what you might do different.”

He’s had time to assess where his Islanders were when the league and the sports world shut down nearly a month ago. The Islanders were in dire straits, having come off a seventh straight winless game in Vancouver (0-3-4) that also dropped them to 19-20-8 since their 15-0-2 run ended in late November. If the league were to take 16 teams to a summer playoff, consensus is the Islanders would be due to a better points percentage than the Blue Jackets. But scraping by to face the league-best Bruins was not how Trotz envisioned his second season going, especially after the torrid start.

But Trotz, who cited injuries to key Islanders like Adam Pelech, Cal Clutterbuck and as impediments and said he “wished I’d adjusted better to those,” saw encouraging signs even through the spate of losses last month.

“I felt very confident our game was coming,” he said. “It was not coming easy, which is what I like. I don’t think anything worth going after is easy. In Washington, we went through some tough times. I’m sure my head was on the chopping block a couple times, but we had to go through the tough times to have success. We did and we came out of it — and I knew we were going to win.

“We lost the first two (playoff) games in Washington (in 2018), won that Game 3 in Columbus in overtime and I said to my staff, ‘I guarantee we’re going to win a Stanley Cup.’ And they were saying, ‘OK, it’s one win, calm down.’ But there were layers of confidence that were coming out – we were in the right place to have success. I felt comfortable with the way we were doing it.

“We were mentally ready for all of that, because we had gone through it during the year and it didn’t faze us. You can’t put a number on that, any analytics. No different than what we’re going through as a society. We’re going to figure it out and be better for it, a better place mentally as a society. And we’re going through tough times.”

As for a playoff scenario, Trotz is like everyone around the league: He wants to see more hockey. “Society will tell us whether we can do that,” he said, “but I know everyone wants to be able to compete for a Stanley Cup and have a champion.” 1182354 New York Rangers By the way? The Rangers have gotten no games and no minutes but plenty of nothing from their seven 2015 draftees. The 2016 class accounts for only nine games (and one assist) from fifth-rounder Tim Gettinger, but third-rounder Tarmo Reunanen could change the equation. Igor Shesterkin’s swagger is cherry on top of growing Rangers legend True, the Blueshirts did not have a first-round choice in those three drafts, but please. Which is essentially what general manager Jeff Gorton had been saying for years to the Russian: Please come to North By Larry Brooks April 6, 2020 | 8:41pm | Updated America. Please.

Shesterkin’s arrival on Broadway infused the Rangers with energy. It just Part 13 of a series analyzing the New York Rangers. did. At the moment it seemed as if the promotion was about the future, but the goaltender made it about the present. The team elevated its The Rangers haven’t had very many flamboyant players throughout their game and charged into the playoff race by going 16-6, though Alexandar history. Sean Avery, maybe. Gene Carr, blond locks flying behind him as Georgiev got eight of those starts and Lundqvist three. That distribution he raced down the wing, sure, but he lasted about two years and was of labor was caused in large part by the pair of injuries Shesterkin beaten down by the time he was sent away in the early 70’s. Eddie sustained, one an ankle issue that sidelined him for three contests, and Shack, most definitely, but he last wore the Blueshirt almost 60 years the other a non-displaced broken rib he suffered in an automobile ago. accident that forced him to miss six more opportunities.

Jacques Plante, oh for sure, but the fabled netminder who joined the The opportunity is there for Shesterkin to become what the Rangers have team at age 35 for the 1963-64 season, did not have nearly enough envisioned since 2014. And that is, the heir to Lundqvist’s throne. The success in his year-plus in New York to flaunt his stuff. There was, flamboyance, that’s the cherry on top. Plante would be proud. however, the grandiose and theatrical bow he took after recording a in his Garden debut as a Ranger. New York Post LOADED: 04.07.2020

But the Blueshirts have one now and if he is not necessarily the linear descendent of Plante, Igor Shesterkin plays the position with a touch of showmanship that also recalls another French-Canadian goaltender by the name of Patrick Roy.

A touch of showmanship, a pinch of competitive arrogance, and a heaping amount of talent. Plante. Roy. Shesterkin.

Now wait a second. I don’t have the 24-year-old Russian joining the pair of French-Canadians in the Hockey Hall of Fame just yet. But there is that aura that radiates from Shesterkin. Not only is he going to beat you, he is going to beat you with style.

Something in the way he moves attracts me like no other goalie. Thanks, George Harrison. When Shesterkin goes side to side, it’s as if he’s on a bed of air and his pads sort of hover over the ice. He is lightning quick post-to-post, just as he is with his glove. His ability to handle and move the puck is a transformative asset. His ability to think the position is rare.

It was going to be impossible to fill Joe DiMaggio’s shoes and along came Mickey Mantle. It was going to be impossible to fill ’s skates and along has come Mr. Shesterkin.

Again, we are talking about a player who has 12 NHL games to his résumé. There is still much to learn. He has never been tasked with carrying his team through a season, obviously not here and certainly not previously in the KHL, where he never played more than 39 games in a year while honing his craft. We don’t know how he would respond to a slump. Not only didn’t he encounter one here — won his first two starts, lost one, won his next seven, lost another one that he followed immediately with a victory — but he has encountered a slump almost exactly never.

In five years with SKA St. Petersburg, Shesterkin was 79-14-13. He was 17-4-3 during his AHL apprenticeship, and 10-2 with the Rangers after his Jan. 6 promotion. Add it up. The goaltender’s transcontinental career record is 106-20-16. No sir, we do not know how No. 31 would handle a slump.

Shesterkin is no kid. Neither was Lundqvist when he came over in 2005. Each arrived on the scene as a world-class goaltender, the NHL rookie designation aside. Still, the poise Shesterkin displayed after landing smack-dab in the middle of a three-goaltender wheel — no, a carousel — that included franchise icon Lundqvist was as impressive as his talent.

When is the last time the Rangers waited five years for a player, as they did for Shesterkin, whom they drafted in the fourth round, 118th overall, in 2014? That would be never. The front office was patient, because there essentially was no other choice. There might be a lesson in here somewhere that can be applied to some draft choices when the organization does have a choice.

Until Shesterkin made his debut with that Jan. 7, 5-3 victory over the Avalanche, the sum and substance of the Blueshirts’ seven-player 2014 draft class had amounted to this: second-rounder Brandon Halverson’s 12:33 of mop-up work in relief of Lundqvist on Feb. 17, 2018. Not one of the other five players made it to the NHL. 1182355 New York Rangers Statement from the National Hockey League: pic.twitter.com/ykOTlDas6u — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 3, 2020

In the ensuing hours and days, I've spent a lot of time reflecting. I also K'Andre Miller, racism and the power of conversation: Mercogliano spent time answering tweets, direct messages and emails.

Some reached out because they were angry, and I couldn’t blame them. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL Writer Published 3:37 p.m. ET April 6, 2020 As a white man who was born in America, I’m in no position to assume | Updated 5:59 p.m. ET April 6, 2020 anything about how a person of color would want a situation like this handled.

Many of those conversations were poignant. I heard from some who felt it By the time I was done with my work on Friday afternoon, my girlfriend was important to call out racism in every instance — even when the and I decided to go for a short walk. culprit couldn’t be identified or held accountable — and others who felt that these hateful online creatures thrived off garnering a reaction, and Since I returned to Manhattan after the NHL paused its season due to the we shouldn’t give them that satisfaction. Miller himself told The Athletic, coronavirus pandemic on March 12, we've tried to take time each day to "(I am) trying to move past it as fast as possible.” unplug — especially by staying off social media. The feeling of community on platforms like Twitter has been comforting, but I don’t want I was heartened by the kindness of those who took the time to reach out. to constantly live in that space. Even though the approaches differed, the overwhelming majority of people I heard from wanted the same solution — the erosion of racism, When we got back, I logged on to share a story I had written earlier in the and for Miller to feel the support of the masses. day after a conversation with New York Rangers assistant general manager Chris Drury. It reinforced why dialogue is so important. A tweet is limited to 280 characters — often vague on details and open to interpretation. But I noticed dozens of new notifications, many which contained a video clip taking the time to understand each other through conversation is much of the Rangers hosting a live Q&A for fans with newly signed prospect more powerful. K’Andre Miller through the video conferencing platform Zoom. Journalists have a huge role to play in that. I still feel strongly that I don’t Suddenly, I felt sick to my stomach. want to give anonymous, unaccountable commenters a platform, but The chat that appeared next to the video had been hijacked by, as the discrimination in any form should be responsibly reported on. It’s why the Rangers put it, “a vile individual,” who was hurling racial slurs at Miller, last big project I tackled in my previous job as lohud sports team leader who is African-American. There aren’t enough words to express how examined the lack of diversity in administrative positions in sports, and repulsive it was and how disturbing it must have been for Miller as he why we made efforts to cover instances of racism, sexism and watched it happen. homophobia at the high school level.

A fan captured video of the incident, which was being shared I came away from the experience with three prevailing thoughts: Listen to everywhere. I had countless people tweeting at me about how upsetting each other, be kind to each other, and be supportive of those who deal it was to watch, and I saw many others expressing the same sentiments. with hate in any form — particularly someone like Miller, who is beginning his professional career in a game that has a checkered history of racism. My first instinct was that I didn’t want to add to that shocking virality by retweeting the video — and then I began to think about accountability. Rangers defenseman and Miller’s future teammate Jacob Trouba did a much better job than me of summing it up in one tweet. I had a bad feeling that the person who did this would be nearly impossible to identify, which was later confirmed by a source in the “What happened today was inexcusable and cowardly," Trouba wrote. league. This anonymous hijacking has been an issue for Zoom — now "Racism has no place in the hockey community or the world. being called a “zoom-bomb” — and has gained attention in the last few @kandre_miller we are excited to have you as a part of the days, even eliciting an FBI warning. @NYRangers and I look forward to having you as a teammate.”

A statement from #NYR: pic.twitter.com/Jo1RNmUdrr What happened today was inexcusable and cowardly. Racism has no place in the hockey community or the world. @kandre_miller we are — New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 3, 2020 excited to have you as a part of the @NYRangers and I look forward to having you as a teammate. It made me think back to the anonymous commenting system we had years ago when I was a high school sports reporter for lohud.com. The — Jacob Trouba (@JacobTrouba) April 4, 2020 ability to hide your identity turned it into a feeding ground for people who wanted to cause a stir with no consequences. We saw all kinds of bigotry Bergen Record LOADED: 04.07.2020 and nastiness — even the posting of reporters' home addresses with threatening messages.

Ultimately, we decided to get rid of that system and close the anonymous cesspool. Unchecked, too many were taking advantage of the ability to spread hate — and we didn’t want to provide a platform for it.

All of this was racing through my mind as I saw the video appear over and over again — including being published on certain blogs and at least one news site — so I decided to send a tweet. I wanted to make it clear that I wasn’t going to use my platform to share the video and I wanted to implore others to do the same. I wrote that I didn’t want to give “those who spew hate” the “attention” I believed they were seeking by using the Zoom chat in such a despicable way.

Within minutes, for the second time that day, I felt sick to my stomach.

While many people reached out to echo my message, others were upset by it. They perceived it as me saying that racism should be ignored or “swept under the rug.”

That certainly wasn’t my intention, but I felt terrible because I hadn’t been clearer. I wished I would have worded it differently, or not sent it at all. In the hopes of minimizing the influence of this individual — and the pain they caused — I felt like it had the opposite effect, which is why I sent an apology tweet. 1182356 Ottawa Senators scheduled to hold a conference call Monday afternoon to provide feedback on what they’re hearing from the members of their team on whether to take the money or not.

Bettman and the NHL's board of governors continue to play the waiting A typical payroll among the roughly 700 players in the league is $125 game million.

Some members of the union want the owners to withhold their paycheques so when the two sides negotiate the escrow down the road Bruce Garrioch the players aren’t hit hard by a massive payment next year when the final results of this pause are added up. While it’s an issue the players are Published:April 6, 2020 heavily divided on, the belief is they’ll take the money because who Updated:April 6, 2020 6:13 PM EDT knows when they’re going to get their next paycheque?

The players will be getting back $78 million — approximately 3% of what they paid into escrow — for the 2018-19 season in mid-April. The NHL’s board of governors had a phone call with Gary Bettman and Bill Daly on Monday afternoon and the picture remains cloudy at best. Everybody is still holding hope of playing.

The commissioner and deputy commissioner have been providing the “It’s an unprecedented time for everybody in the world to win this war governors with a bi-weekly update on league issues and the latest from with the pandemic and slowly work our way back to normal life,” the medical experts they’ve been working with regarding COVID-19. Edmonton GM Ken Holland told Bob Stauffer on Oilers’ Now on 630 Bettman and Daly both speak with the owners individually regularly, but CHED. “As I’m sitting, we’re all home, I’m dreaming and hoping for the this was an opportunity to have everybody on the same call to discuss opportunity to finish 2019-20 season and see what we can accomplish.” what the next steps may be. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 04.07.2020 Not only was Bettman expected to provide the 31 owners with an update on the call with U.S. President Donald Trump he participated in with several other commissioners — including Major League Baseball’s Rob Manfred and Adam Silver of the NBA — Saturday afternoon, the league is studying different scenarios on how to finish the regular season and hold the playoffs if that’s even possible.

It’s been 27 days since the NHL went on pause March 12 because of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus around the world and there was just over 10 percent of the schedule left to be played when the governors decided it was best to close the doors for everybody’s safety. The league is still hoping it will be able to finish the season, hold meaningful playoffs and award the Stanley Cup.

The hope for that happening seems to fade with each passing day, but the belief in league circles is Bettman, Daly, and the 31 governors along with NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr and the players want it to happen because if they don’t play the hit to the league’s bottom line could be more than $1 billion, which would be a tough financial blow for everybody involved.

At some point, you have to think the league will have to walk away from its hope of finishing the final 10 percent of the season and if the teams do come back they’d go straight to a playoff-type tournament after a short training camp to get back into shape. There has been speculation that could be as many as 24 teams with those just outside the wild-card spots remaining in the picture.

The league is also studying the option of splitting those teams into four groups and holding separate tourneys in neutral sites so nobody has a competitive advantage. ’s indicated Sunday night that Grand Forks, N.D. is one possibility being discussed by the league and the union, and long-time broadcaster John Shannon said Monday that Manchester, N.H., is being considered.

The talk among league insiders is that is on the radar screen if they decide to go this route but let’s be realistic because this is all a long way from reality. If this is about trying to cut back on some of the losses, which is a big part of the picture, then doesn’t the league have to find a way to capitalize on the Toronto market?

Whatever scenario the NHL determines is the best if they can’t complete the schedule has to be agreed on by the players because contracts are set to expire on July 1. The players are unanimous they’d like to finish the season — even if it’s just the playoffs — and free agents would simply extend their agreements with the league if it requires them to play into July, August or even September.

“I’m looking forward to getting out of the house, I’m sure like everybody else is, and getting back to normal and getting out there to start playing again,” said winger Patrick Marleau, who was dealt from the San Jose Sharks to the at the deadline, on a video conference Monday.

Front and centre right now is what the players are going to do with their final paycheque which is due to be deposited into their bank accounts on April 15. The NHLPA’s executive committee and the player reps were 1182357 Ottawa Senators The Belleville coaching staff hoped Formenton could provide around 15 goals as a first-year professional. With 27 goals, he greatly exceeded expectations.

Breaking down the top Senators prospects with Belleville coach Troy “Everybody knew coming into this season that Alex’s speed was going to Mann be a weapon, whether he was in the AHL or the NHL — there was just no doubt. I mean, he has elite, elite speed,” Mann said. “It was more a matter of: Can we develop him into a better all-around player?”

By Hailey Salvian Apr 6, 2020 Mann believes they accomplished that this year.

Formenton was an AHL All-Star and won the fastest skater competition (to nobody’s surprise). He also went from a third- or fourth-line, penalty- With the NHL and AHL seasons suspended indefinitely, many of the killing winger to an offensive threat and a first-unit power-play guy, Ottawa Senators’ prospects might have played their final games of 2019- although that might not be where he slots in at the NHL level. His 27 20. goals and 53 points are second overall for rookies behind Norris and The loss of the end of the season would be a major hit not just for sixth in goals and seventh in points overall. individual players but for the Belleville Senators as a whole. The team As a first-year pro and a second-round draft pick, Formenton’s appeared primed for a deep playoff push. At the time of the pause, development appears ahead of the curve. Belleville sat in the top spot in the North Division and third in the Eastern Conference. “He’s as close as you get when you look at our prospects,” Mann said. “On the left side, I think Formenton is the closest left winger (to being It could be a while before any pucks drop again, but it’s worth digging into NHL-ready).” a number of the Senators’ top prospects to evaluate their season. Belleville head coach Troy Mann spoke to The Athletic to provide some Logan Brown (C) insight into those players. 22 years old | Drafted 11th overall in 2016 There are also several notable young players who were overseas, in junior or the NCAA: Lassi Thomson, Mads Søgaard and Shane Pinto. GP: 25 | G: 7 | A: 21 | P: 28 This list includes only Belleville prospects and does not include Christian Brown split this year between Belleville (25 games) and Ottawa (23 Wolanin, who was injured most of the year, as his sample size was too games), but he did not play a full season due to injuries. small at the NHL and AHL levels. Rookie Josh Norris was also excluded from this list. We’ll have a full feature on him in the coming days. The centre has unquestionable skill and playmaking ability, but injuries have impacted his development path. Drake Batherson (RW) “It’s very difficult to be consistent as a hockey player when you’re not 21 years old | Drafted 121st overall in 2017 healthy,” Mann said. GP: 44 | G: 16 | A: 38 | P: 54 Brown excelled at the NHL level when he was initially called up, but he As expected, Batherson put up impressive numbers in Belleville. But that got injured in early November in Boston and his production (and ice time) was never the point of him being sent down. trailed off. Then, in Belleville, he was dominant and arguably the team’s best player through January and early February before he was injured At the start of Senators training camp, there was an NHL roster spot for again. Batherson to lose, and he did after two games. “He is an elite talent at the AHL level, and his skill set is certainly good He appeared uncertain with the puck and too afraid to make mistakes. enough to play in the NHL,” Mann said. “Logan does things at this level He was sent back to Belleville to work on his game, which he later told when he’s playing well that a lot of guys can’t do.” The Athletic was “the best thing for me.” But like many young players, Brown’s play away from the puck and his “Like a lot of these skilled players, it’s not about them coming down and ability to win one-on-one battles need to improve. And, of course, he ripping it up offensively,” Mann said. “It was about the finer details of him needs to stay healthy. becoming a more two-way player in terms of his play away from the puck and his ability to track pucks down and have good stick detail in terms of “I would like to see a season where Logan Brown does all the right things trying to get the puck back. in the offseason and stays healthy to see what his potential is because there’s still a level to go,” Mann said. “And until he reaches that level, it’s “Because at the end of the day, you’re not going to have the puck as going to be difficult for him to be a full-time NHL player, in my opinion.” much in the NHL, but for an offensive-skilled player, you need the puck to be successful.” Erik Brannstrom (LD)

Mann said Batherson worked really hard at improving in the areas the 20 years old | Drafted 15th overall in 2017 (by Vegas) organization pointed to. And after the All-Star break, he returned to GP: 27 | G: 3 | A: 20 | P: 23 Ottawa a different player, scoring two goals and eight points in 14 NHL games. He was sent back to Belleville before the trade deadline, but that After 23 games in the NHL, Brannstrom was sent to Belleville to rebuild was more part of the organization’s plan to keep its young core together his game. to make a push for the rather than any glaring flaws in his game. Expectations were high (he was touted as 2.0), but his offensive potential was rarely on display in his time with the NHL So, can he translate what he learned this year to a full-time NHL job Senators. He had only two assists during his first NHL stint. whenever the 2020-21 season begins? Brannstrom’s game was a bit out of sorts when he played his first game “It’s in his hands, and I think he has to be certainly serious about his with Belleville in mid-December, and it understandably took an offseason in terms of getting stronger and then doing the right things adjustment period for him to settle in. But when he did, Mann was happy away from the rink, whether it’s nutrition, to make sure that he’s ready to with where the young Swede’s game was, especially defensively. go to be part of that mix,” Mann said. “This offseason is even bigger than last season because, to me, Drake has nothing else to prove in Belleville Brannstrom is not a big player. He’s listed as 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds. or the AHL, and now it’s about making that adjustment to be a full-time He’ll never be able to box out every player or win every puck battle in the NHL player.” NHL because he’s just not big enough. So, what Mann and the Belleville coaching staff worked on was getting Brannstrom to rely on his instincts Alex Formenton (LW) and his stick details to win battles and close in on gaps faster.

20 years old | Drafted 47th overall in 2017 “I really liked where his game was at,” Mann said.

GP: 61 | G: 27 | A: 26 | P: 53 However, like Brown, Brannstrom was shut down due to injury before the season was suspended. And although Brannstrom made the NHL club out of camp this season, “I think even though Daccord probably didn’t like the fact that he went Mann said he thinks Brannstrom needs a bit more time in the AHL. down to Brampton in October, he would admit to you right now, if you talked to him, that was the best thing for his development,” Mann said. “He’s close (to NHL-ready), but in my opinion, I think he needs to stay healthy and that he needs another chunk of games in the AHL,” he said. In December, Daccord told The Athletic his time with the Beast was “There’s nothing wrong with that because he’s a young player and plays instrumental to his game. a tough position on defense.” “I think it was good for me to go down to the East Coast league and just Vitaly Abramov (LW) play,” he said. “I played a lot of games and kind of got the reps and got to learn to be a pro. It gave me a good opportunity to know how to approach 21 years old | Drafted 65th overall in 2016 (by Columbus) the game and gave me a good chance to be successful.”

GP: 51 | G: 18 | A: 23 | P: 41 The 23-year-old was called up to Belleville twice in December due to Abramov is an intriguing prospect. injuries in Ottawa and stuck after his second recall.

He is brimming with skill, and his creativity with the puck is impressive. “He proved that he’s the No. 1 goalie in the AHL,” Mann said. “I mean, However, on one shift he could score a highlight-reel goal and on the his stats are excellent.” next he could give up a grade-A scoring chance at the other end, which Daccord’s 2.61 GAA ranked third overall for rookie goalies, while his .915 is something that happened at the AHL and NHL levels this season. save percentage ranked second among rookies. Both sat in the top 20 His defensive awareness and play away from the puck need work, but overall (18th and 13th, respectively). Mann said Abramov has “come a long way this year.” And although he’s a rookie, he is three years older than Gustavsson after He also has many positive traits to his game: his work ethic, drive and spending three decorated years with Arizona State University. grit. Abramov is a small player — listed as 5-10 — but he’s not afraid to The maturity level, the age difference and the fact Daccord played in the go to the dirty areas of the ice and get on the forecheck. ECHL all give him an edge. He had some ups and downs, too, but he Mann also noted that Abramov is stronger defensively when he’s playing was able to play through them and be better for it. on the left side. (Abramov is a left-shot winger but “loves” to play on his “Joey got lit up for eight or nine one night in Toledo, so he took his licks off wing). down there,” Mann said. “But he really did well, and then he came in and, Still, there is another level Abramov needs to reach in his game. to me, he proved that he is a real viable prospect, that he can be a No. 1 goalie in the league, and he has a chance to play in the NHL.” “When you get to the NHL level, obviously it’s a smarter league,” Mann said. “So, can he make those adaptations to be a full-time NHLer when The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 you’ve got players like Sidney Crosby and (Evgeni) Malkin and (Connor) McDavid who can make you look silly at times if you’re not playing the game the right way?

“I don’t think he’s NHL-ready (yet). … But I certainly think there’s a chance for him.”

Filip Gustavsson (G)

21 years old | Drafted 55th overall in 2016 (by Pittsburgh)

GP: 24 |Record: 15-6-1 | GAA: 3.23 | SV%: .889

When asked about Gustavsson, Mann traced back to his first year as a pro in 2018-19.

The organization ran into injuries at the goalie position, which forced Gustavsson to be the No.1 goalie for a significant amount of time when he wasn’t necessarily ready for that kind of role. In fact, Mann said the plan was for the rookie netminder to spend time in the ECHL and “just play games.”

“The game is not as structured (in the ECHL); you’re giving up way more scoring chances, and I just believe that these goalies become better because of that,” he said. “Because of the injury situation, as a staff, we were not able to manage his games. … So, in my opinion, it was a tough first year pro for Gus.”

This year was marginally better.

From purely a wins and losses standpoint, Gustavsson had a great season. However, his goals-against average and save percentage tell a different story. Not to mention, Belleville often outscored any issues in net — it led the AHL with 3.77 goals per game.

His individual stats, while not the whole story, would indicate there is still a ways to go before Gustavsson is NHL-ready.

“I think what he has on his side is, one, he’s a great kid and, two, he’s still really, really young,” Mann said. “And those are the two most positive things I can say about Gus.”

Joey Daccord (G)

23 years old | Drafted 199th overall in 2015

GP: 24 |Record: 15-6-1 | GAA: 2.61 | SV%: .915

Daccord is the perfect example of what can happen when you go to the ECHL to “just play.” 1182358 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers donate $250,000 to help Philabundance feed people during coronavirus pandemic

by Sam Carchidi,

Flyers donate $250,000 to help Philabundance feed people during coronavirus pandemic

Flyers Charities is donating $250,000 to fight hunger across the Philadelphia area, Philabundance announced Monday.

The donation will allow Philabundance, one of the area’s largest hunger- relief organizations, to feed 160,000 people struggling with food needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flyers’ James van Riemsdyk discusses season’s uncertainty and teammate who is ‘the straw that stirs the drink’

“Prior to COVID-19, approximately 700,000 people across our nine- county service area went to bed at night not knowing where their next meal would come from,” said Sara Hertz, chief development officer at Philabundance. “Several weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic, that number is steadily increasing.”

She said the donation would help provide meals for thousands of children, families, and seniors in need.

In addition to the donation, the Flyers have pledged to provide future in- person support at Philabundance distribution centers.

Last week, the 76ers and the Sixers Youth Foundation contributed $250,000 to Philabundance. With the Flyers’ gift, the sports teams of the Wells Fargo Center have donated $500,000 to help provide food to 320,000 people in the region.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182359 Philadelphia Flyers

Toughest player he has faced? Joel Farabee has shown he's ready for his answers

By Jordan Hall April 06, 2020 9:15 PM

Joel Farabee was 5 years old when Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut.

One would understand if Farabee was nervous playing against the two- time winner and three-time Stanley Cup champion for the first time as a teenage rookie in the NHL.

But Farabee has more than held his own against some of the league's biggest stars, which says a lot about the Flyers' 2018 first-round pick who just turned 20 years old in February.

“Wow, there are a lot of good players in the NHL," Farabee said Monday on NBC Sports Philadelphia's Flyers Talk podcast when asked who was the toughest player he has faced in 2019-20. "Just playing against Sidney Crosby a few times was really cool, I think he had a few points in both the games that I played in. You could see him in warmups and stuff like that, how focused he is and he’s such a good player, he sees the ice so well.

“Another player I’d say is Nathan MacKinnon, how good he is, how fast of a skater he is. Those are two guys I definitely get excited playing against just because of how good they are. I enjoy being on the ice with them.”

When the Flyers beat the Penguins, 3-0, on Jan. 21, Farabee played on a line with Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek. That trio faced Crosby's line a bunch and No. 87 went scoreless as the Flyers shut out Pittsburgh.

The Flyers had no fear putting Farabee in such a situation. He also played on the same line Feb. 1, when the Flyers held MacKinnon to no points in a 6-3 win over the Avalanche.

In five combined games against the Penguins and Avalanche, Farabee has put up four points (two goals, two assists) — and his role grew with each matchup.

The path to his NHL dream prepared Farabee for those moments.

“Leaving to go to prep school at 14 I think it was, it was definitely totally different, I had never really lived away from home," Farabee said. "Being able to live away from home, play on a team really helped me out, it forced myself to rely on teammates. I think when I was really young, I was a really shy kid, didn’t really want to talk to people because I was so shy. Being away from home really taught me how to be an adult and how to grow up outside of hockey more or less playing hockey.”

And at 20 years old, Farabee is just getting started for the Flyers.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182360 Philadelphia Flyers

Scott Hartnell has a Gritty way to make your own mask

By Jordan Hall April 06, 2020 4:30 PM

If you recall, Scott Hartnell and Gritty became good friends in December 2018.

No, they are not brothers or the same person. But their likeness created a special bond.

During this period of self-isolation because of the coronavirus outbreak, Hartnell is still finding ways to show his inner Gritty.

Preparing to go to the grocery store Monday elicited Hartnell's creativity. To stay as safe as possible, the beloved former Flyer made himself what could be a trend-setting mask.

Even when they're apart, Hartnell and Gritty stick together — just like all Flyers fans.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182361 Philadelphia Flyers part of that. I’m real thankful that I was asked. Any time moving forward, I’m always here.

“I think everything happens for a reason. If something happens, that’s Ex-Flyers coach Peter Laviolette disappointed to miss World great. If not, I’ll follow my kids around for another year and be a dad and Championship go from there.”

Courier-Post LOADED: 04.07.2020

Dave Isaac, Published 12:16 p.m. ET April 6, 2020

Peter Laviolette was slated to coach the U.S. team in the World Championship for the fourth time in his career. The tournament, which would have been held next month in Switzerland, was canceled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This time next year, Peter Laviolette’s resume might look different and keep him from performing one of his favorite jobs.

He was planning to be the head coach for USA Hockey next month in Switzerland at the World Championship, but the tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

His current position these days is “Dad,” trying to reassure his daughter Elizabeth, a high school senior, that better days are ahead as the potential of missing her prom, graduation and softball season are all very real thanks to the virus.

“It’s tragic in her life, but there’s a lot more things that are worse in this world,” Laviolette said by phone. “It’s just a really tough time. You just pray for a lot of people to stay out of this and stay safe and hopefully this thing passes. She’ll get over it. She’s a pretty level-headed kid. She’ll be fine.”

Laviolette, his daughter, and his wife, Kristen, are living in their suburban Nashville home so Elizabeth could complete her school year after Laviolette was relieved of his duties coaching the Nashville Predators in January. His two sons, Peter and Jack, are college students and living at the family’s Florida home while the country continues to quarantine.

Preparations for the World Championship were well underway when the tournament was canceled March 21, nine days after the NHL suspended its season.

“This is a harsh reality to face for the international family,” IIHF President René Fasel said at the time, “but one that we must accept.”

“I had like a month off or so from January when I was relieved and then (general manager of the U.S. squad) Chris Drury called,” Laviolette said. “I was super excited about the opportunity. We had probably had four to six phone calls. We were starting to gather numbers and watch players and talk about players as some teams fell further from the playoff line and just putting general thoughts together. There’s really nothing you can write down in pen because you’ve got to wait and see how the season plays out but there was a lot of communication between Chris Drury and (USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of hockey operations) and I was really grateful for the opportunity and obviously disappointed like everybody in the world.”

Twelve months from now, assuming the World Championship returns next year, it may be Laviolette’s job then too. That is, if he’s not already behind the bench for an NHL team.

Laviolette has coached five NHL teams, including the Flyers from 2009 to 2013, and has a resume that would surely entice teams that are evaluating its coaching staffs. This season eight teams made in-season coaching changes, either for performance of off-ice conduct, and five hired interim coaches while three made “permanent” changes.

“If I’m out of work I would love that opportunity (to coach at World Championship for a fourth time),” Laviolette said. “If I’m working in the NHL, it’s like the players and it goes to see where that team is and where I am with that team. I think representing your country is one of the greatest things you can do in sports. I’ve been involved with a lot of them from playing in the Olympics (in 1994) to coaching in the Olympics (in 2014 as an assistant), coaching the World Championships (in 2004, 2005 and 2014). One of the funnest tournaments to do is that Deutschland Cup. It’s a little more relaxed. You take some players that are already there, some U.S. players playing in Europe, and you put together a team and it’s just a ton of fun. It’s a real honor to represent your country and be 1182362 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers Charities group makes $250,000 donation to Philabundance

Dave Isaac, Published 11:15 a.m. ET April 6, 2020

Monday morning was supposed to be a practice day for the Flyers. By now, they’d know their playoff opponent and be preparing for them. The NHL’s second season was originally slated to start Wednesday.

Instead of ramping up their game on the ice, the organization’s charitable arm, Flyers Charities, stepped up by donating $250,000 to Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization. The monetary donation matches what the 76ers and the Sixers Youth Foundation donated last week.

According to a press release, $250,000 will “feed 160,000 people struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Flyers also pledged “to provide future in-person support” at Philabundance distribution centers. The two organizations have a longstanding partnership, including other donations and volunteering efforts.

“Prior to COVID-19, approximately 700,000 people across our nine- county service area went to bed at night not knowing where their next meal would come from,” Sara Hertz, Chief Development Officer at Philabundance, said in a press release. “Several weeks into the COVID- 19 pandemic, that number is steadily increasing. This generous donation will help us purchase shelf stable and perishable food items, providing meals for thousands of children, families and seniors in need. We are beyond grateful for this donation and appreciate the continued support of the Flyers organization.”

Individually, a couple of the Flyers players have made donations as well.

Captain and second-year goalie each donated to The Philly Pledge, a group spearheaded by Sixers star Ben Simmonds, that funnels donations to the PHL COVID-19 Fund and Philabundance. Left wing James van Riemsdyk and his wife, Lauren, made a donation to the PHL COVID-19 Fund around the time the NHL paused its season on March 12 and van Riemsdyk said he and his wife plan to make future donations to local causes.

Courier-Post LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182363 Philadelphia Flyers Still, Bunnaman’s progression has been impressive. As a fourth-round pick in 2016, he was a clear project, possessing size and skill around the net but also skating concerns and mediocre production at the OHL level. However, Bunnaman’s skating took a massive leap last summer, and The 10 best Flyers draft picks of the Ron Hextall era he’s also embraced the “bottom-sixer” mentality needed to fit his most likely NHL role, bouncing back and forth between center and wing while

holding his own at both positions. By Charlie O'Connor Apr 6, 2020 The Bunnaman pick looks even better when accounting for how few clear NHL contributors were taken after him in the 2016 draft. Aside from Jesper Bratt — whom the Devils selected in the sixth round and would be Philadelphia Flyers general manager has received a clear upgrade over Bunnaman — just four players taken after No. 109 praised for his quick work in moving the team out of its rut of mediocrity (Bunnaman’s spot) have played in more than 21 NHL games. So far, the and into its new identity as a legitimate contender. Offseason additions 2016 class doesn’t appear to have a lot of “diamonds in the rough,” but such as Kevin Hayes, Matt Niskanen and Justin Braun went a long way with Bunnaman, the Flyers may have unearthed one of the few. toward filling roster holes and giving the existing group the push it needed. 8. Morgan Frost (2017, first round)

But Fletcher has been quick to note that another executive also deserves If you’re going to be aggressive on draft day, you better be right. credit for the resurgence: former general manager Ron Hextall. Frost wasn’t a slam-dunk first-round pick leading up to the 2017 draft — While Hextall lost his job for a number of reasons, his willingness to many public lists pegged him as a likely second-rounder. And the Flyers slowly and methodically rebuild the Flyers’ prospect pipeline played a didn’t even have a second first-round pick to “reach” for Frost. But with huge part in why the team is now positioned for long-term success. But Philadelphia scouts convinced Frost was special, Hextall made a semi- which of his picks over five NHL Drafts (2014-18) were the best ones? blockbuster draft-night trade, shipping Brayden Schenn to the St. Louis Blues for two first-round picks (and what was left of Jori Lehterä), which This week’s edition of Charlie’s Countdown tries to answer that question, included the 27th overall pick that he immediately used to nab Frost. looking at the 40 picks Hextall made during his GM tenure. Each selection was graded on a scale of 1-10 using four criteria: Frost responded to Hextall’s show of faith by delivering a breakout Draft+1 season — 42 goals and 112 points in 67 OHL games — and First, we evaluated the impact each pick has made at the NHL level (or stands as arguably the Flyers’ highest-upside prospect. Is it possible the likelihood a prospect will crack the NHL lineup). Frost’s game won’t fully translate to the NHL? Of course, and that’s why his NHL Impact and Value Factor scores are mid-range for now. But to Second, we graded how smart the pick was, both in the moment and with this point, no players selected after Frost in 2017 have established the benefit of hindsight. themselves as no-doubt-about-it options who would have been better Third, we measured the value that the player has added to the than Frost at No. 27, which justifies Hextall’s draft-day aggressiveness organization, relative to where he was selected. (First-rounders should even further. He had his guy, made sure he got him and then watched as become NHL regulars, whereas a fifth-rounder who gets a cup of coffee his faith was rewarded via a massive jump in junior-level production. Not in the show has provided unexpected value considering his draft too shabby. position.) 7. Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (2014, second round) Finally, we looked at the players taken after the evaluated player, and Travis Sanheim may have been Hextall’s first-ever pick, but the selection whether there were “better” options available at his draft slot. In a nod to of Aubé-Kubel in 2014 was the true mission statement for how the first- a running internet joke, it’s the “Should of Taken” (a humorous year GM would approach his drafts. With some fans still apoplectic over misspelling of “should have”) factor — if Hextall truly picked the best the team using a third-round pick on Tyrell Goulbourne the year before, available player rather than passing on a future star, the pick is inherently Hextall’s first non-first-round pick was Aubé-Kubel, a talented scorer from more shrewd. the QMJHL with legitimate upside. Let’s get to the list. Aubé-Kubel will probably settle in as an above-average NHL bottom- 10. Noah Cates (2017, fifth round) sixer, which is strong value for a second-round pick. But part of the reason he played so well for the Flyers in that role in 2019-20 is because The Flyers haven’t reaped the rewards of the Cates pick yet — he’ll he possesses offensive ability that goes beyond that of the average return to Minnesota-Duluth for his junior season in the fall. But he sure player who’s scouted, drafted and developed solely to be a bottom-sixer. looks like a fifth-round steal so far. With Aubé-Kubel, Hextall simply selected a skilled forward, and let the Cates had played only 11 USHL games before the 2017 draft, so it’s quality of his post-draft play dictate the best lineup fit. The top fourth- easy to understand why he was available; most of his pre-draft work was liners often aren’t players who projected to be fourth-liners — they’re in the Minnesota high school system. But Cates became a favorite of the former first- and second round-picks who settled into that role. scouting community, and now he’s one of the best offensive threats on However, there were a number of “better” possible selections at No. 48 one of the best college teams. Add in his commitment to two-way play, that year — Brayden Point, Viktor Arvidsson and Christian Dvorak, to and you have a player with a very high floor, especially for a late-round name only a few. That pushes NAK down our list a bit but it was still a pick. shrewd selection. Just because Hextall and the Flyers didn’t maximize The 21-year-old hasn’t proven it at the pro level, which keeps him low on the potential value of the pick doesn’t change that. the list since his “NHL impact” is a projection at this point. But the 6. Travis Sanheim (2014, first round) selection represents a strong “process” pick by Hextall in the sense that it was a bet on plausible upside in a high-character package, and there Now we’re getting to the real feathers in Hextall’s cap. The new GM were only five or six prospects taken after Cates that have even a remote didn’t go the safe route with his first selection in 2014 — instead, he took case for being more worthy of the 137th overall selection (Vegas’ Jack a raw offensive defenseman who had scored just 29 points in his draft Dugan is the sole slam-dunk). There’s a reason Flyers assistant GM year, largely on the strength of his physical tools and a strong second Brent Flahr noted at last year’s development camp that Cates was the half. Sanheim had his fans in the scouting community at the time, but player in the Philadelphia prospect pool he wished he’d drafted with the also his fair share of skeptics. It was a bold choice. Wild. And it immediately paid off — Sanheim jumped to near-point-per-game 9. Connor Bunnaman (2016, fourth round) pace in his Draft+1 season, blew past it in his Draft+2 season and had earned his way onto the NHL roster by the time he turned 21. Now, How good is Bunnaman? The jury is still out on the 21-year-old. He Sanheim is a top-4 defenseman, capable of serving as a strong No. 3 on earned his way to the NHL in 2019-20, looking totally out of place in his a contender and possessing the upside to progress into even more. first stint but then surprisingly comfortable in his second. Even during that General managers dream of securing a player like that with the 17th successful second run, however, Bunnaman scored only two points in 17 overall pick. games — low even for a fourth-liner. To become a full-time NHLer, he’ll need to keep improving. One thing keeps Sanheim out of the elite tier of Hextall picks: David Slowly but surely, Lindblom proved those cheers were warranted, Pastrnak was sitting right there to be plucked, and as good as Sanheim gradually improving his skating — his one major flaw — every year until has been, he’s not on Pastrnak’s level. As with Aubé-Kubel, however, it’s finally breaking out in 2016-17 and establishing himself as arguably the impossible to come away disappointed with the Sanheim selection, and a best forward in the SHL — at 20. The Flyers quickly brought him over to bunch of other GMs passed on Pastrnak (and Point), too. Sanheim just North America, and he was on the verge of securing a top-of-the-lineup wasn’t the “perfect” selection in this spot, even if he qualifies as a very role in 2019-20 when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, which good one. ended his season and threw his hockey career into question.

5. Joel Farabee (2018, first round) Hopefully, Lindblom will be able to resume his career, and the Flyers shouldn’t be punished in this exercise due to a non-hockey-related health Unless one of the other members of the Flyers’ 2018 draft class takes a issue. Lindblom remains a coup of a draft pick for Hextall. major step forward in the coming years, Farabee will likely be remembered as Hextall’s last great pick as GM. And it’s looking like a 2. Travis Konecny (2015, first round) doozy. The 2015 first round is the obvious high point of Hextall’s draft record as Farabee was a useful NHL middle-sixer this season at 19, while most of Flyers GM. In one night, he added two players who already are top-of- the rest of his class was still developing in junior hockey or college. And the-lineup talents, and likely will become faces of the franchise into the no one who’s watched Farabee believes that “solid third-line winger” is 2020s. his ceiling — this is a player who could legitimately top out as a first-liner. In many ways, Farabee stands as the Platonic ideal of a Hextall draft Over their first four NHL seasons, Provorov has provided more value to selection: a high-character, high-IQ player with both a high floor and high the Flyers than Konecny. But Konecny remains the “better” selection by ceiling. Hextall, for a few reasons.

The overall quality of the 2018 draft class will come into focus in a few To start, Konecny didn’t fall into Hextall’s lap as Provorov did. Hextall had years, but in the here and now, there isn’t a single player who stands out to be proactive to nab the forward, trading up five slots — from No. 29 to as an obviously better potential selection at No. 14. All that keeps No. 24 — to ensure that Konecny wasn’t taken by another club. Trade- Farabee out of the top four on our list is that he isn’t a significant ups are usually derided by analytic-types, as they argue that stockpiling a contributor on the Flyers, even if it seems likely he’ll eventually reach that high volume of picks is almost always preferable to moving up a few level. The players above him, however, are already there. slots. In other words, if you’re going to relinquish a pick or two in a trade- up, you’d better be sure the targeted player is worth it. Konecny certainly 4. Ivan Provorov (2015, first round) has been, especially after he graduated from “good depth scorer” to “legitimate top-line winger” in 2019-20. There’s a case to be made that Provorov should be ranked higher. After all, he’s established himself as the team’s No. 1 defenseman, and was in In retrospect, No. 24 is the exact spot where that first round started to the midst of his best season when the pause took effect. Provorov drop off, meaning that by trading up, Hextall got the last “slam-dunk star” provides massive on-ice value to the Flyers, and he’s exactly what a of the round. Whether by intuition, intense research or just plain old dumb team hopes it gets in a top-10 pick: a core piece that can be locked into luck, the Flyers’ evaluation of Round 1’s quality was impeccable. the lineup for the next decade. So what keeps this pick from getting 10s across the board? Well, as That said, Provorov was something of a chalk pick for Hextall. Most good as Konecny has been, Aho still would have been the superior public lists had him in the 6-10 range in 2015, so it’s not like the Flyers choice, and Cirelli is starting to make a strong case for himself as well. GM went out on a limb at No. 7. And while there’s something to be said But playing the what-if game with the Konecny pick really feels like for not messing up an obvious decision — looking at you, Devils and nitpicking. It was objectively and undeniably a brilliant maneuver by Pavel Zacha — it does cut down on the shrewdness needed to make that Hextall. particular call. 1. Carter Hart (2016, second round) In addition, this was an absolutely stacked draft class, particularly at the top. One could argue that Mikko Rantanen (No. 10) or Mathew Barzal The Flyers finally have their long-term answer in goal, after decades of (No. 16) would have been “better” picks than Provorov, and there are the position in Philadelphia being a running joke in hockey circles. And those who believe Zach Werenski (No. 8) is the superior defenseman. Hextall didn’t even spend a first-round pick to do it. Sebastian Aho, Anthony Cirelli and Brock Boeser would have been Yeah, that’ll put the Hart selection No. 1 on this list. worthy choices at No. 7 as well, in retrospect. Hart has already established himself as an above-average NHL starting But Hextall and the Flyers certainly didn’t make a mistake in taking goalie, and ranked fourth in the league this season among primary Provorov. Handed his highest draft slot to that point in his GM tenure, goalies in Evolving Hockey’s Goals Saved Above Expectation metric. Hextall hit a home run. And he’s doing it at an age when most netminders are still developing in 3. Oskar Lindblom (2014, fifth round) the minors or in Europe — netminders in today’s game are rarely thrown into the fire the way Hart was in 2018-19. Yet the 21-year-old is thriving Even as the Flyers’ prospect pipeline slowly dried up during the 2000s anyway, which not only has served to solidify the position for the Flyers in and the early part of the 2010s, the team usually nailed its first-round the here and now, but also makes it easy to daydream about just how picks. There were two main reasons Philadelphia had few notable good he might be when he reaches his ceiling. prospects when Hextall took over: Former GM Paul Holmgren had traded away a significant number of picks due to a perpetual win-now guiding Even as Hextall methodically rebuilt the organizational pipeline, one philosophy, and the club almost never unearthed late-round steals. In the salient criticism of his work and overarching philosophy remained: The 10 drafts leading up to 2014, the Flyers selected just two players in the Flyers tended to value floor over ceiling, leaning toward two-way, high- fourth round or later who would play in more than 100 NHL games: character players instead of prospects who might have higher bust Patrick Maroon (who never dressed for Philadelphia) and Zac Rinaldo potential, but also possessed “true star” upside. Hextall’s Flyers might (who arguably provided sub-replacement-level value in those games). end up as an extremely deep team, the thinking went, but who was going to replace Claude Giroux as the nightly game-changer when the captain In Hextall’s very first draft, he broke that run of late-round incompetence inevitably aged into more of a complementary piece? with Lindblom. In Hart, Hextall just might have found that player. Goalies who can be Some late-round steals look smart only with the benefit of hindsight. trusted to deliver above-average results every season are worth their Lindblom wasn’t one of them — this choice looked smart from the second weight in gold, and come around only once or twice per generation. Is it was made. After all, Lindblom began the 2013-14 season projected as Hart that level of player? It’s unclear — Hart has just 74 NHL games to a potential first-round pick, and even though a just-OK draft year had his credit. But at the very least, he’s a good goalie at the highest level of pushed him out of that range by the time June rolled around, few hockey, and considering his play, age and trajectory, the possibility that expected he’d still be available in Round 5. In the moment, Lindblom was Hart could emerge as one of the best goalies of the era can’t be the kind of selection that inspires scattered cheers from fans on Twitter discounted. Not bad for a second-round pick. who are still closely monitoring the draft on Day 2. The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182364 Pittsburgh Penguins Matthews, a former No. 1 overall pick like Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, spoke of Marleau’s influence on a team.

“I was kind of watching (Marleau’s) routine and … just seeing how Patrick Marleau remains hopeful he’ll still get shot at Stanley Cup with passionate he is about hockey and the way he prepared,” Matthews said. Penguins “He kind of does his own thing in a good way. So it was real nice to have him around on and off the ice, someone to have conversations with and be a backboard with for things as far as life goes and hockey goes.”

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Monday, April 6, 2020 3:50 p.m. Tribune Review LOADED: 04.07.2020

Patrick Marleau is stuck some 2,500 miles from Pittsburgh, and the 3 ½ weeks he has been separated from the Pittsburgh Penguins now dwarfs the brief time he has played for them.

Asked Monday about his tenure with the Penguins, Marleau began by using the past tense — twice. Marleau was speaking as part of a video call with media that featured hobnobbing with two former teammates, during which at least one of his sons looked on while wearing a San Jose Sharks T-shirt.

In other words, there was little surrounding Marleau that suggested he was convinced he would be back with the Penguins for a run at what would be the 40-year-old forward’s first Stanley Cup.

Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic that has halted the sports world very much leaves in doubt the idea the NHL will resume this season. And with Marleau on an expiring contract upon being acquired Feb. 24 from the Sharks in exchange for a conditional third-round pick, it is possible his Penguins tenure might be limited to eight games.

“The short amount of time I spent there was great,” Marleau said. “The guys were great and a great opportunity for myself to get another shot at winning a Cup with the Penguins. And everything has been great with the organization. They have helped with every step of the way.

“I am looking forward to getting out of the house — like I’m sure everyone else is — and get back to normal and get out there and start playing again.”

The NHL has run Zoom calls in recent weeks with a multiple-player format and questions originating exclusively from an NHL staff member.

Most of the calls have featured four prominent players from divisional rivals. Monday’s call included Marleau and Maple Leafs 22-year-old stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. The impetus for this particular call was obvious: It was well-publicized in Toronto — the epicenter for hockey media — that the three had formed an odd-couple-esque friendship after Marleau signed with the Maple Leafs in July 2017.

Marleau made his NHL debut the same year Matthews and Marner were born (1997).

Appropriately, the three of them joked around like the teenagers two of them were the year Marleau joined their team.

Back then, it was Marleau as a 20-year veteran surrounded by kids.

Monday, it was Marleau the 40-year-old father surrounded by kids — his. Like most of the rest of the country, Marleau and his family are under a stay-at-home order.

“I’m not gonna lie,” he said, “the home schooling thing has been a little tough on me. But we’re going good this week. They are off, so it’s a good week to get a break here and regroup for that next week of home schooling.”

Marleau has a goal, an assist, an even plus-minus rating and so-so possession metrics while playing about 15 ½ minutes as a third-liner over his eight games with the Penguins.

Though these Penguins are a veteran-laden bunch far different from the young Maple Leafs of 2017, this past month still represents a rare foray joining a different team. Since being taken No. 2 overall by San Jose in 1997, he only twice has not played for the Sharks: two seasons with Toronto and eight games with the Penguins.

“For me, I kind of just sit back a little bit and the first few days just watch what’s going on and how guys interact,” Marleau said of joining a new team.

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford indicated Marleau was sought as much for his intangibles as for his skills as a speedy, versatile forward. 1182365 Pittsburgh Penguins

Mark Madden: Don’t expect sports to return in the next year

MARK MADDEN | Monday, April 6, 2020 11:59 a.m.

I originally thought greed would drive big-time sports leagues to return soon. Perhaps sooner than they should.

Now it seems covid-19 is stronger than greed. Isn’t that one heck of a statement?

It’s not Vietnam, as per the parallel drawn by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Schefter wants the NFL Draft postponed because he cares more.

Hey, Schefty, I just talked to Charlie, and he’s not mad anymore. So let’s call off Operation “One of Us is Crazy.” (But the draft should proceed as scheduled. No reason not to. If it didn’t, Schefter might cease to exist.)

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney says, “I have zero doubt that we’re going to be playing and the stands are going to be packed.”

Wow. Sounds like Operation “One of Us is Crazy” is back on. Swinney talks like our great nation can flat-out outwork covid-19.

Maybe researchers at Pitt can do exactly that. But it might take a while. If Pitt is missing a key ingredient to its vaccine, just don’t let Pat Narduzzi recruit it.

President Trump hosted a conference call that included the heads of major sports leagues. He’d like sports to restart ASAP by way of returning to even a small semblance of normalcy. Like Swinney, Trump fairly boasted football would start on time.

It won’t. That decision will be up to medical experts and, ultimately, the players, who seem unlikely to participate in any resumption that indulges even the smallest risk or, to be honest, inconveniences them in any way.

For example, having the NBA playoffs in one city (Las Vegas) with all the teams quarantined reportedly has been mooted. But NBA players wouldn’t go for that even if absolute safety could be guaranteed. (It couldn’t, but let’s pretend.) The players wouldn’t tolerate time away from their families. (Then again, by that point, they might be begging for exactly that.)

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said the NBA will not resume until all the experts say it’s absolutely safe.

That means a vaccine or a cure. That means sports won’t return for at least a year (if Narduzzi doesn’t screw it up).

No sports for another year. That’s hard to imagine.

What isn’t hard to imagine is the citizens getting restless in two to three months if they’re still trapped in their homes with nothing to do or watch. Society could turn ugly, perhaps before then. Close the city and tell the people that something’s coming to call …

It seems unlikely that any window opens for the resumption of the NHL and NBA anytime soon.

But if one does, both leagues should complete the seasons covid-19 interrupted, even if they resume in July. Minimal (re-)training camp, trimmed-down regular season and then quickly to playoffs. Use empty arenas and common sites as conditions dictate.

Do that if the curve flattens and experts allow. If the current season is canceled in favor of starting a new campaign using the preferred timeline, what happens if the curve un-flattens? (Viruses can run seasonally.) Then you abandon a second season.

Aim short-term. If conditions continue improving, improvise.

But, like any talk involving resumption of sports without a vaccine or cure, that’s all conjecture and highly improbable.

Sports won’t be back for a year. Pa.betrivers.com should set an over/under. At least we could bet on something.

Tribune Review LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182366 Pittsburgh Penguins Check out this subtweet to an MSN post about an anti-parasitic drug that has been found to kill covid-19 in the lab within 48 hours.

Here’s my suggestion to news organizations all over world. No more Tim Benz: Coronavirus may be ruining sports world. Does it have to ruin stories about progress. Scrap any headline about science on the path to our hope? a cure. Cease answering questions about when normalcy may arrive.

Just give me the infection rates. Scare me silly with the death totals. Tell me how covid-19 is going to last so long it’s going to prevent us from TIM BENZ | Monday, April 6, 2020 6:54 a.m. having Christmas trees.

Yup, that’s the good stuff! That’s what everyone wants.

I’m no longer simply bored with the coronavirus-induced sports desert of We all need an attitude enema. Is that an elective procedure we can still the moment. get done somewhere?

I’m now in full-blown depression. There’s #stayinghome because you have to do so. And it’s smart. Then there’s “#stayinghome” because you are content to just let days pass, get My blues extend well beyond sports and into just about every avenue of beaten down by this thing, and assume the worst at all turns. how people have politicized and polarized the pandemic. Or there’s “#stayinghome” because your political leanings go toward the It started with the chorus of people insisting sports “weren’t important” at left. And since the president was careless enough to make it sound like a time like this. Extend that trend to those grousing that NFL free agency we’d have quarantine rollbacks in our Easter baskets, you want to rail shouldn’t be allowed to start amid the virus’ grip. Then it bled into the against any sort of headline from him suggesting progress could be bleating from those such as Adam Schefter insisting the draft be made any time over the next 18 months. postponed. Cuz, you know, winning the political war is what REALLY matters these This past weekend, that sensation crested with the reaction to President days. Right? Donald Trump’s conference call with sports commissioners updating them on the prospects of when they may be able to get their leagues We can all follow CDC guidelines yet still hope to get outta this mess back to action. ASAP, can’t we?

The headline grabber was that Trump said the NFL should start on time That’s not poor behavior or destructive thinking. in September. In sports and beyond. Guess how a lot of folks on Twitter, in other political offices, and those in the sports media took that news. Tribune Review LOADED: 04.07.2020

And yet this from NFL doc yesterday:

"We have to get to the point that when someone is tested as positive to the virus, that does not mean an immediate quarantine. If that is the case, you can’t think about opening up a team sport.”

Geez. I interpreted that as good news. At least Trump didn’t say, “Listen, fellas, shut it all down. Game off until 2021.”

But you know me. I’m nothing but zany, cockeyed optimist. That’s always been my reputation.

How about the reaction to what Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said on Friday?

Is he wrong? I don’t think so. I hope not. At least about the whole beating the virus thing, anyway.

Although, in similar fashion to the Trump quote, I give you USA Today baseball writer Gabe Lacques. Some, like Lacques, are jabbing Swinney for his comments.

I don’t get this mentality.

There’s nothing wrong with Swinney or anyone in the sports world praying and preparing for the best-case scenario, while bracing for the potential for a worst-case scenario.

I fail to grasp the need so many people these days seem to have to shame others for optimism or trying to maintain normalcy.

That’s not being tone deaf, or insensitive to the moment, or denying the severity of the pandemic.

That’s hope. Only Twitter in the covid-era could turn that into a bad quality.

Take a look at some non-sports examples. I’ll start with this response to a TribLive story on the potential vaccine being developed at the University of Pittsburgh.

I recalled this reaction to a TribLive thread that gave some positive early returns on how our region’s social distancing efforts were doing, relative to the big picture.

Was it? Or was that an indication that we were doing what was necessary to keep us on pace so as not to get overwhelmed by what was coming? 1182367 Pittsburgh Penguins

Tim Benz, Mark Madden: Do sports have a future in coronavirus era?

TIM BENZ | Monday, April 6, 2020 6:35 a.m.

This week’s Madden Monday is…

…well, what can I say? It’s pretty bleak.

Mark Madden and I are both pretty bummed out over the covid-19- induced state of affairs influencing the sports world. It’s feeling more and more like every sport — including football — won’t be allowed to resume for a long time.

Mark and I debate how coronavirus politics are influencing decisions made about sports. Could we really reach such a thing as “100%” safety someday?

I don’t think so. Mark does. And we try to figure out how that chasm could impact thinking about games coming back to America.

One thing the two of us agree on is that the NFL Draft should continue. But, to what end? We both feel it should go on even if the NFL doesn’t play this year. We tell you why.

If leagues can’t resume, we try to figure out what to do with their current results and planning for future seasons.

On a lighter note, we try to determine some of the comedy viewing options that exist without sports, the Pittsburgh connection to “Semi Pro,” some music talk, and Mark’s ongoing on-air tug o’ war with Clipper the cat.

Tribune Review LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182368 Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins’ depth chart. Or, with his reasonable salary, could the Penguins lose him to Seattle in next offseason’s expansion draft?

Post Gazette LOADED: 04.07.2020 Penguins on pause: Teddy Blueger carves out niche on a critical line

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Mike DeFabo:

The NHL has “paused” its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear if it will resume. So, with one eye still on the future, the Post- Gazette’s Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo are looking back at what each Penguins player did in 2019-20. We started with the captain, No. 87, and will count down by jersey number.

When the Penguins extended Teddy Blueger’s contract before this season, the club called him the “perfect role model” for younger players. This year, in Blueger’s first full season in the league, he proved to be a near-perfect role player, as well.

After toiling in the American Hockey League for three years, Blueger earned a promotion to the NHL for the first time in the middle of the 2018- 19 season. This year, with Matt Cullen in retirement, Blueger established himself as an everyday NHL player and carved out a clear niche as the Penguins’ fourth-line center.

Blueger, 25, centered a shut-down defensive line, playing between Zach Aston-Reese and Brandon Tanev. The line initially came together out of necessity, when early injury issues limited the options. But when it found near instant chemistry and a clear-cut identity, coach Mike Sullivan kept this group together more than any other trio.

All three players had similar attributes. They were all conscientious defenders, aggressive forecheckers and generally pesky players who made the Penguins a tougher team to play against.

Defense, largely, was Blueger’s calling card this year. No Penguin had a higher defensive zone start percentage than Blueger (70%). Sullivan also trusted this line’s defense enough that he often matched them up against opponents’ top line. And Blueger was a fixture on a penalty-killing unit that stymied 82.1% of opponents’ opportunities, eight-best in the league.

At times, Blueger flashed offensive upside. He recorded 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 69 games. That production tailed off over the last couple weeks. At the time the NHL paused the season, Blueger had gone 11 games without recording a point, posting a minus-5 rating over that span.

However, scoring goals isn’t necessarily near the top of the list when it comes to Blueger’s job description. The other elements he brings to the table will help him find a role in this league for years to come.

DEFINING MOMENT: The shift that sums up Blueger’s season came during the Penguins’ blowout win over Toronto on Feb. 18. One of the team’s best penalty killers, Blueger helped snuff out the Leafs’ five-on- three power play. Just as the Penguins cleared in the final second of the power play, Bryan Rust bolted out of the box to beat Toronto goalie Frederik Andersen to the puck. After some fancy passing, Blueger buried his ninth goal of the season. Blueger was rewarded on the stat sheet for the work he did in the defensive zone and the Penguins climbed to the top of the Metro standings.

STAT THAT STANDS OUT: During a season in which so many key players missed so much time because of injury, Blueger was one of two players to suit up in all 69 games. The other was defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

IF THE SEASON RESUMES: The Penguins were still trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together when the season was suspended. They had added several players in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline and were working to reintegrate injured players like Brian Dumoulin and John Marino. Chances are, the Blueger line will largely remain intact. If Jake Guentzel returns and Nick Bjugstad gets healthy recent acquisition Evan Rodrigues might pose the biggest threat to break up this line.

LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: Blueger is signed through the 2020-21 season on a cap-friendly contract that pays him $750,000 per year. He’ll be a restricted free agent entering the 2021-22 season. He’s in an interesting spot. Maybe he continues to develop offensively and can climb the 1182369 Pittsburgh Penguins DEFINING MOMENT: We already pointed out a bad play that arguably defines his season. So we’ll go with a good one that gave a glimpse of what he could be if he ever figured it out. On Dec. 27 in Nashville, Riikola charged down the left wall, cut in on net and picked a corner on his Penguins on pause: Why didn't Mike Sullivan play Juuso Riikola more rebound to score his only goal. often? STAT THAT STANDS OUT: Despite longer-term injuries to a bunch of blue-liners, Riikola has played just 73 of a possible 151 games the past two seasons. Matt Vensel: IF THE SEASON RESUMES: Riikola would remain a reserve. And even

if there were an injury to a fellow lefty, one wonders if Sullivan and the The NHL has “paused” its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is Penguins would trust Riikola in a playoff game or would again turn to a unclear if it will resume. So, with one eye still on the future, the Post- righty such as Ruhwedel. Gazette’s Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo are looking back at what each LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: Riikola, whose salary this season is just Penguins player did in 2019-20. We started with the captain, No. 87, and $850,000, will be a restricted free agent this offseason. The Penguins will count down by jersey number. can keep him if they want. If they opt to let him walk, it will be interesting For someone who has spent so much time up in the press box, Juuso to see if another NHL team envisions him as a regular and what he would Riikola sure has gotten a lot of support from paying customers the past do with his opportunity elsewhere. two seasons. Post Gazette LOADED: 04.07.2020 The 26-year-old defenseman does have a few appealing qualities. Riikola is a plus skater. He has a cannon when given an opportunity to step into a slap shot. And who doesn’t love seeing a good hip check in today’s game? But one suspects the main selling point for most fans is that his name is not Jack Johnson.

As the old sports cliché goes, there’s no one in town more popular than the fourth left-handed defenseman on the depth chart. Or something like that.

Anyway, the opinion on the matter that carries the most weight belongs to Mike Sullivan. It is clear the Penguins coach has little confidence in Riikola.

Late in training camp, it looked as if Riikola might bump Johnson out of the top six. But Johnson held him off. Injuries gave Riikola opportunities to suit up. But he couldn’t stick in the lineup. It was telling that Sullivan in February opted to play Zach Trotman, a midseason call-up, on his off side over a healthy Riikola.

That had some wondering if Johnson had incriminating pictures of Sullivan or if Riikola had lost Sullivan’s cat. Why weren’t the Penguins playing Riikola?

The analytics crowd pointed to the best statistics publicly available as proof that Riikola should be in the lineup over Johnson, a popular piñata for statheads. To be fair, he tracked well. The Penguins generated 59.1% of the high-danger chances with Riikola on the ice at 5-on-5. That led all Pittsburgh defensemen.

But there is clearly a disconnect here, as Riikola played in just 36 of 69 games in his second NHL season, and a few were at forward when the Penguins got hammered by injuries early on. He had one goal, six assists and a plus-3 rating.

Sullivan has shed little insight on why the Penguins do not play him more.

Johnson, despite his flaws, is a trusted penalty killer and the team’s most physical blue-liner. Those are two reasons the Penguins play Johnson over Riikola, who has the skills to play on the second power play, but those skills aren’t needed when the Penguins have Kris Letang, Justin Schultz and John Marino available.

One suspects the coaches are also leery of Riikola’s brain lapses. He may not mess up as often as, say, Johnson. But when he does, he really makes it count.

Take the team’s 4-0 loss in Toronto on Feb. 20. With the Penguins down a pair of goals in the second period, Riikola drifted into no-man’s land as the Leafs were exiting their zone. All Riikola could do is flail his stick at a saucer pass after he let speedy Kaspari Kapanen sneak behind him for a killer breakaway goal.

After that, Riikola found himself back in the press box the next two games.

That sums up his experience here since he came over from Finland in 2018. Right or wrong, the Penguins just don’t seem to believe he is an NHL regular. 1182370 Pittsburgh Penguins You know how you feel now without sports, not even a month since the NBA became the first professional league to suspend its season on March 11. There is a significant void in your life, right? That certainly is far from your greatest problem, at least in comparison to your health, :It’s hard to stay optimistic about sports returning soon your job and your ability to feed your family and pay your mortgage. But it still hurts. “We need sports, we need something to rally behind,” Cuban

told ESPN. “It’s just too important to the United States of America.” Ron Cook It’s hard to imagine our sports world without football. Losing the NHL, NBA and MLB would be painful enough. But no NFL and — it’s unthinkable, actually. The optimism is understandable, if perhaps misplaced. I get that. We all need hope, now more than ever, to help us get through the COVID-19 It stands to reason that, if we get to that point when the NFL and the pandemic. What do we have if we don’t have hope? NCAA join the others in canceling their season, the death toll of COVID- 19 will be horrifying and the devastating impact on the economy will be But it’s hard to feel any better about President Donald Trump’s prediction felt by everyone. But what about our mental well-being? What about the Saturday, according to ESPN, that football should be able to start on time impact on our day-to-day life? in September in stadiums full of fans. After speaking on a conference call with the commissioners of the country’s major sports leagues, Trump Where will we look for hope then? said in a media briefing, “I want fans back in the arenas. As soon as we Post Gazette LOADED: 04.07.2020 can, obviously. And the fans want to be back, too … [The leagues] want to get back. They’ve got to get back. They can’t do this. Their sports weren’t designed for it, the whole concept of our nation wasn’t designed for it. We’re going to have to get back. We want to get back soon, very soon.”

Hope, right?

Unfortunately, wanting something doesn’t always mean getting it.

Did you read what the NFL’s chief medical officer told NFL.com’s Judy Batista last week? “As long as we’re still in a place where when a single individual tests positive for the virus that you have to quarantine every single person who was in contact with them in any shape, form or fashion, then I don’t think you can begin to think about reopening a team sport,” Dr. Allen Sills said. “Because we’re going to have positive cases for a very long time.”

Did you hear what Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said on ESPN last week about the NBA resuming its season sometime this summer? “It won’t happen until we can be absolutely certain everybody can be safe. It’s safety first, no ifs ands or buts about it.”

Did you see what California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday, speaking before Trump made his comments, when he was asked if there will be fans at games in September? “I’m not anticipating that happening in this state. One has to be very careful here. One has to be careful not to over-promise.”

Did you catch what New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his media briefing Sunday morning? “I’d love to see sports back, help with cabin fever, but this isn’t about hopes and dreams and aspirations. None of us like being here. Follow the data, follow the science, let the professionals tell us when it’s safe to reopen.”

Did you read what Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said last week about the possibility of games in empty stadiums? “If there’s a concern about human contact, we won’t be playing the game.”

Lyke’s point is spot-on. It’s impossible to imagine games without fans in the stands. By, say, August, if we’re not to the point where it’s safe for people to gather at the barbershops or at the bars and restaurants or at the stadiums, how can we guarantee the safety of the players? Many are not going to want to play the games without that guarantee. At least a few already have asked about their obligations to their contract if they have health concerns.

Meanwhile, the researchers and medical community keep working tirelessly to find something — anything — to beat COVID-19.

There were a couple of encouraging developments late last week. There was news that a University of Pittsburgh researcher is making progress toward a vaccine. There also was a story that UPMC researchers are close to completing a blood test to determine immunity against the coronavirus.

That news provides a lot more hope than what Trump had to say about the start of football.

But to think that everything will be figured out by September? When the pandemic isn’t close to reaching its peak? When so many people still are suffering and dying? When so many more will? When it could take up to a year before a vaccine is approved? 1182371 Pittsburgh Penguins that has stood the test of time. Howe was not the greatest hockey player of all time, but half of Ontario will claim that he was. That’s not a knock on him. He was obviously an all-time great. But people just loved him. Same with Johnny. If your favorite NHL player were a band, which would it be? An investigation Jaromir Jagr is … The Rolling Stones

I feel strongly about this one. Jagr and the Stones have stood the test of time, they’ve always been awesome and should be on anyone’s short list By Josh Yohe Apr 6, 2020 when ranking the greatest ever. And there’s just something cool about them. No one ever told Jagr what to do. I think the same can be said of

Mick and Keith. Just legends who did things their way for a really, really We’re all missing sports right now, I think we can agree. If you’re long time. anything like me, you’d do anything to see a live game right now and Mark Messier is … Bob Dylan you’re listening to music nonstop. I live by myself so the music is a great help. Dylan never had a great voice and, in terms of pure skill, Messier couldn’t match some of his contemporaries in the ’80s and early ’90s. But both Sports and music have so much in common. Most people think they’re used a combination of genius — Dylan is the best songwriter ever, and really good at one or the other but probably aren’t. They’re fun to try, Messier became a two-way force when the rest of the league was only though. And it’s really enjoyable to be entertained by those who are interested in scoring goals in the 80s — and tenacity to forge two of the gifted in the field of sports and music. great careers all time. They were unlike anyone else and remained During these most frustrating and scary times, we find ourselves clinging dominant for decades. to whatever form of entertainment we can find. Sidney Crosby is … Bruce Springsteen I’ve decided to merge the two. Some of you will disagree because, really, I’m one of a handful of sportswriters who doesn’t particularly understand does anyone agree on sports or music? Merging the two is probably the whole Springsteen phenomenon. I’m just not a fan. At all. But I can begging for trouble, but that’s OK. still appreciate how he worked himself into a megastar and has a blue- Have you ever wondered which all-time great hockey player is collar greatness about him. Crosby is one of the five greatest players in comparable to certain bands or musicians? I’ve wondered. In fact, I NHL history. To me, that’s not a debate. But he’s not one of the five most posed the question on Twitter in February. While what you’ll read below physically gifted players in history. His greatness lies in his is ultimately my opinion, I’m going to share some of the Tweets I received determination, and the same can be said of Springsteen. to those questions. About 50 people compared Jack Johnson to Alex Ovechkin is … Prince Nickelback. But those of you who opted against the low-hanging fruit may receive mention below because there was some serious insight on This one’s all about star power. Prince was just a spectacular talent and display here. showman, to the point that you couldn’t take your eyes off him. I think the same of Ovechkin. He has a pure presence about him that I haven’t seen I was tempted to throw some passive-aggressive barbs at bands I don’t in a player since Lemieux. He oozes star power, as did the great Prince. like, such as Phish and Barenaked Ladies. (Wait, I just passive- aggressively mentioned them anyway, just for fun!) But there’s enough Steve Yzerman is … Neil Young negativity in the world right now. So let’s keep things positive. Both were overshadowed. Yzerman was an all-time great but came Back to the world of hard-hitting journalism tomorrow. Today, let’s just around when Lemieux and Gretzky were dominating the league. Young have some fun. became a big name in 1966 during the era of the Beatles, the Stones and so many other big names in what was arguably the golden age of music. Wayne Gretzky is … The Beatles Yzerman and Young stood the test of time, offered total excellence and This one is pretty easy. If you conducted a poll and asked who hockey were probably quite under-appreciated. They could alter their styles fans believe is the greatest player of all time, Gretzky would win. The when needed and made everyone around them better. Young went same goes for the Beatles as the greatest band. Is Gretzky the greatest techno in the 80s because he could. Yzerman went defense-first in the player ever? Are the Beatles the greatest band ever? You’ll get late 90s to help the Red Wings become a great team. passionate arguments on both sides, but the numbers are is … Queen unquestionably on their side. The Beatles had 20 No. 1 hits and sold more albums than anyone in history. Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL So much greatness, but not enough time. Bossy scored more than 50 records. goals in each of his first nine NHL seasons. That’s not a typo. He only played in one more season, injuries cutting his legendary career short. Mario Lemieux is … Elvis Presley Like Bossy, Queen was utterly dominant in the late 70s and early 80s, This one was difficult because there’s never been a human being as but had a short prime because of Freddie Mercury’s death. naturally gifted in the field of music as Lemieux was at hockey. He was Pavel Bure is … Nirvana just that much physically superior to everyone else. That said, there are parallels with Elvis. The King may have been the most compelling They both changed the world while in the pacific northwest in the early musician in history and, according to those who witnessed him perform, 90s and, before you knew it, they were both gone. Nirvana remains the seeing him in person was a different kind of experience. To appreciate most identifiable band of the 90s, in my view. And while Bure wasn’t the Mario was to see him in person, no question. They were both the king of best player of that time — that was very much the Lemieux era — he was the comeback. Both oozed with charisma. Mario is a big Elvis fan and different, and special, and deserving of your attention at all times. Just even has a royal air about him. It works. like Nirvana.

Bobby Orr is … Jimi Hendrix Teemu Selanne is … Billy Joel

Has anyone immediately disrupted a league with sheer brilliance like Orr Selanne scored 76 goals in his rookie season, which is probably the when he exploded onto the scene in Boston? Kind of like how Hendrix equivalent of making Piano Man your first big hit. Selanne was never exploded onto the scene. Hendrix the person and Orr the player left us quite that great again, but he was still an all-time great, and for a really far too soon. But both were simply electric and way, way ahead of their long time. Same as Billy Joel. time. They changed everything. Rocket Richard is … Michael Jackson Gordie Howe is … Johnny Cash Those who witnessed him play will tell you that no one moved like the Both were no-nonsense kind of people, professionally and personally, Rocket, that no one entertained like the Rocket. For all of Michael and were loved by all. Maybe Howe wasn’t the most versatile hockey Jackson’s curious behavior, it can’t be argued that no one moved quite player and maybe Cash wasn’t the most versatile musician. But they both like him, and no one entertained like him. Both were singular talents that had a commanding presence, knew exactly who they were and enjoyed couldn’t be matched by anyone in their respective times. extraordinary success and longevity. Both also enjoy loyal fan support Joe Sakic is … Fleetwood Mac

Full credit to Larry Kress on Twitter for pointing this out. Sakic was never the best player in the world, but he was great. And likable. Quite frankly, I don’t trust human beings who don’t like Fleetwood Mac. I feel strongly about this. (Good Sakic story. During the 1995-96 season, the Penguins and Avalanche happened to be at the same airport at the same time. Sakic walked over to the Penguins, approached Lemieux and said, “Hey Mario. Enjoying another season of tackle football?” Mario apparently nodded in approval. Yeah, the game was a little different back then.)

Patrick Kane is … Aerosmith

Best American player ever? I say yes. Honestly, I don’t think it’s all that debatable. Brett Hull was born in Canada. Mike Modano was really, really good for a long time. Legit Hall of Famer. But better than Kane? Absolutely not. Is Aerosmith the best American band ever? I say yes, though you could make an argument for so many bands. But still, Kane and Aerosmith are a proper marriage.

Phil Kessel is … Jimmy Buffett

There’s not an ounce of seriousness there. Just people having fun doing what they love, and not really giving a damn about anything else. Also, both have seriously devoted fan bases.

Brad Marchand is … Marilyn Manson

There’s actually a lot of talent there. But a certain degree of peculiar behavior distracts most from the actual product.

Evgeni Malkin is … Led Zeppelin

Malkin is probably the most underrated player in NHL history. He’s 14th all time in points per game and almost every player ahead of him on that list played in a higher scoring era. Led Zeppelin was great and universally respected but, in reality, were far closer to the very top of music history than many care to acknowledge.

Bonus content

See, these are boring times for all of us. This game is fun for the whole family. Take the Penguins’ roster and break it down, or maybe add more current-day stars for good measure. Assuming you’re getting a bit tired of Netflix 24 hours a day, perhaps this game can help pass the time for a few hours today. You’re welcome. Don’t mention it.

As promised, I’ll finish this little exercise by including a couple of thoughts from the world of Twitter.

@Dbalsano chimed in, “Tom Wilson = Tool, for no other reason but the name.” And, in fact, Wilson and Tool totally work.

But this was my favorite, courtesy of @pghnick. He compares Kris Letang to jazz legend Thelonious Monk.

“Tanger is Thelonious Monk. A compositional genius, with a penchant for dissonance and an unusual rhythm. Style and humor. One of the most prolific and successful of his genre, but not often fully recognized for his full body of work.”

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182372 Pittsburgh Penguins He was a conjuring. He was a gift. The dude was mowing his mom’s lawn in Alabama in August and starting on Sunday Night Football in December. In between, merch was flying off shelves and Hodges was at Penguins games, getting bigger pops than the Penguins. I wrote about How Duck Hodges captured everything Pittsburgh loves about one-hit him a lot, because how couldn’t I? It felt like a moment — for him, sure, wonders but also for the history of the city. Even if it was short. Even it was always going to be short.

And by a lot of measuring sticks, it wasn’t just short. If you’re a results- By Sean Gentille Apr 6, 2020 oriented fan, it was ended with an explosion. Hodges ran out of tricks, and the defense ran out of touchdowns, and that was that. The first inclination — that the Steelers were doomed due to bad luck and their If nothing else — if sports are canceled for the spring, or for the summer, own miscalculation — was correct. The destination was what we’d or for the year or forever — we got to experience Duck Hodges before all assumed. The road there, though? Nobody’s forgetting that anytime this. soon. They shouldn’t, at least.

And if we weren’t saying it back in December, we can say it now. Me? I sure won’t. Maybe this is because I grew up watching guys like Distance makes it more clear. Hodges is Pittsburgh’s best recent Ron Tugnutt and Johan Hedberg, Kendrell Bell and Tommy Maddox, example of what may be the greatest part of sports; the out-of-nowhere- Kevin Polcovich and Warren Morris, fascinated by their runs and and-then-they’re-gone flash. The comet. The one-hit wonder. infatuated by the impermanence of it all. It’s tough for us to relate to greatness because so few of us are great. We all have our moments, That last bit of phraseology feels kind of mean, doesn’t it? What though — and those guys had their moments, too. Maybe that’s why they constitutes a hit? How long does that hit have to last for it to become a strike a chord; maybe that’s why we’re talking and thinking and writing second hit? and reading about them this week. They’re always on the tip of our We’re tackling that elsewhere on our site, but there’s wiggle room. There tongues. It makes sense to do this from time to time. Now, specifically. are tiers. Might be a play, or a game, or a season. Sometimes, it’s a “you When the games stop, you remember why you watched in the first place. know it when you see it” kind of thing. Sometimes, you don’t know it until Sometimes, it’s for sustained greatness — like with Lemieux and it is over. Clemente and those 23 other people in our Hall of Fame. Sometimes, But still, man, the term is reductive at its core, and certainly loathed by though, we’re watching on the off-chance that we see something new the athletes who wear the pin, because it ignores the work that came and unexpected and memorable, even if it’s destined to melt like snow on before The Hit, and the moments that came after. We’re more than our a windshield. worst moments, yes, and less than our best. If you’re an athlete who In a city with more greatness per capita than most, those moments — trained for glory and for greatness and made it there, but only for a those people — are worth remembering, too. So we call them one-hit moment that was more fleeting than you wanted it to be, what comes wonders because we have to call them something. The term is evocative, after? even when it’s nebulous, and it really shouldn’t carry the baggage it does; Maybe you recede back into a serviceable career. Maybe your career one-hit wonders write the best songs, after all. We’ll hear another one ends. Maybe you get over it. Maybe you don’t. We’ve got plenty of someday. Until then, we’ll sing the old ones. What else can we do? examples, across all our sports. Some of them are at peace with it. Some The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 aren’t. Both are understandable.

That brings us back to Hodges, who will face that fork whenever football returns. The odds of him starting six more NFL games aren’t good. The odds of him doing any of that in front of fans wearing duck masks and bootleg t-shirts and chanting his name, en masse, are worse. There’s a space for him on the Steelers at the moment, and there could be for a bit after; he’s excited for his future, and he should be. That’s his job. It’s how he got here. It’d be weird if he weren’t.

“Shoot, I’m 23. If you had asked a lot of people if I would be in this position they would have said no way,” Hodges said in Baltimore after it all ended. “I am blessed.”

And he’s right. Ben Roethlisberger’s bad arm and Mason Rudolph’s bad luck gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. Preparation met opportunity, or whatever the motivational posters say.

Now, Hodges has a shot at a protracted NFL career, and a full season of game checks in the bank, and maybe more on the way. He’ll never buy a meal in Southwest again, assuming he sits down at another restaurant. Whatever career he segues into after this is over will be enriched by those eight games, whether it’s in motivational speaking or talk radio or medical sales.

So, blessed indeed — but here’s kinda the whole thing: so were we. Hodges’ arrival turned a Steelers season that should’ve been shredded along with Roethlisberger’s elbow tendons into something special. There was a moment in Cincinnati where even professional cynics had to admit that A Thing was happening, no matter what their lying eyes said. You had to acknowledge the possibility, as impossible as it seemed, because what else was there to do? A few weeks later, he had people tearing off new jerseys in New Jersey and the season on his arm.

Never mind that he failed. What more can you ask for as a fan than the opportunity to care where none seemed to exist — and what more can you ask for as a storyteller, or someone who scribbles about sports on the internet, than a story as unlikely, and as good, as his?

I can answer the second part of that honestly: Nothing. Covering Duck Hodges was everything I’ve looked for in the sportswriting business. It’s a big reason I cared enough to try to do this at all. Hodges was an oasis. 1182373 San Jose Sharks

How Kendall Coyne Schofield is staying fit during coronavirus hiatus

By Ali Thanawalla April 06, 2020 7:00 AM

For world-class athletes, being stuck in the house is a strange feeling.

But that's the predicament NBC Sports California's Sharks analyst Kendall Coyne Schofield finds herself in.

Schofield and her husband Michael, an offensive lineman who last played with the Los Angeles Chargers, are holed up at their Orland Park, Illinois home.

In the latest episode of NBC Sports' Distance Training, the Schofields told host Jac Collinsworth that before the state issued a "Stay at home" order, they went to local sporting good stores and bought dumbbells, elastic bands, an exercise bike and anything else they might need in order to workout at home.

"Obviously, our biggest stress was as soon as it started going down and gyms started closing and everywhere we had a chance to work out started closing, we were like 'We need to find a way to workout,' " Michael said. "So I knew a couple days before, our governor of Illinois was going to do a shelter in place or stay in place announcement, we booked dumbbells, we got bands, we ran to Dick's Sporting Goods to get whatever we could and just throw it in our basement.

"But now it's been a hassle. 'OK, we got two dumbbells, a bunch of bands, a stationary bike, let's make the best of it and see what we can do to stay in shape, so it's definitely been hard every single day to come up with workouts and doing stuff, but we're making the most of it."

But working out at their home hasn't been the easiest transition for Kendall and Michael.

"I think what's really challenging, and I'm sure a lot of athletes have the same challenges, when you're in your basement, when you're in your home, you're in an environment that's usually comfortable to you," Kendall said. "That you usually come back to after working out, you're relaxing and you're doing anything but physical activity to be an elite athlete, so I think it's hard being in our home working out and trying to reach that peak performance level mentally and physically, and then at the same time, your phone rings and you say 'I'm just gonna grab that. It's fine,' and just trying to stay on track because there are so many distractions in this environment that you never really utilized as your gym, your lab, your place to be as professional as you can in your sport."

You can watch the full interview between the Schofields and Collinsworth here:

The NHL season, like all other North American sports leagues, is on an indefinite hiatus, and no timeline for resumption of play has been given.

Until the league makes an announcement, Kendall Coyne Schofield will have to keep working out in her home in Illinois.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182374 San Jose Sharks

How Sharks' Timo Meier is handling coronavirus pandemic in Switzerland

By Brodie Brazil April 06, 2020 7:00 AM

Timo Meier is back in Europe, and doing just fine.

But his country is not.

“It’s pretty bad here in Switzerland,” the Sharks forward said last week via FaceTime. “Obviously, the [coronavirus case] numbers increase daily. I try not to read too much into it, but you can’t really avoid it.”

Switzerland, with a population of less than 9 million, has one of the highest COVID-19 cases-per-capita numbers in the world. Greater than Italy, Spain or the United States as of last week.

“Here, we have the rule that you’re not allowed to be around more than five people outside,” Meier explained. “But I’m trying to stick to the rule of staying home. Only go outside when really needed.”

It became a quick decision for Meier to leave San Jose. He wanted to be near family, but that obviously necessitated a trans-Atlantic flight to reach Zurich. Boarding that plane during a pandemic was slightly terrifying.

“It was definitely weird flights,” Meier said. “I was trying to be really cautious — luckily, I had some hand sanitizer. After everything I’d touch, I’d sanitize my hands. A little too cautious at times, but you really can’t be. I was really trying to limit everything and don’t touch too much stuff. I made it here safe.”

Meier isn’t necessarily a germaphobe, but he knows this experience could have an effect.

“It’s definitely going to translate after this is over,” Meier said. “I’m going to be a little more careful than I was before, but I think that’s a good thing.”

Days lately are simple and repetitive for the 23-year-old. They include sleeping in, a morning workout, an isolated afternoon walk in the hills, and usually a glass of wine with dinner.

Meier seems perfectly content under isolation, so long as things remain similar for he and family: “I’m not complaining too much.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182375 San Jose Sharks In the offseason after the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, beating the Sharks along the way, Niemi departed Chicago for San Jose. His one- year deal was quickly followed by a four-year extension in March, making Niemi the Sharks’ No. 1 goalie for the better part of five seasons. While Ranking Doug Wilson’s best and worst free-agent signings since he’s he had a tendency to wear down during the season and never helped the been GM Sharks get over the hump, Niemi was generally reliable, with a .917 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against average in 296 career games with the

Sharks (among goalies with at least 150 games played over that five- By Kevin Kurz Apr 6, 2020 year span, Niemi’s goals-against average ranked 14th, while he was tied for 13th in save percentage). Niemi was even a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie in the lockout-shortened 2013 season, finishing third. From 2010-11 through 2014-15, Niemi was tied for second Doug Wilson has been around a while. Since taking over as the Sharks’ in the NHL in wins with (163). general manager on May 13, 2003, Wilson has agreed to terms with players on 287 contracts in all, totaling more than $1.39 billion, according Mike Grier to CapFriendly.com. Signed on July 3, 2006, for three years, $5.325 million Yeah, that’s billion, with a B. Grier made a career out of being a hard-nosed, depth winger who was Most of those deals and most of that money stems from contract strong on the penalty kill, and that’s exactly what the Sharks got for three extensions for players who were already in the organization, as Wilson seasons. All the while, Grier became a fan favorite due to his style of has never been too keen on dipping into the free-agent market. The list play. In 221 career games in teal, Grier posted 78 points (35g, 43a), but of players he’s signed from outside the organization is still lengthy, but was gone after Todd McLellan’s first season and the Sharks’ first-round it’s a bit remarkable in that there are so few big names on the list — choke job against Anaheim in the 2009 playoffs. especially considering Wilson’s teams have qualified for the postseason in 14 of 15 seasons. Manny Malhotra

This season, of course, the Sharks were not going to qualify for the Signed on Sept. 23, 2009, for one year, $700,000 playoffs, sitting in last place in the Western Conference at the time the Wilson and the Sharks sure got some bang for their buck out of Malhotra, season was suspended. But Wilson has said many times that he expects who ended up with 14 goals and 33 points in 71 games and a +17 rating the team to be competitive next season and has faith in the Sharks’ core in his only season in teal. Malhotra played in all situations, too, including players, most of whom are signed to long-term contracts. Even so, he’ll the penalty kill, on which he averaged more than two minutes per game. need to find some good role players to add to the team’s overall depth, He solidified the third-line center role, including winning an incredible which was horrific in 2019-20. 62.5 percent of his faceoffs, on a team that advanced to the Western In other words, Wilson is almost certainly going to have to be a player Conference final. Malhotra turned that season into a three-year, $7.5 when the free-agency window opens, whenever that is. He has had million contract with Vancouver the following offseason. success finding good depth players in the past, and he’ll need to again if Honorable mention the Sharks are going to quickly rebound. Of course, he’s also had some misses. Rob Blake

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five of Wilson’s best free-agent Signed on July 3, 2008, for one year, $5 million signings — and five of his biggest misses — since he took over as the organization’s head of hockey operations. The current Kings’ general manager played the final two of his 20 NHL seasons with the Sharks. While they won the President’s Trophy during (Please note, we’re only going through players who had NHL experience his first season, their opening-round playoff collapse against the Ducks when they signed with the Sharks. Free-agent signings like Barclay makes this signing a little less significant than some of the others. Still, Goodrow and Melker Karlsson, for example, are not included.) Blake proved to be effective, with 75 points (17g, 58a) and a +29 rating in 143 games. He was brought back on a second one-year deal and served These are presented in no particular order. as the captain between Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton. The top five Scott Nichol Paul Martin Signed on July 15, 2009, for two years, $1.15 million Signed on July 1, 2015, for four years, $19.4 million Nichol gave the Sharks that agitating presence that they needed after the Yes, the Sharks ended up buying out the final year of Martin’s contract Ducks disaster, although his impact in other areas of the game was after he dramatically slowed down in his third season. But for two marginal at best, as he posted 26 points in 135 career games in teal. seasons Martin was a calm, steady influence on partner Brent Burns, The bottom five who ended up as a Norris Trophy finalist in 2016 and won the award in 2017. The respected veteran also served as a kind of mentor for the rest Adam Burish of the core of the defense, as Pete DeBoer often referred to him as an extension of the coaching staff. In 173 career games with the Sharks, Signed on July 1, 2012, for four years, $7.2 million Martin had 48 points (7g, 41a) and a +26 rating. The real problem wasn’t that the Sharks added Burish, who wasn’t ever Joel Ward going to be anything more than a fourth-liner, it was that Wilson somehow figured that four years was an acceptable term for a Signed on July 3, 2015, for three years, $9.825 million replacement-level player. While Burish brought some levity to the dressing room, his possession metrics were miserable, he took too many Much like Martin, who signed two days earlier, Ward provided the penalties and he contributed next to nothing offensively with just six dressing room with steady veteran leadership that was much needed at points in 81 games before the Sharks waived him early into his third the time. As anyone who has ever played with Ward will tell you, it’s season. Burish never played another NHL game after what was a messy impossible not to like this guy. On the ice, Ward managed a very good 21 breakup. goals and 43 points in his first season, and added another 13 points during the Sharks’ long playoff run, including some goals at key Mikkel Boedker moments. Yes, like Martin, he declined at the end of the contract. But Ward, who still lives in the Bay Area, could very well end up with a job in Signed on July 1, 2016, for four years, $16 million the organization at some point down the line if he wants to get back into At the time, it seemed like a good deal — Boedker was coming off of hockey post-retirement. tying his career-high of 51 points with Arizona and Colorado in 2015-16, Antti Niemi and he was expected to add some speed to a team that had just lost in the Stanley Cup final the previous month. He had experience playing in Signed on Sept. 2, 2010, for one year, $2 million junior for DeBoer, who praised the winger’s skating ability and character. The Sharks never got the kind of production they expected, though, as Boedker posted 25 goals and 63 points in 155 games. The play that he’s perhaps most known for in San Jose is when he collided with Joe Thornton in a game on Jan. 18, 2018, resulting in torn ligaments to the future Hall of Famer’s knee. To his credit, Wilson somehow rid the club of the final two years of Boedker’s contract in a trade with the Senators on June 19, 2018. Boedker was even worse with Ottawa and was a frequent healthy scratch this past season.

Michal Handzus

Signed on July 1, 2011, for two years, $5 million

After seeing Handzus contribute during the previous four seasons with the Kings, the Sharks nabbed the responsible two-way forward to play primarily as their third-line center and on the penalty kill. He managed seven goals and 24 points in 67 games in 2011-12, and he was invisible in the lockout-shortened 2013 season with just two points (1g, 1a) in 28 games before he was dealt to Chicago. That move worked out wonderfully for Handzus and the Blackhawks, who won the Stanley Cup in 2013. Handzus was a key contributor, too, with 11 points (3g, 8a) in 23 playoff games, leaving many to wonder why he was so ineffective with San Jose.

Claude Lemieux

Signed on Dec. 29, 2008, to a one-year, two-way deal for $500,000

This wasn’t so much a bad signing as just, well, a weird one. The 43- year-old winger hadn’t played an NHL game in more than five years when he joined the Sharks organization, and in 18 games in 2008-09, he posted just one assist in 18 games (Lemieux also played 23 games with AHL Worcester, where he had three goals and eight assists for 11 points). He played in just one of the six games in the first round against Anaheim in the 2009 playoffs, and the four-time Stanley Cup winner retired for good a few months later.

David Schlemko

Signed on July 1, 2016, for four years, $8.4 million

In many ways, this questionable decision by Wilson ended up being a blessing in disguise — after one decent season with the Sharks, Schlemko was nabbed by Vegas in the expansion draft in what was one of the Golden Knights’ few poor decisions (they could have had Brenden Dillon, among a few others, instead). Schlemko was quickly flipped from Vegas to Montreal, where he didn’t contribute much in two seasons, struggling to get into the lineup on a regular basis. Schlemko spent the entirety of the 2019-20 season, the final year of this deal, in the AHL.

Honorable mention

Scott Gomez

Signed on Jan. 23, 2013, for one year, $700,000

Wilson took a chance that Gomez had something left in the tank after the forward was bought out by the Canadiens in what was a low-risk gamble. Gomez managed just two goals and 15 points in 39 games before he was a healthy scratch by the end of the lockout-shortened season and at the beginning of the playoffs.

Colin White

Signed on Aug. 3, 2011, for one year, $1 million

White was signed to be a depth defenseman, but by the time he reached San Jose it looked like the speed of the game was too fast for him to keep up. He posted one goal and three assists for four points in 54 games, in what was the veteran’s final season of pro hockey.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182376 St Louis Blues roads. A while later, Unger got a phone call from a State trooper asking if he knew a .

When the trooper informed Unger that Gassoff has been in an accident, Unger's hunger: St. Louis remains special place for former Blues glamour what turned out to be a fatal collision, Unger saw the face of that boy teenager in his mind’s eye — the teenager from The Arena earlier that spring: “Do you know where you’re gonna spend eternity?”

A rugged defenseman, Gassoff was a good friend, the toughest guy Jim Thomas 5 hrs ago Unger knew.

“And all of a sudden he was gone,” Unger recalled. “And where did he go?” Agroup of fans, mostly teenagers and many in their 20s, waited outside the players’ entrance at The Arena hoping for a glimpse of one of their Finding faith beloved Blues. That started Unger on a path towards Christianity, renewed faith, and an On this night, they weren’t disappointed. Out walked — the association with the Phoenix-based Athletes International Ministry. Blues’ glamour boy — blond hair flowing, a beautiful woman on his arm. They hopped into a convertible and drove off into the night. Nearing the end of his time in St. Louis, Unger felt there was a void in his life despite all the success, money and adulation he experienced through That postgame scene repeated itself time after time in the 1970s. hockey.

Colorful, cool and prolific as a scorer, Garry Unger once was larger than At first, he thought that void might be filled with a Stanley Cup; he life in St. Louis, scoring 30 or more goals in all eight of his full seasons thought he’d have a better chance to do so when he was traded to the with the Blues. On a club that had only two winning seasons in the ‘70s, in 1979. But in his only season in Atlanta, Unger credits he was a reason — maybe the reason — for fans to head to the rink. Flames teammates, including Paul Henderson, with setting him on the right path spiritually. Part of the appeal might have been that Garry Unger was a bit of a rebel. He had, after all, been traded to St. Louis from Detroit in 1971 (for Red “I never, ever really wanted to leave St. Louis,” Unger said. “I was drawn Berenson) in part because he refused Detroit coach Ned Harkness’ to leave St. Louis because of this yearning that I had down deep. . . . I repeated demands to cut his hair. realized that that void that I had in my life wasn’t (about) more cars, more championships and more scoring goals, it was that personal relationship Why, the first time he met Harkness, who was new to Detroit that season, with Christ that changed both of our lives and changed our marriage Unger said Harkness spent part of the lunch meeting “drawing on a really.” napkin how he wants my hair cut.” After that season in Atlanta, Unger played for the Los Angeles Kings and He played in a franchise-record 662 consecutive games with the Blues, Edmonton Oilers, then served as a player-coach in Scotland and part of his then-NHL record 914 consecutive starts, which now ranks England. He says he’s played hockey in 25 countries. second all-time. He accomplished his ironman streak in a career that included 11 broken noses, two broken cheekbones, a broken wrist and a Unger’s second career was in coaching — all over — with stops in separated shoulder among other things. Phoenix, Tulsa, Albuquerque, Florida, Vancouver, Detroit. All at the minor-league level. For the past 10 years, Unger has been involved with But he never lost a tooth — fitting for someone who was the face of the the Banff Hockey Academy near his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, first Blues for nearly a decade. It was hard to stay humble. as a coach and now as athletics director. “Your impression of yourself gets distorted when everybody’s making a He oversees the operation, helps the coaches of three youth teams (one fuss over you all the time,” Unger said. “And I tried really hard not to let it of which is a girls’ squad), even has a bus license to drive the teams get to me. But it’s hard not to.” around. Along with the rest of the teenagers attending the academy, he Today, Unger still has a convertible (and a motorcycle) at age 72. The stays in a boarding house during the school year. About half of the woman who accompanied him out of the Arena back in the day is now students/hockey players are from the U.S and Canada, the rest are from his wife, Beverly. So some things haven’t changed. overseas.

Tragic time In the summer, he’s involved with a similar school in Germany. There’s also one in Colorado as well as prospect camps all over where Unger Then again, one of those trips past adoring fans at The Arena helped and the academy recruit. change his life near the end of the 1976-77 season. He just didn’t know it at the time. When he’s not doing all that, he calls Phoenix home, not that he’s there often during a normal year. Unger is in Arizona early this year, in shelter- Unger remembers entering the building before a game. As always, a pile in-place mode because the hockey academy in Banff has closed of youngsters waited at the players’ entrance, hoping for an autograph. because of the coronavirus pandemic. Unger was in a hurry to get in for the game this night and politely declined. “We’re not sure if it’s gonna continue to go because of all this stuff that’s going on,” Unger said. “As I was doing that, there was a kid kind of standing over in a corner, and I was just about to go through the door and he said to me: ‘Do you Special honor? know where you’re gonna spend eternity?’" Unger recalled. In a lifetime spent roaming from one hockey outpost to another, St. Louis Unger didn’t think much about it at the time. But not that long after that still holds a special place in Unger’s heart. chance encounter —and unusual question — Unger held his season- “I don’t have any tattoos,” he once said. “But if I did, it would be a St. ending party for friends and teammates at his horse and cattle ranch Louis Blues emblem.” near Gray Summit, about 15 minutes west of the Six Flags amusement park. He married Beverley in St. Louis; two of their three daughters were born here. Late that afternoon, teammate Bob Gassoff was trying to start one of the several motorcycles Unger had on the property. “It was definitely a really special time in my life,” Unger said.

“I said, ‘Bobby, I don’t know how much you’ve been drinking, but don’t be Just one thing would make his time in St. Louis complete: to have his fiddling around with the motorcycles at this time. We’re gonna eat here in jersey number (7) retired and hanging in the rafters at Enterprise Center. a minute,’" Unger recalled. “Somebody grabbed me by the arm and said, ‘Listen, we need some more pop and stuff for the party.’" “I would like that to happen,” Unger said. “I think that would be something that would be really special. It’s not something that I lose any sleep over, So Unger left Gassoff . . . and longtime Blues fans remember what but it would be really nice for my family and stuff like that. And it’s happened next. Gassoff got on a dirt bike and headed off on the rural deserved. It’s not something like I want to sneak in. You know?” St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182377 St Louis Blues

What I miss about sports today — Blues playoff hockey

5 hrs ago

Robert Cohen

Benjamin Hochman

During these uncertain times, columnist Benjamin Hochman will share what he misses about sports. Here is his latest:

There isn’t a statistic or a measurement to rely upon for quantifiable evidence, but we all know that in playoff hockey, the hits are just harder.

They just are.

It’s playoff hockey, and the checks are more vicious. And personal. And the players finish them off with devilish pride. And it’s wonderful.

Playoff hockey is an experience, a style of play, a VIP club.

Today is the first Monday of April – the Blues’ final regular-season game was scheduled for last Saturday – so today likely would’ve been the first practice for the playoffs. The sports journalists would’ve ascended upon practice ice, interviewing the players with fresh questions about a new opponent and new opportunities. The coach would get a little more clandestine about lineups and injuries and, really, anything, because any morsel of information cans surely help an opponent plan and prepare (or, at least, that’s what postseason paranoia makes hockey people think).

The playoffs introduce you to a new team that’ll be part of your life for a fortnight or so. Suddenly, the Winnipeg Jets are your world. You quickly develop opinions about your opponents’ style of play and goalie and fans and jersey colors and even their beers and airport.

Some opponents start the series as strangers – you don’t even know how to pronounce some of the names – and by the end of the series, you’ve developed an utter hatred or respect for a Nikolaj Ehlers or Dustin Byfuglien.

During the regular season, every single day seems important, perhaps imperative, until the playoffs start. And then, six months is just some blur from the past. From inside the whirlwind of the playoffs, you think back to the regular season, so much was made about, say, “the big December game at Calgary.” And at the time, yes, it was a pivotal moment the season hinged upon. Perhaps there was a losing streak that had to be ended, or an injured player now healthy and back in the lineup. And we inspect and dissect the lines pairings and become meticulous meteorologists of who’s hot and who’s cold. And everything matters SO much. And then, come playoffs, the regular season was simply this vehicle to get you into the tournament, the thing that actually matters. A team’s scrutinized success and failure all season was simply for the slotting of playoff spots, for who plays who. And then, sure enough, a good team awarded a high-seed loses to the “OK” team that was supposed to be an earned pushover opponent, because that’s playoff hockey sometimes.

Playoff hockey is a ride. Along the way, surprise heroes emerge, beards grow and random songs or celebs or Images become memes or part of our lexicon. The headlines in the newspaper are in ALL CAPS. Twitter is, well, Twitter – emotional and irrational and irresistible. And old playoff stars from the past are trotted out for ceremonies or televised interviews, and we watch grainy footage of some goal or some save that takes us back to a previous postseason. And we smile.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182378 St Louis Blues Do you use a fork or spoon when eating macaroni and cheese? “I’m definitely a fork guy. I don’t like when it’s all cheesy in the bottom of

the spoon.” For Blues' Robert Thomas, shelter-in-place means video games, indoor St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 04.07.2020 stickhlandling, Dad's cooking

Jim Thomas 12 hrs ago

How is Robert Thomas spending his time during the NHL’s coronavirus “pause.”

Video games, family time, cooking tips, and in-house stickhandling.

The Blues’ second-year center provided the update via an NHL.com Twitter Q-and-A session with fans on Monday afternoon.

“I’ve been playing a lot of video games with friends and teammates,” Thomas said. “Around the house I’ve just been hanging out with family. I don’t get to see them that much during the season, so I’ve been spending a lot of time with them and my brother.

“My dad’s been cooking a lot, so he’s been kind of showing me the ropes in the kitchen.”

Thomas has frequently sung the praises of his father Scott as a cook, as have the Tkachuk brothers _ Matthew of the Calgary Flames and Brady of the Ottawa Senators. Now back home in the Toronto area, Thomas spends his Blues seasons living in the basement of the Tkachuk family abode in suburban St. Louis.

But Thomas returns the favor when the Tkachuks spend part of their offseasons (during normal times) training in Toronto. During that time they stay at the Thomas home with Scott doing most of the cooking.

During the Twitter Q&A, each of Thomas’ answers came in brief videos; during one answer he showed his X-box video game setup _ headset, monitor, the works.

He also showed the floorball hockey stick he has been using to work on his stickhandling. Indoors.

“I got it when I was younger,” Thomas said. “It’s like a European floorball stick. My grandpa bought it for me when I was at a tournament in Finland. I drive my mom nuts stickhandling on the hardwood and stuff like that. She’s not a big fan of it, but it’s something I use around the house to kind of goof around.”

Here are some of the other answers from Thomas during the Q&A:

What was your favorite memory after winning the Stanley Cup?

“It had to be the parade. I mean it was so cool seeing. I think there was close to a million people in downtown St. Louis. Everyone was in the streets having a great time. My favorite part of the whole thing was they kinda let us get out of our cars and interact with the fans. That was something I’ll remember the rest of my life.”

Do you ever wear your Stanley Cup ring around the house?

“The first week I had it, I wore it to sleep that night. I was wearing it all around the house. Other than that, I’ve had it locked away. I don’t have it right now. It’s in a safe in St. Louis. I’m looking forward to seeing it again. I’m missing it now that I’m back in Canada.”

Which teammate makes the biggest mess in the locker room?

“A hundred percent it would be Petro (Alex Pietrangelo). In our home room he’s got two stalls, just so he can throw his stuff everywhere.”

What’s the hardest part about being the team’s youngest player?

“I can’t get into the bars at all with all the guys. Obviously I’m not 21 and gotta follow that rule.”

What’s your favorite way to eat a potato?

“I love Tater Tots. You can have ‘em with burgers or in the morning for breakfast. So Tater Tots are the way to go.”

What’s your favorite candy?

“I’ve got two of ‘em actually. Those like Fuzzy Peach peach rings, those things are dynamite. And the Baby Shark gummies.” 1182379 Toronto Maple Leafs from Phoenix [and] there are now NHL players from California, and Florida.”

The next wave of players, like everything, is on hold. The annual NHL Pandemic can’t stop hockey’s evolution Draft was slated for June, but has since been cancelled because of the pandemic.

The next draft is expected to be scaled down in much the same way it PETER ROBINSON was coming out of the 2005 lockout, when Sidney Crosby was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a hotel ballroom rather than in a stadium

packed with fans. With the dawn of a new decade there is a tendency to look ahead at Either way, the game is becoming less Canadian and more international what’s to come. For obvious reasons, that thought exercise in hockey is with each passing year. exceptionally difficult right now. WOMEN’S HOCKEY No one could have imagined as 2020 began that projections would be so uncertain, but that is the reality given how the COVID-19 pandemic has Big changes were taking place in women’s hockey before the pandemic shut down the sporting world. A restart is many weeks, perhaps months hit, and they are likely to continue. away. It’s difficult to even speculate what changes will ensue. The demise of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) last year Fifteen years ago, after a work stoppage forced the cancellation of the was widely reported. Soon after, most of the world’s top players vowed to entire 2004-2005 season, the NHL instituted rule changes that altered stay out of domestic competition until a sustained league could be the game’s direction. Will something similar happen? How will the formed. existing agreement between the NHL and players be affected, especially as it relates to the salary cap and hockey-related revenue? No one Hall of Famer Jayna Hefford, who was the CWHL’s commissioner when knows. the league folded, paraphrases Canadian comedian actor Gerry Dee when summarizing that stance. “He said, ‘You shouldn’t be the best at What is certain is that the game is already vastly different than it was in anything and earn just $2,000 doing it.’” 2010. Rules and their interpretations are evolving, the player pool is more diverse and women’s hockey is on the cusp of even more dramatic A native of Kingston, Ont., Hefford is a four-time Olympic gold medallist change. Beyond COVID-19, these issues hint at how the sport may more and the driving force behind the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ broadly evolve over the next decade. Association (PWHPA), an organization formed last year to advance the women’s game and establish a viable professional league. RULE CHANGES Hefford says she is gratified by the NHL-like crowds at the Olympics and Terry Gregson’s first experience with video review was notable. Looking World Championships, as well as recent Canada-U.S. games that would back, the longtime NHL official’s first goal reversal in 1991 offers a crack the ‘best-of’ lists played by either gender. Many Canadian and glimpse of where hockey’s rules may be headed, irrespective of changes American girls also no longer have to drive hours to play, as was often resulting from the pandemic. the case when she was growing up.

“The New York Rangers were playing Pittsburgh and the Rangers scored But more needs to be done, she says. on a puck that went through the net,” remembers Gregson, who was an NHL referee for more than two decades and then its director of The PWHPA’s Dream Gap tour this season was designed to draw officiating. “After a whistle, I consulted with [my linesmen] and we figured attention to bridging the divide between grassroots girl’s hockey and elite we should take a look.” competition. Better infrastructure is needed, as is comparable pay with other elite women’s sports such as tennis or soccer. Upon video examination, they saw that the puck had penetrated the webbing of the net after crossing the goal line. The goal was good. Hefford wants to establish a framework that will allow a professional women’s league to grow and prosper. Her targets for 2030, therefore, are “Scott Bowman went ballistic,” remembers Gregson of how Pittsburgh’s simple. coach reacted to the Rangers being awarded the goal. “Now, if a goal like that were scored the first thing a player or coach will say is, ‘You “We hope to have our own league established long before that,” she have to go upstairs to check.’” says. “Our goal is to have one up and running in the next few years.”

That change in attitude – toward ensuring a good goal via video replay – Globe And Mail LOADED: 04.07.2020 has taken the better part of 30 years.

Further modifications in goalie equipment, tweaking the offside video review process and a hard-and-fast crease interference rule are next, Gregson says, or at least they should be. The NHL should also consider allowing any goal to stand that goes in off a player’s foot, kicked or not.

“We want scoring… it takes a lot of skill to direct a puck in with your foot off of a shot from the point,” he says.

GROWING DIVERSITY

Though Canada has dominated recent international competition by winning both Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 and the 2016 , its share of NHL players has paradoxically declined to less than half.

Canadians comprised 43 per cent of players on 2019-2020 opening night rosters, while the United States and Sweden steadily increased their respective presences to 26 and 11 per cent. Russia, Finland and the Czech Republic have also made small gains in recent years, according to nationality tracking on the NHL’s website.

The trendline is an accurate reflection of where the men’s game is headed.

“With the U.S., you’re seeing the population monster at work,” says Kyle Woodlief, who has operated the independent scouting newsletter Red Line Report since the late 1990s. “American players now come from many more places. [Toronto Maple Leafs centre] Auston Matthews is 1182380 Toronto Maple Leafs in a version of “The Newlywed Game” — an exercise in seeing how well the teammates and ex-teammate know each other.

How many NHL games, for instance, did it take for Marner to score his Matthews, Marner and Marleau dine out on the past — a little fun with the first NHL goal? NHL’s future on hold “Seven games?” said Marleau, clearly unsure.

Said Marner, apparently insulted: “Are you (kidding)?” By Dave Feschuk The answer was two. Mon., April 6, 2020 And on which team did Matthews spend his NHL draft year before being selected No. 1 overall by the Leafs back in 2016? Everybody knew the answer, although Marner said he was unsure about the spelling of the Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were engaging in a bit of fond Zurich SC Lions. reminiscing on Monday, thinking back to a moment when the natural order of things was generally intact. “You were gonna go play for them, too,” Matthews cracked, reminding the world of Marner’s difficult negotiations with the Leafs last summer, Hockey was being played, and often well by the Maple Leafs, who were wherein a report leaked that Marner was in talks with the Swiss league an intriguing young team on the rise. And whenever the two star Maple club as a possible 2019-20 destination should the Leafs not pay him Leafs would head to dinner with their veteran teammate Patrick Marleau, sufficiently. it’d be Marleau who’d somehow find a way to slip his credit card to the server when the time came to settle the cheque. More questions. Who was the most ruthlessly competitive player in mini- sticks? The unanimous answer was Matthews. Not that there was anything wrong with that. Marleau, who has earned an estimated $95 million (U.S.) in salary since he broke into the NHL in “I didn’t play it off like I didn’t want to win. I wanted to win,” Matthews 1997, probably isn’t strapped for cash. But Matthews and Marner, as they said. grew to become close family friends of the Marleau clan, have long been What’s Marner’s favourite flavour of ice cream? on track to do OK for themselves, too — both signing megadeals with the Leafs in 2019. So along with occasionally engaging in the NHL tradition “You should know this,” Marner said to Marleau. “You went out to get of tossing their credit cards into a bowl and picking one at random to me ice cream constantly on the road.” cover the tab, they also devised a game. The answer, delivered correctly by all, was cookie dough. Which brought “At dinners, you couldn’t touch your phone. If you touched your phone to mind a post-dinner road activity favoured by the trio: dessert and a you had to pay the bill,” Marner said. “It was more so we could sort of movie back at the hotel. “Cars 3” was their initial bonding point. And enjoy the presence of each other more, just talk about other things, speaking of empty calories: Who’d be most likely to binge-watch “Love Is rather than just being right down on our phones kind of looking at Twitter Blind,” the reality-TV dating show? The consensus was Matthews, who or Instagram or texting people. It was just a fun way to be more also was the unanimous answer to questions such as “Who takes most interactive with each other.” penalties in mini-stick games with the Marleau boys?” and “Who takes longest to get ready to go out to dinner?” It was also, Marner acknowledged, “another way to try and stop Pat from paying the bill.” Nutritionally, this was not necessarily a conversation the Leafs strength and conditioning staff wanted to hear. At one point Christina Marleau Fast forward to our current situation — where sitting down in a restaurant asked which of the three players could survive solely on pizza. And isn’t even possible, no matter who’s footing the expense — and you had without skipping a beat the undisputed answer came back Marner. That Monday’s NHL video conference featuring Matthews and Marner, both probably helps explain why the Leafs, in the midst of the pandemic, are 22, and the 40-year-old Marleau. It was a reasonable facsimile of sitting delivering three square meals a day to players residing in the GTA — down to an informal lunch with the trio, not to mention a rotating cast of and paying the bill, no game of credit-card roulette required. extras who made the Zoom-hosted chat session a fun and occasionally hectic mess of a production. LOADED: 04.07.2020 Hockey was talked, sure. But dogs also barked more than occasionally (Marleau and Marner both shrugged at the canine-induced commotion in their respective households). And Marleau, speaking from his San Jose home, was joined on screen at various times by his wife Christina and three of their four sons. At one point the proceedings were interrupted by the ringing of what sounded like a landline, apparently emanating from Marner’s GTA abode.

“I don’t know what that was,” Marner said.

Which got a chuckle out of Matthews, who shook his head from the Phoenix area, where he said he was riding out the global sports stoppage “chilling by the pool” alongside teammate Frederik Andersen.

“Mitch, come on,” Matthews said, scolding his teammate. “I can’t focus.”

Marleau’s legacy probably isn’t what the Leafs hoped it would be when they acquired him as a free agent in the summer of 2017. Though he was a top-six regular in his two seasons in Toronto, and though he played in all 164 regular-season games over that span, his production dropped off in his second year with the team. And removing his $6.25-million cap hit from the books for 2019-20 required the relinquishing of a 2020 first- round draft pick, not exactly a small price for a salary dump. Two teams later — Marleau signed with the Sharks this season before being traded at the deadline to the Pittsburgh Penguins — and in the midst of a life- altering pandemic, who’s counting?

Monday’s chat avoided much in the way of hard analysis of why Marleau’s tenure in Toronto — which Marner said was hailed on arrival as “everything our team needed to make a long run in the playoffs” — never brought with it post-season success. But there were some amusing moments, for sure, mostly when the NHL-appointed moderator engaged 1182381 Toronto Maple Leafs Others raised the need to play as many regular-season games as feasible to preserve the integrity of the playoffs, as well as a need to reacclimate to the speed and intensity of the action.

NHL players, staff grapple with possible playoff scenarios amid The need for tune-up games was not lost on Oilers captain Connor coronavirus-related stoppage McDavid. Edmonton faces the prospect of opening the playoffs against Calgary — a rivalry that featured several penalty-filled regular-season matchups already this season.

By John WawrowThe Associated Press “I don’t think you can just step into the playoffs, Game 1, have Calgary come to Edmonton and guys just run around and kill each other and Stephen Whyno haven’t played a game in two months,” McDavid said. Mon., April 6, 2020 Flames captain Mark Giordano noted the playoffs would be additionally competitive because teams would feature healthy rosters, given the amount of time players have had to rest and recover. Shorts and skates don’t usually mix. Maintaining NHL-quality ice in August or holding a Stanley Cup Final in September? Those are far from And don’t forget the goalies. the norm, too. “You can train and practice and stuff, but when you get to camp, I find the With the NHL playoffs, which were to begin Wednesday, on indefinite NHL shot and speed of the game is something you have to catch up on,” hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, anything and everything is on Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said. “It would be nice to have a the table if commissioner Gary Bettman’s objective to complete the few to get back in touch.” season is to be realized. Foligno raised a concern over the number of games some players might What the format will be, when play might realistically resume and have to play over a calendar year should the playoffs stretch into whether the NHL might require games at neutral sites — how’s North September, and the following season being a month or two later. Dakota sound? — is anyone’s guess. “You’ve got to think about the longevity of guys’ careers and their health “Those are all fair questions but not ones that we have to resolve right as well,” Foligno said. “Any idea is worth it at this point. But we’ve got to away,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press by think about how we’re going to go ahead here and smartly both on the email, likening the situation for the league to a “a multi-faceted puzzle.” business side and the health side.”

Over the weekend, the governors and New York and Florida both tamped Jets coach Paul Maurice was on board for any scenario, so long as it down President Donald Trump’s hope of sports resuming in August. New means providing fans a distraction. York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: “I would love to see sports back to help “God, it’d be playoffs with fresh hockey players and it’d be pretty darn with cabin fever. … But this is not about hopes and dreams and exciting,” Maurice said Monday. “We’d play anywhere.” aspirations and what you would like to see.” Toronto Star LOADED: 04.07.2020 The NHL, which postponed play March 12, has several times pushed back its self-quarantine guideline — it’s now April 15 — before players can even think about reporting to team facilities. The date is expected to be extended again.

Wherever and whenever the Stanley Cup is awarded, one thing will still hold true as far as Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford is concerned.

“Whoever wins it, it is going to feel the same whenever they win it, on whatever day they win it, as it would winning it normally in the middle of June,” Rutherford said.

The latest the Cup has ever been awarded is June 24, in 1995 and 2013, with both instances following lockout-shortened seasons. The pandemic, however, has no timetable.

That leads to questions over whether the NHL will have time to squeeze in any of the remaining 189 regular-season games to determine seedings, or skip directly to the playoffs based on the current standings, be it by based on total points or points percentages.

In the percentage scenario, the ninth-place New York Islanders would have the edge over the eighth-place Columbus Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference. In the West, seventh-place Winnipeg would be the odd team out with Vancouver in.

Other possibilities include expanding the playoff format to take into account the uneven amount of games teams have played.

The various formats led to amusing exchanges between players during recent video calls.

“I’d rather start the playoffs right away,” said Alex Ovechkin, whose Washington Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division. He then laughed and said, “Sorry guys,” referring to the other three players on the call.

“Don’t say sorry to me,” Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno said. “We’re in a playoff spot.”

New Jersey defenceman P.K. Subban proposed a 31-team format — every team in the league — which might be the only way the Metropolitan’s last-place Devils qualify. 1182382 Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto factor in the NHL has never been more significant than it is today. In the year in which Giordano won the Norris, defenceman Alex Pietrangelo led the St. Louis Blues to the Stanley Cup alongside Richmond Hill’s goaltender, Jordan Binnington and team captain Ryan With McDavid, Stamkos, Marner and more, GTA now the hockey capital O’Reilly, who moved to Toronto to finish his minor hockey years. of the world And it’s not impossible that former GTHL defenceman, , will be named rookie of the year in the NHL this season, assuming there will be awards given out from a season that may not be completed. Steve Simmons Once upon a time, Montreal had the Richard brothers and Mike Bossy Published:April 6, 2020 and Mario Lemieux and Luc Robitaille and Raymond Bourque and Serge Updated:April 6, 2020 6:15 PM EDT Savard and Martin Brodeur. That list has thinned over the years while the Toronto development has grown significantly.

Any all-Toronto minor hockey roster in today’s NHL would include John When Brendan Shanahan played on a Mississauga Reps peewee team Tavares, P.K. Subban, Dougie Hamilton, Mitch Marner, , that won the famous Quebec International tournament years ago, he Tom Wilson, Tyler Toffoli, Darnell Nurse, and we’re probably missing figured he might have been the sixth best player on his team. another 10 players of note.

And that was being optimistic. And that’s not including those no longer playing like the late Peter Zezel, or Mike Murphy or Rick Tocchet, or 60-goal scorer, Dennis Maruk, or Two of his teammates, and Jason Woolley, like him, John Anderson or Tony Tanti or Steve Thomas. All of them learned their ended up playing a long time in the National Hockey League. Shanahan hockey in the GTA. played his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. As did Mark Osborne and Behn Wilson and Trevor Daley, Keith and But the players he remembers being most impressed by are names you Wayne Primeau and goaltender, . wouldn’t know: Steven Glugosh and David D’Amico. The best goaltender Shanahan remembers playing against as a kid was “They were the guys I looked up to,” said Shanahan, now president of the Rick Tabaracci. “He was a defenceman for a long time and a really mean Toronto Maple Leafs. “If you gave Glugosh the puck, it was going in the defenceman to play against,” said Shanahan. “Then he became a goalie. net. He was the centre, I was the winger and he was the goal scorer.” He came to it, but was really good at it.” Tabaracci went on to play for That is the oldest story and often most untold story about minor hockey. seven different NHL teams in 12 professional campaigns. Talk to almost anyone who plays in the NHL and ask them if they were Shanahan played for five different teams himself, six if you count starting ever the best player on any team they played for and the answer and ending in New Jersey. He still remembers so many details of his regularly is no. Ask them who the best player they remember playing with minor hockey life, the way so many kids growing into their adult years, or against and they’ll mention a name you’ve never heard of. remember theirs. It’s a time to cherish for all who play — and for the tiny “When I played there weren’t any Connor McDavid’s in my age group, percentage of those who make it big. super kids, playing up a year or down a year,” Shanahan said. “Once in a “When I went to junior, I thought I was the playmaker,” Shanahan said. while you’d hear about a kid like Jeff Harding and there weren’t many of “That’s what playing all those years with Glugosh taught me. I was under those kind of big kids around.” the misconception that is my job to get somebody else the puck. Very Harding beat the odds. He went on to play 15 games in the NHL. He quickly they said to me, you get it, you shoot it. And I started doing that. never did score an NHL goal. “I remember another kid who played on my brother’s lacrosse team. He When Shanahan was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1987, Toronto was amazing at lacrosse and pretty good at hockey,” Shanahan said. might have been known as the centre of the hockey universe — as much The kid’s name: Adam Oates. Hockey Hall of Fame, class of 2012. for the passion of the fanbase and the breadth of media coverage is part Another star on the Toronto list of many. of the package — but it wasn’t known as a place where hockey players THE GTA ALL-STARS came from. Goalie The narrative then was that the Greater Toronto Area may have represented one quarter of the population of Canada but didn’t produce Ken Dryden* anywhere near one-quarter of the hockey players. Hockey players came from small hard-working towns with frozen winters. They didn’t come from the big city with the indoor rinks, or the story went. There were, of course, the outliers like , who went to the New Defence York Rangers in the late 1960s and played in Bobby Orr’s shadow for much of his Hall of Fame career. Park is a great a player as Toronto has Brad Park* Paul Coffey* ever produced but the list has gotten longer and deeper and more impressive over the years. Larry Murphy* Alex Pietrangelo

There was Park and then there was Ken Dryden in goal for the Montreal P.K. Subban Mark Giordano Canadiens. One definitive playing in the same era as another from the Forwards GTA. After them, came Steve Shutt and , one Hall of Famer and one should have been Hall of Famer. In the 80s, there was Brendan Shanahan* Connor McDavid Eric Lindros* Paul Coffey and Dale Hawerchuk, born in Toronto, played in the area, both generational players, along with Larry Murphy and Mike Steve Shutt* * Gartner and Shanahan. And in goal, there was Mike Palmateer in the 70s Mark Napier Steven Stamkos Rick Middleton and Sean Burke in the late 80s and 90s. * – member of Hockey Hall of Fame The talent grew deeper and stronger over time. Honourable mention (or geographically questionable and apologies to In today’s NHL, you can argue without much back and forth, that those missing) McDavid, who played a short time for the Marlies of the GTHL, is the most talented player in all of hockey. And just a year ago, late bloomer Dale Hawerchuk; Steve Thomas; Dennis Maruk; Rick Nash; Curtis Mark Giordano of won the Norris Trophy as the game’s best Joseph; Ryan O’Reilly; Mike Murphy; Tom McCarthy; Rick Tocchet; defenceman. And for more than a decade now, Steven Stamkos, who Peter Zezel; Mitch Marner; Tyler Seguin; Jeff Skinner; Tony Tanti; John played most of his minor hockey for Markham in the OMHA, has trailed Anderson; Quinn Hughes; Darell Nurse; Jordan Binnington; Kevin only in both the shooting and goal scoring Weekes; Trevor Daley; Behn Wilson; ; Mark Osborne; Jeff department in hockey. O’Neill. LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182383 Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthews happy to find time for Bieber during NHL pause

Terry Koshan

Published:April 6, 2020

Updated:April 6, 2020 5:44 PM EDT

When Justin Bieber texts, Auston Matthews responds.

So it went that Matthews joined the pop superstar on Sunday for chat on Instagram Live.

“He messaged me in the morning and asked if I wanted to go on with him,” Matthews said on Monday. “Myself, Mitch (Marner), Tyson () talk to him every once in a while. He’s a pretty busy guy, so I try not to bother him too much, but it has been pretty sweet to get to know him this year and spend time with him.”

Matthews told Bieber and Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel are among the hardest players in the NHL to defend; Shane Doan was Matthews’ favourite player growing up, and today, is his favourite player to watch.

Bieber told Matthews that the 22-year-old Maple Leafs star inspires him and that Matthews has “the best moustache” in the NHL.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182384 Toronto Maple Leafs Though who knows? The Leafs were 8-8-2 in their final 18 games before the pause, and in their final four, won once and scored just five goals.

A three-point lead on the Florida Panthers for third place in the Atlantic Relationship between Marleau and Leafs' Matthews, Marner endures Division didn’t exactly guarantee the Leafs a post-season berth. Toronto had 12 games to go, the Panthers 13.

“We were in a little bit of an up-and-down, roller-coaster ride for the last Terry Koshan couple of weeks, so this is a good time for us to settle down and realize that we had the potential and the team that can do some great things,” Published:April 6, 2020 Marner said. “We have been chatting with each other. It’s a frustrating Updated:April 6, 2020 7:19 PM EDT time having this break, but I think everyone is trying to stay ready for that playoff push.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 04.07.2020 The bromance involving Patrick Marleau, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner hasn’t lost its spark.

Never mind that the veteran Marleau hasn’t been a Maple Leafs teammate since Toronto traded him to the at the National Hockey League draft last June.

During a video conference call on Monday afternoon organized by the NHL, the three traded good-natured barbs and relived how it evolved that Matthews and Marner became tight with Marleau, but more importantly, gave their support to those who are on the front lines in the battle against the spread of the coronavirus.

“Obviously, (the frustration level in not playing with the NHL on pause) is high,” Marner said from his home in Toronto, where he is self-isolating with his girlfriend and his dog. “But there are bigger things than hockey, and that’s people’s lives and making sure everyone is doing their part, staying home and being healthy with each other and staying safe.

“We’re all in the same boat. For both of us (himself and Matthews) and our whole team, we want to thank all the health staff around the world that is doing all their part to make sure that they are putting themselves in danger to try to make other people healthy.

“It’s so brave of them and it takes a lot of courage to do that. For our team and for the league, we want to say thank you to all of them. It’s unbelievable what they are doing and what they are sacrificing for us.”

From his off-season home in Phoenix — where Leafs teammate Frederik Andersen is waiting out the NHL pause with him — Matthews was nodding in agreement.

“I think we’re itching and dying to get back just as much, but like Mitch said, there are some things that are bigger than hockey and this is definitely one of them,” said Matthews, clad in a T-shirt bearing the logo of hair-metal band Poison.

“I hope everybody out there is staying safe and practising their social distancing and staying safe. That’s the most important part. We hope to be back out there as soon as possible.”

For now and the foreseeable future, face time, phone calls and texting are the only ways the three hockey players, like most of us, have to communicate.

Marner and Matthews still have a soft spot for Marleau’s four sons, with the Leafs stars agreeing that the relationship between the three players solidified during intense mini-stick games at Marleau’s home in Toronto during 2017-18, his first season with the Leafs. Marleau’s boys and wife Christina, with Patrick at their home in San Jose, were on hand for some of the call on Monday, asking questions during an impromptu game of trivia.

Marleau, not surprisingly, usually would be stuck with the dinner bill when the three went out; Marner knew his first NHL goal was on Anton Khudobin, then with Boston and now with Dallas, though Marner didn’t know how to spell the goalie’s last name; Matthews was unanimously deemed most likely to binge-watch the dating reality series Love is Blind; of the three, Marner would be the one during self-isolation to get by only on pizza if he had to and would be the first to run out of clean clothes.

Each is keeping his fingers crossed that the NHL somehow resumes the 2019-20 season, whether it’s to conclude the regular season or go directly into the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Had the games proceeded as scheduled, the Leafs likely would have been making their way to Tampa Bay on Tuesday or Wednesday to start a first-round series against the Lightning. 1182385 Toronto Maple Leafs “If (Matthews) wasn’t the best one out there, he was the loudest for sure,” said Marleau.

Matthews is hanging in Arizona with Frederik Andersen Patrick Marleau, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner reunited on Some quarantine location updates: Marleau and his family are in their entertaining call San Jose home. And Marleau sounded glad he didn’t take up a career in teaching.

By Joshua Kloke Apr 6, 2020 “I’m not going to lie, the homeschooling thing’s been a little tough on me. But it’s been going good this week, they’re off. So it’s a good week to take a break here and regroup for the next week of homeschooling,” said Marleau. It’s now been 25 days since the NHL season was officially put on hold. Regularly, this space would have been occupied by playoff preview Marner is in his Toronto home with his girlfriend Steph and his dog. coverage. “We’ve just been hanging out, watching TV shows. It’s been nice having But instead, Leafs forwards Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and former a dog right now. We take him for walks through a pathway and try and Leaf and current Pittsburgh Penguin forward Patrick Marleau came get some outside time when I can,” said Marner. together for a midday conference call. Matthews revealed that he’s in Phoenix with Leafs goalie and close friend We haven’t heard much from Marner and Matthews since the season Frederik Andersen. was paused. Matthews took part in an Instagram live conversation with Justin Bieber on Sunday and revealed his favourite players are Shane “Just kind of hanging out by the pool, just chilling and doing the sun for a Doan and Patrick Kane, and Marner stopped in with Arkells lead singer bit,” said Matthews. Max Kerman’s daily song tutorials to provide updates on how his time The trio had an interesting game to determine who would pay for dinner away from hockey has been. Besides Marleau’s generosity, or the typical games of credit card roulette Monday’s conference call was the first time hearing from the two Leafs to determine who would pay when the three friends would go out to stars in a more official manner. dinner, they revealed another game they’d play: whoever was the first to Unfortunately, questions from reporters were not permitted for this call. look at their phone during dinner had to foot the bill. So, as a result, no questions were asked about Marleau, 40, and his “You couldn’t touch your phone. If you touched your phone, you had to plans for the future should the NHL season be cancelled. pay the bill. It was more so that we can just enjoy each other more and Instead, what followed was a light-hearted chat facilitated by an NHL just talk about other things other than being right dialled in on our representative. Matthews dished on his friendship with Justin Bieber (“It’s phones, looking at Twitter, Instagram or texting people. So it was kind of been pretty sweet to get to know him,” said Matthews) and that he thinks just a fun way just to be more interactive with each other,” said Marner. Bieber could score at least one goal on 10 shots against St. Louis Blues “But then Patty would get a call from Christina or one of the kids, and goalie Jordan Binnington after Binnington challenged him to a breakaway that’s an auto loss,” said Matthews. challenge. “We had to change the rule,” said Marner. The focus of the call was a walk down memory lane that gave participants insight into their well-documented friendship. Here’s what we Marleau took time to warm up to Matthews in Toronto learned during the entertaining distraction: A large portion of the conference call was spent discussing what brought Marleau is trying to keep his kids entertained Matthews, Marner and Marleau together as friends after Marleau signed with the Leafs as a free agent on Jul. 2, 2017. If you’re a parent at home with children, you’re probably continually trying to come up with ways to entertain your children while simultaneously “Once I got to training camp they just seemed like really good, young finding ways to get work done. I know my 18-month-old son is clawing at guys. I just took a liking to them and I think on our first road trip, I kind of my wife and I every few minutes just to hear “Baby Shark” yet again, and just barged into their room and said ‘Let’s do something or hang out’ and based on the conference call, it doesn’t seem very different in the it kind of just evolved from there,” said Marleau. Marleau household. Matthews said he was out for dinner on a road trip and when he returned A screen grab of Patrick Marleau and three of his sons. to check in on Marner in his hotel room, Marleau was lying in Marner’s bed. Throughout the 27-minute call Marleau’s sons were present, sometimes in large groups. At first they’d hang over Marleau’s shoulder and stare at “They were waiting for me to watch a movie. We put on ‘Cars 3’. It was Matthews and Marner, before eventually chiming in with questions of kind of a tradition, every road trip, to put on a movie and order dessert,” their own for their version of “The Newlywed Game.” (More on that a little said Matthews. later) Matthews remembers Marleau being a little shy when he first arrived in Marleau’s son Jagger made an appearance in what could now be Toronto. considered a controversial San Jose Sharks shirt after Marleau was traded to the Penguins from the Sharks at this season’s trade deadline. “You were quiet when I first met you,” said Matthews with a grin.

“Nice shirt, Jags,” said Marner. “He didn’t really talk to me at all,” added Matthews later. “He was avoiding me.” Marleau’s four sons remain a vital part of the connection between the three players. Marner mentioned how their friendship quickly evolved “I’d never been on a different team with new guys,” said Marleau, “so for once he and Matthews began going over to Marleau’s house for dinner. me I always kind of just sit back for a little bit for the first few days and The first time they went over to his house, they didn’t bring over a change kind of watch what’s going on, how guys interact and see which guys of clothes. But after one intense game of mini-sticks with Marleau’s sons, are…” they knew they’d have to bring over shorts for what would always be At this point, what sounded like a landline from Marner’s apartment serious workouts. began ringing.

“We knew we were going to get all sweaty. You played mini-sticks for “Mitch, please,” said Matthews, with the tone of an annoyed parent. hours. So I think that’s kind of just where the relationship really started, when we started going over there and hanging out with all the kids and “I’ve been here for like three weeks and I’ve never heard that once,” said just feeling like we were a part of the family,” said Marner. Marner.

“The Apple watches were broken. It was always a good time,” said “It was going to be an epic answer but it’s totally gone now,” said Matthews. Marleau. All kidding aside, it’s clear the three friends still miss each other after Marleau was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of the 2019-20 season.

“I know that if I ever kind of need something or want to bounce something off somebody, (Marleau) is a guy who has obviously been through a lot. And he’s a close friend of mine who is going to give me honest feedback and his opinion,” said Matthews.

The trio’s take on “The Newlywed Game” was entertaining

The call ended with a series of questions meant to challenge each player’s knowledge of each other. The game actually came off pretty well, even with Matthews answering questions by writing on the back of paper plates.

The three friends blew through some of the easy questions to start, including Matthews’ other sport he excels at (baseball) and who was chosen ahead of Marleau in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft (Joe Thornton).

Here’s some of the other questions and answers, because distractions remain the aim of the game right now:

What is Mitch Marner’s favourite kind of ice cream: Cookie dough (all three answered correctly)

“Pat, you should know this, you went out to get me ice cream constantly on the road,” said Marner.

Which of the three friends is most likely to binge-watch Netflix reality show “Love is Blind?” (submitted by Marleau’s wife Christina): Auston Matthews (all three answered correctly)

Which of the three friends is most likely to fall asleep on the couch? (submitted by Marleau’s wife Christina): Votes were split

But the tie-breaker went to Marleau’s son Landon, who voted for Matthews.

“He did this at Christmas,” said Landon.

Which of the three friends is most likely live on pizza? (submitted by Marleau’s wife Christina): Mitch Marner (all three voted correctly)

Which of the three friends takes the longest to get ready? (submitted by Marleau): Auston Matthews (all three voted correctly)

“Why are you looking at me?” asked Matthews, defensively.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020

1182386 Vegas Golden Knights

NHL reportedly considering playing at neutral sites

By Ben Gotz

April 6, 2020 - 4:37 PM

The NHL reportedly is exploring playing games at neutral sites if the season resumes.

The league is considering having games in Grand Forks, North Dakota, according to Sportsnet’s Elliot Friedman. Former Sportsnet analyst John Shannon reported that Manchester, New Hampshire, is another location being considered.

The idea is one of many the NHL is mulling as it continues to review scenarios that could allow it to finish the regular season and postseason if the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

“We are looking at everything,” deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an email to the Review-Journal. “And it remains way too early to make those types of decisions.”

The advantage of playing in a location such as North Dakota is it would reduce travel and potential exposure to the coronavirus for teams if the season restarts without fans in the stands.

The state has a low population density, but possibly the best non-NHL rink in the United States is . “The Ralph,” the home of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, is named after former Las Vegas resident Ralph Engelstad. The businessman was one of the few independent casino-hotel owners in Las Vegas and co- developed .

Engelstad owned the Imperial Palace, now . He died in 2002.

The rink has hosted numerous high-profile hockey events, such as the 2005 World Junior Championships, the 2006 NCAA tournament West Regional and the 2016 World Under-18 Championships.

It has a main rink, an Olympic-sized practice rink and seven locker rooms, meaning it could potentially hold multiple games at once.

New Hampshire also would work for similar reasons. Southern New Hampshire University Arena has hosted eight NCAA regionals since 2004 and is scheduled to host again in 2021.

Playing in either or both locations could allow the NHL to reach its goal of awarding the Stanley Cup after completing 85 percent of the regular season.

“If we can ever get back to playing, it’s going to be one of the best playoffs ever,” said Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano, noting injured teams could heal during the break. “You’re going to be playing the best version of every team.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182387 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate adds defenseman

By Ben Gotz

April 6, 2020 - 12:50 PM

The Golden Knights’ unnamed American Hockey League affiliate signed defenseman Zack Hayes to an AHL contract Monday.

Hayes, 20, just finished his junior hockey career by scoring 23 points for the ’s Prince Albert Raiders. The left-shot defenseman was the Raiders’ captain and was a team-leading plus-37.

Hayes’ contract is for one season. He is the second recent addition to the AHL team’s blue line after college free agent Jake McLaughlin signed a similar contract March 24.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182388 Vegas Golden Knights

Chicago Wolves’ Oscar Dansk wins community service award

By Ben Gotz

April 6, 2020 - 12:23 PM

Updated April 6, 2020 - 1:27 PM

Chicago Wolves goaltender Oscar Dansk was named the team’s winner of the American Hockey League’s Man of the Year award Monday. That makes him one of 31 nominees for the overall AHL Man of the Year award.

Dansk, who played one game with the Golden Knights this season, also won the Wolves’ Dan Snyder Award for community service.

Dansk attended numerous Wolves fundraisers and community events this season and organized a team outing to the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago. He and teammates spent the afternoon playing with children and prepared dinner for them and their families that night.

Dansk also befriended a 17-year-old cancer patient named Angelo. He visited him at home twice and hosted him and his prospective adopted family at two Wolves games.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182389 Vegas Golden Knights Stephenson was supposed to play the Eakin role after the latter’s injury, but he surpassed those responsibilities. William Karlsson is still Vegas’ best center, but who’s been the second-best this season?

Golden Knights’ Defining Moments: The Chandler Stephenson trade Many may not realize it, but it’s been Stephenson, who’s outpacing Paul Stastny in points per game as a Golden Knight and lifting wingers Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone to new levels.

By Justin Emerson Pacioretty, Stephenson and Stone produced a 69.3 percent expected- goals rate as a line, third-best among any unit in hockey this year. Monday, April 6, 2020 | 2 a.m. An argument can be made that Stephenson has over-performed in 41

games in Vegas. The sample is bigger in Washington, where he was The Golden Knights’ acquisition of Chandler Stephenson last December more replaceable and never rose above the bottom six. passed without much fanfare. But maybe that’s because he was never given a big enough opportunity Stephenson didn’t get billboards on the Strip like Max Pacioretty or Mark with the Capitals. Stone received. He also didn’t come with controversy like Robin Lehner Stephenson is a restricted free agent this summer and his situation will did. somewhat resemble a lite version of Karlsson’s spot from two years ago Seeing as how the trade came down late after a game, it might have when he was coming off a career year. gone by without some fans even realizing it happened. Stephenson isn’t a 43-goal scorer like Karlsson, but he’s shown to be It didn’t look like a major moment in the Golden Knights’ season. They worth more than the $1.05 million he made this year. were getting a bottom-six forward from the Capitals for a late-round pick. Whether he continues his terrific pace next season and beyond is No biggie, right? irrelevant. Vegas has already gotten more value out of him than it could Over the next couple weeks, the Las Vegas Sun will look back at pivotal have hoped, making the trade for him one of the Golden Knights’ biggest moments throughout the season. The series will cover everything from moments of the season. the obvious turning points to more obscure ones that went by without It sure didn’t feel that way in December. much fanfare at the time but turned out to be important. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 04.07.2020 Today we look at the Chandler Stephenson trade.

Where the Golden Knights were

The Golden Knights were playing well at the time of Stephenson’s acquisition on Dec. 2 but must have seen the potential for trouble on the horizon.

Fellow center Cody Eakin played in Vegas’ game on Nov. 29, but then missed all of December, so the Golden Knights’ move for Stephenson was no doubt aided by their knowledge of Eakin’s status.

Another center went down not long after. Cody Glass played just three games with Stephenson before getting hurt himself. With both Eakin and Glass on the shelf, Stephenson’s acquisition suddenly became a rather big one. Eakin and Glass went on to miss a combined 25 games.

What happened

The Golden Knights swung a deal for Stephenson, grabbing him from the Capitals for a fifth-round pick, announced right after the team skated off the ice at Madison Square Garden with a victory over the Rangers. Stephenson took a late-night flight from San Jose to join the Golden Knights for the next night’s game in New Jersey.

He drew in as the fourth-line center against the Devils, scoring Vegas’ first goal of the game. He stepped in to help kill the team’s first penalty and was on the ice to defend New Jersey’s attempt with the extra attacker at the end of the game.

In 41 games with the Golden Knights, he had eight goals and 22 points before the NHL paused its season. In 168 games over five seasons with the Capitals he had 14 goals and 33 points.

How it was received

Most greeted the deal with a collective shrug. I wrote that it was an “intriguing depth move”, until realizing a week later he was going to need to play a bigger role with the team. General manager Kelly McCrimmon also seemed to see him as a complementary piece initially.

“Just a guy that we think can give us just a little bit more up front, a little more depth, a little more speed, versatility,” McCrimmon said in December. “Those are the things we expect to see from Chandler.

How much it mattered looking back

No one could have predicted how important Stephenson was going to become for the Golden Knights this season. The Capitals, who had players coming back from injury at the time of the trade, may have even waived him if the Golden Knights wouldn’t have coughed up pennies in the form of a pick. 1182390 Vegas Golden Knights Hasek. I distinctly remember watching Pavel Bure throw his hands into the air in celebration, only to see Hasek somehow flopped onto his back and gloved Bure’s shot just short of the goal line while upside down.

My favorite player: Dominik Hasek Hasek’s creativity in net inspired me. He’d often toss his stick aside in order to make a blocker save he would’ve been otherwise unable to make, so I began doing the same — or at least trying to imitate it. Anyone who played sports as a kid has likely served as their own By Jesse Granger Apr 6, 2020 imaginary public address announcer, and my own calls quickly transitioned from “what a save by Roy” to “what a save by Hasek!”

The first time I ever played hockey it wasn’t on ice. It was in the concrete Then, a little more than a year into my Hasek fandom, came the 1998-99 driveway of my childhood home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Stanley Cup playoffs. I watched every game the Avalanche and Sabres played through the first three rounds, dreading a possible Cup final The “net” was initially designated by a few squares in the design of the matchup between my hometown team and my favorite player. Colorado garage door. That was quickly replaced by a plastic hockey net after my eventually lost to Dallas in the Western Conference finals, while Buffalo parents grew tired of the constant clanging noise of pucks and hockey cruised past Toronto, making the rooting interests for a very confused 8- balls slamming into the metal garage door. year-old much easier.

Then we moved to the street, just in front of the house. The residential Hasek was brilliant throughout the series, without a single game below a street wasn’t very wide, so we were constantly pausing the game and .900 save percentage. No performance more spectacular than in Game dragging the net over to the sidewalk to allow passing cars to drive 6, where he stopped 48 of Dallas’ first 49 shots. through. Errant shots meant chasing the ball all the way down the street, hoping it didn’t find a storm drain. More importantly for my 8-year-old self: He kept the 1-1 game going through regulation, overtime and double overtime, and then into triple From the very first time I played, I wanted to be a goalie. I was 5 years overtime. The game was seemingly endless, and thankfully came after old in 1996 when the hometown Avalanche won the Stanley Cup, and as summer break had begun, allowing me to stay up past my bedtime. I watched on TV I was enamored by Patrick Roy. When my parents agreed to let me stay up until the game ended, they weren’t expecting it to run through 11:30 p.m., more than five hours after As the last line of defense, he carried the team on his back. It didn’t the initial puck drop. matter what the rest of the team did, because until you beat the goalie, it means nothing. Not only did he appear to be playing a different game Then, at 11:32 p.m., in Colorado Springs — which seemed much, much than the other skaters on the ice, but it sure looked like he was having later to me at the time — Brett Hull scored the goal that will forever be the most fun. Diving headfirst, rolling on his back and doing everything he etched in hockey history. His skate was in the crease. It crushed me, could to keep the puck out of the net. strangely, more than any Avalanche loss ever did. I went straight to bed and tried to pretend the goal was never scored. Imagining Hasek and Ed And most importantly: He looked the coolest with all of that gear on. Belfour were still dueling into the night and early morning. I wanted to be just like Roy, but early on I didn’t have goalie gear. I was That game is still the most memorable NHL moment of my childhood, just only just gaining interest in playing the sport and equipment is obviously barely edging out the Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2001, and expensive. So I did what any young kid would do and got creative. Joe Sakic famously handing the Cup to Ray Bourque. I started with oversized, adult soccer shin pads on my legs, a baseball I continued playing goalie, and still do every chance I get in men’s league glove on my left hand and another soccer shin pad on my right hand. games in Las Vegas. I no longer wear the Bauer birdcage-style helmet, Yes, I strapped a shin pad to my hand to simulate a blocker glove, and it haven’t for a while. They are clunky, heavy and much harder to take off probably looked ridiculous, but at the time I thought I looked cool. and put on. But when given the choice of which number to wear, the I loved going with my parents to the thrift store or the sporting goods answer is always No. 39. store that sold used equipment for next to nothing in an attempt to slowly The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 piece together a goalie outfit with allowance money. I eventually found some tattered leg pads that allowed me to butterfly, and finally a mask. It wasn’t the modern style that I saw Roy wearing on TV. It was a black Bauer forward helmet with a full, metal birdcage design.

I wasn’t thrilled because I still didn’t look as cool as Roy. But it protected my face, so it would due for now.

Then after a few weeks of wearing the Bauer mask, I sat down to watch the Avalanche play the Buffalo Sabres. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The Sabres goalie was wearing the same exact mask as me.

That was the moment Dominik Hasek became my favorite player.

Early on I had no idea he was one of the greatest goaltenders to ever live. I just knew he wore the same outdated mask that I wore. From that point on, when I pulled that Bauer helmet over my head, lowered the wire mask over my face and buckled the chin straps, I wasn’t wearing the wrong mask. I no longer felt out of place. I was wearing the same mask as Hasek.

The old saying, “look good, feel good, play good” comes to mind. I was only 7 at the time, but I will never forget how different I felt wearing that mask after I learned one of the best goalies in the world wore it too.

I quickly educated myself on Hasek’s greatness and fell even further in love with him as a player. His erratic, acrobatic style was effective and insanely fun to emulate in the street — and eventually on a real rink. While my favorite team remained the Avalanche, I followed Hasek’s career as closely as I could in a time without the internet to stream out of market games.

Whether he was robbing Jaromir Jagr with a rolling double-pad stack or recklessly sliding out to his own blue line to collide with an unsuspecting forward, sending them flipping head-over-heels, I was captivated by 1182391 Washington Capitals In a “fortunate break” for the family, as Reirden described it, Travis had been out of school since the end of January, when he was forced to stay home because of the flu, which can require 14 days of recovery for people who are immune deficient. Capitals Coach Todd Reirden knows through his immune-deficient son the risks of virus After Travis recovered, George Mason High and the Reirdens decided to put him on a homebound plan, which meant Travis’s favorite teacher came to the house to help him catch up on his studies while he was rebuilding his immune system before going back into the school system. Samantha Pell “This social distancing thing for him is kind of the norm for how he has to April 6, 2020 at 3:57 PM EDT live his life,” Reirden said.

When Travis finally was set to go back to school, coronavirus concerns When Washington Capitals Coach Todd Reirden talks about his 17-year- started to escalate, and the Reirdens decided to keep him at home. With old son, Travis, his range of emotions is palpable through the phone. the mitigation guidelines and other precautions being taken, Travis’s There are pride and joy but also fear and worry. teacher can no longer come to the Reirden home, and Travis cannot go out to see his friends. Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic that has upended not only the NHL season but everyday life around the world, things are different in the While health and safety remain paramount for the Reirdens, the situation Reirden household. Reirden’s son was born with common variable has brought some positives for the family. Reirden is home more now immunodeficiency, a disorder that leaves his body unable to defend than he ever was in-season, and he is spending more time with Travis — against bacteria and viruses. When warnings about the coronavirus watching old games, working on projects around the house and doing started to become more widespread, the groups thought to be most anything else Travis has on his mind. affected were the elderly and people with compromised immune He’s there when Travis wakes up in the morning and gets to make him •systems. breakfast — simple things that often get overlooked and opportunities the Travis’s health has always been at the forefront of the minds of Reirden coach normally doesn’t have time for until the offseason. and his wife, Shelby, but now more so than ever. As of Monday, all are “I think it’s how it is with any teenager: To have this much time with their healthy. parents is not what they are looking for, but that part he brought up with “Once we’ve gotten through the first two weeks, now it has gotten a little his friends getting to see what he has to go through . . . it’s been unique,” bit easier,” the coach said in a telephone interview Monday. “But, you Reirden said. “I think some of his friends have a different understanding know, the scary part is and was: ‘What if I’m the one that is bringing of it and can have a different discussion about it. He is doing the best he something home to him? What if I’m potentially doing something that is can. He knows it is tough.” going to hurt my son?’ ” Washington Post LOADED: 04.07.2020 When the NHL season was paused March 12, the Capitals were considered to have possibly been exposed to the virus. Washington played the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 5, one day after the Utah Jazz played there. Utah’s Rudy Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus, ultimately spurring the NBA to suspend its season March 11.

“We were a team that needed to be watched, and that was not sugarcoated with our team,” Reirden said. “We were told, ‘These 14 days you have to self-quarantine and you have to self-isolate,’ and we sent that out to the players immediately.”

Every day since Travis’s symptoms were detected when he was in third grade, the Reirdens have taken the necessary precautions to stay healthy. But the coach’s possible exposure in New York was a new level of concern.

“That was a scary time for me for those two weeks because I was like, ‘I hope I am not going to show any symptoms of this,’ ” Reirden said. “So that was the toughest period. And obviously now every day I always have a little bit of extra concern, but the first two weeks was a tough one, hoping I wasn’t doing something to hurt my own son. So that became real, that’s for sure.”

The Reirdens are taking extra precautions.

Travis saw his immunologist the Monday after the season was halted and then saw another doctor a day later. Soon after, the family received word that his bloodwork showed he was in a good spot.

“We are going through it, the three of us together,” the coach said. “We know we have a unique situation with Travis, but it has been great that I have been able to help and I have been able to be there as a sounding board also. He talks to [Shelby], and he talks to me.”

Despite that good news, the family is still on alert. Shelby has left the house only once, and her husband has gone to the Walgreens drive- through and made two trips to the grocery store. They rely on delivery otherwise, because every trip out brings a calculated risk.

The last time Todd Reirden went to the grocery store was March 30 — at 8 a.m., with few people in the store. He picked up essentials, went home, changed his clothes at the door, washed his hands and took a shower.

“We’re really making the right choices because it can get scary for someone like him,” he said. 1182392 Washington Capitals Calgary - a rivalry that featured several penalty-filled regular-season matchups already this season.

“I don’t think you can just step into the playoffs, Game 1, have Calgary NHL playoff scenarios run the gamut of where, when and how come to Edmonton and guys just run around and kill each other and haven’t played a game in two months,” McDavid said.

Flames captain Mark Giordano noted the playoffs would be additionally By John Wawrow and Stephen Whyno - Associated Press - Monday, competitive because teams would feature healthy rosters, given the April 6, 2020 amount of time players have had to rest and recover.

And don’t forget the goalies.

Shorts and skates don’t usually mix. Maintaining NHL-quality ice in “You can train and practice and stuff, but when you get to camp, I find the August or holding a Stanley Cup Final in September? Those are far from NHL shot and speed of the game is something you have to catch up on,” the norm, too. Vegas goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said. “It would be nice to have a few to get back in touch.” With the NHL playoffs, which were to begin Wednesday, on indefinite hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, anything and everything is on Foligno raised a concern over the number of games some players might the table if Commissioner Gary Bettman’s objective to complete the have to play over a calendar year should the playoffs stretch into season is to be realized. September, and the following season being a month or two later.

What the format will be, when play might realistically resume and “You’ve got to think about the longevity of guys’ careers and their health whether the NHL might require games at neutral sites - how’s North as well,” Foligno said. “Any idea is worth it at this point. But we’ve got to Dakota sound? - is anyone’s guess. think about how we’re going to go ahead here and smartly both on the business side and the health side.” “Those are all fair questions but not ones that we have to resolve right away,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press by Jets coach Paul Maurice was on board for any scenario, so long as it email, likening the situation for the league to a “a multi-faceted puzzle.” means providing fans a distraction.

Over the weekend, the governors of New York and Florida both tamped “God, it’d be playoffs with fresh hockey players and it’d be pretty darn down President Donald Trump’s hope of sports resuming in August. New exciting,” Maurice said Monday. “We’d play anywhere.” York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: “I would love to see sports back to help with cabin fever. … But this is not about hopes and dreams and Washington Times LOADED: 04.07.2020 aspirations and what you would like to see.”

The NHL, which postponed play March 12, has several times pushed back its self-quarantine guideline - it’s now April 15 - before players can even think about reporting to team facilities. The date is expected to be extended again.

Wherever and whenever the Stanely Cup is awarded, one thing will still hold true as far as Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford is concerned.

“Whoever wins it, it is going to feel the same whenever they win it, on whatever day they win it, as it would winning it normally in the middle of June,” Rutherford said.

The latest the Cup has ever been awarded is June 24, in 1995 and 2013, with both instances following lockout-shortened seasons. The pandemic, however, has no timetable.

That leads to questions over whether the NHL will have time to squeeze in any of the remaining 189 regular-season games to determine seedings, or skip directly to the playoffs based on the current standings, be it by based on total points or points percentages.

In the percentage scenario, the ninth-place New York Islanders would have the edge over the eighth-place Columbus Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference. In the West, seventh-place Winnipeg would be the odd team out with Vancouver in.

Other possibilities include expanding the playoff format to take into account the uneven amount of games teams have played.

The various formats led to amusing exchanges between players during recent video calls.

“I’d rather start the playoffs right away,” said Alex Ovechkin, whose Washington Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division. He then laughed and said, “Sorry guys,” referring to the other three players on the call.

“Don’t say sorry to me,” Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno said. “We’re in a playoff spot.”

New Jersey defenseman P.K. Subban proposed a 31-team format - every team in the league - which might be the only way the Metropolitan’s last-place Devils qualify.

Others raised the need to play as many regular-season games as feasible to preserve the integrity of the playoffs, as well as a need to re- acclimate to the speed and intensity of the action.

The need for tune-up games was not lost on Oilers captain Connor McDavid. Edmonton faces the prospect of opening the playoffs against 1182393 Washington Capitals Location: Las Vegas Original Game: May 28, 2018

The first team in the nation's capital to make even a semifinal run in 20 How to watch classic Capitals games this week on NBC Sports years, the hype surrounding the Capitals in the Stanley Cup Final was Washington immeasurable. The Golden Knights hosted Game 1 with a breathtaking opening ceremony, and the two teams jumped on each other early with a 2-2 first period. By Ryan Wormeli April 06, 2020 12:21 PM Washington took the lead 4-3 early in the third period, but Braden Holtby struggled during the frame and the Caps fell 6-4 to fall behind in the series, as they had throughout the postseason run. If you just can't get enough iconic Caps games during quarantine, then NBC Sports Washington is the place for you. Game 2

All week long beginning Monday, April 6, NBC Sports Washington will be Time: 11:30 a.m. airing classic Capitals games, including multiple comebacks and culminating with the five games against Vegas in the 2018 Stanley Cup Location: Las Vegas Final. Original Game: May 30, 2018 The games leading into the postseason re-air will include multiple The Caps fell behind early in the game, but bounced back to steal a memorable finishes from the 2019-20 season. close Game 2. Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the series, Braden Of course, if you make it that far, you certainly won't want to miss the re- Holtby was superb - including an all-time legendary save - and the airing of the Capitals championship parade that follows. Capitals headed home tied 1-1 in the series.

Here's a rundown of all the games airing this week on NBC Sports Game 3 Washington: Time: 2 p.m. Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks Location: Washington Date: Monday, April 6 Original Game: June 2, 2018 Time: 8 p.m. The first home championship game Washington hosted in years, Game 3 Original Game: October 25, 2019 was as hot a ticket as you'll ever find.

Backup goaltender Ilya Samsonov had a rough day in net, allowing five Holtby was terrific once again, allowing his only goal in the third period. unanswered goals in quick succession from the end of the first period Evgeny Kuznetsov recorded a goal and an assist, and to nobody's into the second. But Evgeny Kuznetsov broke the Caps' drought in the surprise, it was Ovechkin who scored the Caps' first home goal of the final second of the second period, sparking the team to a remarkable series. four-goal comeback. Game 4 The Caps would eventually win in a shootout, kicking off a six-game Time: 4:30 p.m. winning streak. Location: Washington Vegas Golden Knights at Washington Capitals Original Game: June 4, 2018 Date: Wednesday, April 8 Game 4 was the Caps' biggest explosion. They scored six goals in the Time: 8 p.m. game, including three on the power play. Six different players netted Original Game: November 9, 2019 goals for the Capitals in a well-rounded effort, boosted by Backstrom's three assists. The game that capped off the Caps' aforementioned six-game winning streak - and extended their point streak to 11 - was an easier win. The After their easiest win of the series, the Caps were riding high up 3-1 Caps pulled ahead early and never looked back, keyed by Backstrom's heading back to Las Vegas. two-goal day. Game 5 Of course, games against the Golden Knights will always have a special Time: 7 p.m. place in fans' hearts after the summer of 2018. Location: Las Vegas San Jose Sharks at Washington Capitals Original Game: June 7, 2018 Date: Thursday, April 9 The one that needs no introduction, right? After a scoreless first period, Time: 8 p.m. the teams exploded for five combined goals in the second period, Original Game: January 5, 2020 including a power play goal from Ovi.

This was as wild a finish as the Caps have had in a long time. Down 3-2, Trailing 3-2 entering the third period, the Caps needed someone else to they pulled Braden Holtby late in the third period, and the Sharks took step up, and they got it. Devante Smith-Pelly tied the game midway advantage with an empty-netter. Then, miraculously, the Capitals scored through the frame, and Lars Eller gave them the Cup-clinching goal a few twice in the final 47 seconds of the game to force overtime, where they minutes later. won the game. Holtby held on the rest of the way, and the Capitals became your 2018 The Caps would have considered themselves lucky just to come away Stanley Cup Champions. with a point here, and instead, they got two in one of the most Championship Parade memorable finishes in franchise history. Time: 9:30 p.m. How to watch the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, Washington Capitals vs. Las Vegas Golden Knights Original Date: June 12, 2018

All-day Sunday, April 12 What more needs to be said? The Capitals kicked off the great summer of celebration in style, parading through Washington, D.C. and sharing Game 1 the glory of their title runs during an unforgettable afternoon with Time: 9 a.m. thousands of fans. If you somehow missed this live, you don't want to miss re-living it now.

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Lars Eller may be the Tiger, but Caps coach Todd Reirden is not about to lump him in with the people from 'Tiger King'

By J.J. Regan April 06, 2020 11:58 AM

Like everyone during this time of social distancing because of the coronavirus, Todd Reirden is getting some extra time to catch up on some TV. Also like everyone, one of the shows he has watched during the NHL's pause in the season is the Netflix docuseries "Tiger King."

"I did take myself through the 'Tiger King,'" Reirden said on a conference call Monday. "That I did watch. I watched that one on my own. I did not have my wife and son in on that one. I wanted to be prepared for discussion points with the players if they had seen it. So I did watch that. I'll just leave it at that, but I did watch it."

So Reirden has watched it, but just for reference. Right.

"It's just one of those things that you want to be prepared for as a coach because you know they all have watched it and I saw the amount of people that have watched it," Reirden said. "I have not gotten into in- depth discussions but when I do get together with the players one day when things become normal again for us."

While Reirden was diplomatic about what he thought about the people featured in the series, he also made it clear he was not about to compare any of the Capitals players to Joe Exotic or any of the other...colorful characters. That includes Lars Eller.

Eller's nickname, of course, is 'Tiger' after he chose the tiger for his spirit animal in a talk with Tony Robbins. When Reirden was asked Monday if Eller was the team's "Tiger King," Reirden was pretty quick to shut that down.

"Lars Eller, I mean he is our Tiger for sure on our team," Reirden said. "I hate to couple him into the same kind of personality that's going on with the 'Tiger King, 'but certainly he has the name for it. So that's an interesting thought that I need to spend some more time on before I commit to it."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182395 Washington Capitals In a more historical sense, this was the first time in franchise history that Washington was able to overcome a multi-goal deficit in the final minute of regulation to win. Anytime you can make history, that’s a big night.

Best comebacks of 2019-20 bracket: Stunning the Sharks vs. battle of JM: No history is made in the first game of the season so it is hard to say champions this was a hugely important win, but beating the defending champs is always a good thing. It doesn’t have the dramatics of the Sharks win but this game was hanging at the edge of a cliff and the Caps walked it back and Vrana showed us all a glimpse of what was to come for him By J.J. Regan April 06, 2020 10:00 AM personally and for the Caps in a season full of comebacks.

Which comeback gets your vote? With the NHL hitting pause on the 2019-20 season, NBC Sports JJ: Let me repeat myself just in case it didn't sink in the first time: This Washington is looking back at the highlights from the first 69 games of was the first time in franchise history the Caps were able to overcome a the regular season. The Comeback Caps dug many holes and climbed multi-goal deficit in the final minute of regulation to win. Of course the win back out of a large number of them, but which comeback was the best? over the Sharks should advance, it’s no contest. We created a bracket to find the answer of what was the best comeback of the season. JM: As much as I’d love to argue this one, it’s clearly the Sharks game. Two 6-on-5 goals in the final minute is going to beat just about anything ROUND 1: Caps rally for 5-4 win over Sharks (JJ Regan) vs. Vrana’s OT you throw at it. winner finishes opening night comeback vs Blues (Jason Murphy) Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.07.2020 The set-up

JJ: Logan Couture scored an empty-netter with exactly one minute remaining in regulation to put the Sharks up 4-2 and the game was over. The red-clad fans at began migrating en masse for the exits because you can’t overcome a two-goal deficit in 60 seconds. There was probably a fair amount of grumbling from Caps fans as Todd Reirden pulled Braden Holtby yet again for the extra attacker. As if losing to one of the worst teams in hockey wasn’t bad enough, now the team was opening itself for the Sharks to tack on yet another empty-netter.

JM: It’s Opening Night of the NHL season. The 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals were forced to watch the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues raise their banner. The Caps remember this night last year when they boat-raced the Boston Bruins by a final score of 7-0. Enterprise Center was electric and then the Blues scored just 53 seconds after the opening puck drop.

Uh-oh.

St. Louis would tack on another goal from Alex Pietrangelo seven minutes later on the power play and it looked like Washington was headed for a similar fate as Boston the year before.

The comeback

JJ: There were several key moments in the final minute and in overtime to set this up, but the catalyst of it all was Jakub Vrana’s goal just 13 seconds after Couture made it 4-2. By scoring so quickly, Washington suddenly had 47 seconds to work with to get one more goal. Suddenly the task ahead of them did not seem so daunting.

Nicklas Backstrom pulled off a great pass to set up T.J. Oshie in the slot and he tied the game with just 15 seconds remaining. Once the game got to overtime it was not as if a demoralized Sharks team just collapsed. San Jose should have won it twice, but Braden Holtby turned in two dynamite saves to keep Washington alive long enough for Lars Eller to score off a 2-on-1 break with John Carlson.

JM: Alex Ovechkin clawed one back before the first intermission, walking through the Blues defense on the rush and beating Jordan Binnington. From that point, the Caps outshot the Blues 25-15 but the Caps still needed Holtby to make multiple game-saving stops. A Dmitry Orlov slapper deflected off a Blues stick halfway through the second period to tie the game. Holtby had one more important save in the last minute of regulation.

And then Vrana turned on the jets and netted the overtime winner, wheeling around the top of the zone before a wicked wrister beat Binnington and the comeback was complete.

The importance

JJ: In terms of the season, those were two important points the Caps were in danger of forfeiting. It’s not the games against the good teams that are important during the regular season, it is the games against the bad teams because those are the games you need to win. Those are the points you can’t afford to give away. Washington has not been very good since Dec. 23, but have managed to stay afloat in the standings largely because they have still been able to collect points against bad teams. A loss in this game would have been the Caps’ third loss in four games. 1182396 Washington Capitals

Nicklas Backstrom warns of the challenges teams will face when the season resumes

By J.J. Regan April 06, 2020 6:00 AM

No one is quite sure when the NHL season may resume from its current pause due to the coronavirus and no one can agree on what exactly the NHL season should look like when it does. But if you think resuming the season is as simple as naming a date as soon as possible and staring on the fly, guess again. In fact, getting the players back up to game speed may be so difficult, Nicklas Backstrom wants to see exhibition games played before anyone starts playing in games that matter again.

“I think obviously a small training camp would be huge and some exhibition games too," Backstrom said in a video conference with the media on Wednesday.

The problem, as Backstrom notes, is that players will need to get back into game shape and teams will have to get back up to speed. Expecting players to jump from a lengthy break straight into the end of the regular season or even into the playoffs, the most intense hockey of the season, puts the players in a difficult position.

"I think it's important we've got to have some sort of camp if this is going to be able to start again hopefully," he said. "To be fair, I think that the teams that maybe's not in the playoff or already eliminated, they've got no shot. After that, you've just got to make it as easy as possible, but you've got to have some exhibition games before because otherwise, jumping straight in the playoffs, it's going to be a little tough I think."

He added, "I see a lot of guys are practicing on their stickhandling on Instagram and stuff like that, but that is not the same.”

A realistic option for when play does resume is returning to empty arenas. The Columbus Blue Jackets were set to become the first team to play in front of an empty arena, but their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins was postponed due to the league's pause.

If you have ever wondered if a crowd can really affect the players, Backstrom was unequivocal that, at least for him, the crowd is critical.

"It would be really tough to play without the fans because they are everything to us and without fans, the atmosphere they bring, I think it would be really tough," he said.

But don't take any of this to mean that Backstrom is ready to throw in the towel on the season.

While no one seems quite sure how the NHL should finish its season, there seems to be a general consensus among everyone in hockey that it is absolutely critical to find a way to award a Stanley Cup champion for the 2019-20 season. The issue is not whether the NHL should, it's how?

"We're pretty close to the playoff," Backstrom said. "You obviously want to finish the season with a champion. That doesn't change anything. Whether we play mid-summer, you want to do it. You want to have a champion this year if possible. That's for sure. I think we're pretty unknown, what's gonna happen. We're just following the directions from the government and the league I think. Best-case scenario would be for us to finish the season, whether it's in summer or pretty soon."

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With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins of 2019-20: No. 5

By Mark Zaner April 06, 2020 6:00 AM

While we wait for the NHL to hopefully resume its season, NBC Sports Washington is looking back at the 20 best wins of the Capitals' season so far. Mark Zaner, producer for Caps Faceoff Live and Caps Overtime Live, has watched every game. His rankings continue with No. 5, a 6-5 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 25 that featured a major comeback from Washington thanks in large part to Evgeny Kuznetsov and Michal Kempny.

You can re-watch the game tonight on NBC Sports Washington at 8pm.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Caps got off to a quick start when Kuznetsov scored less than four minutes into the game. Then the Canucks took over. Vancouver ran up five straight goals including one on the power play and one shorthanded. With a 10pm start time, most Caps fans probably turned the game off and went to bed during the second period. They missed Kuznetsov’s next goal, which he scored right before the second period buzzer.

The momentum continued in the third. The Canucks got sloppy in their own end during a man-advantage. Garnet Hathaway came up with the puck in the corner and threw it to the front of the net. Bo Horvat never saw it and Lars Eller poked the puck through his legs and past the five- hole of a surprised Jacob Markstrom. The Canucks lead was suddenly down to two.

Washington got within one and tied the game from a most unlikely source. Michal Kempny was playing only his fifth game of the season due to his longer-than-anticipated recovery from a torn hamstring. He was not getting a lot of ice time and he certainly wasn’t the focal point of the Caps attack. Kempny scored twice in 2:44 of game time on identical screened slapshots from the blue line. Washington scored four goals in 7:42 to tie the game.

This thriller eventually went to a shootout. In the bottom of the third round, Nicklas Backstrom helped the Caps steal two points in Western Canada. We think. It’s still hard to tell how the puck went past Markstrom.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

It had to be Kuznetsov’s second goal. Hockey is not a sport that lends itself to things happening as the clock runs out. So it was cool and unusual to see Kuzy score with six-tenths of a second remaining and hear the buzzer sound as the puck cross the goal line. It’s also fair to say that the Capitals probably don’t come back and win if he doesn’t score right before intermission.

"That goal at the end of the second was huge,” said Eller. “Just a little bit of life, and then we said we needed to get another one early, and we did that, and then after that it was just a big push. It was big for the character of the team going forward."

WHY IT WAS SIGNIFICANT

This wasn’t the first comeback win for the Caps this season. But the amount of goals they had to rally from and the speed at which they did it was significant. It was a sign of things to come (think of games against the Sharks and Islanders in January). Washington proved in October that it is never out of a game…even when falling behind by four goals during a 10pm start less than 24 hours after playing an overtime game in Edmonton.

The Caps scored five goals in a game where Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, T.J. Oshie and Backstrom combined for zero points. Both Ovechkin and Carlson had nine-game point streaks snapped.

WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT

Technically, we weren’t talking about anything. Because of the late start time we didn’t have a postgame show. Yours truly was fast asleep. But how about Kempny scoring three goals in his first five games of the season? He hasn’t scored since. 1182398 Washington Capitals By my math, Ovechkin likely loses out on 74 goals and 135 points from missed hockey. The lost goals are the most difficult to swallow given Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. While it’s still a strong possibility given his current trajectory, it would’ve been much How NHL stoppages have impacted the legacy of certain star players easier with another 74 goals. That would put Ovechkin third all-time at 780, with Howe’s 801 and Gretzky’s 894 clearly in sight. Ovechkin would

also already have over 1,400 career points and a strong chance to reach By Dom Luszczyszyn Apr 6, 2020 the top five all-time.

Ovechkin and Thornton are the big ones. Marleau too in his quest to play the most NHL games ever. But there are other milestones that may be The cancelled season in 2004-05. The shortened season in 2012-13. out of reach for these 16 players because of the time lost to stoppages. And now the suspended season in 2019-20. While the latest reason for missed hockey is obviously more understandable than the others, they’ve Who knows how long Kovalchuk will play, but 60 more goals means he all played a role in altering the legacies for a handful of players who’ve hits 500 all-time and 129 extra points puts him above 1,000 for his been active through each stoppage. career. Both marks are likely in jeopardy now. is still going strong, but how much stronger is his Hall of Fame case if he’s at 1,135 Hockey careers only last so long. There are only so many opportunities points rather than 1,021? Same goes for Jason Spezza, who would be for players to build their NHL resume and cement their place in hockey over 1,050 without the work stoppages — though his health can’t be history. That matters especially in a league where totals often mean more assumed during those times, either. Bergeron will likely get to 1,000 than rates, where reaching 100 points in a season or 1,000 points over a points with the way he’s played the last few seasons, but it’d be a lock career tends to resonate more than being on pace for either milestone. In with 94 extra points. Lastly, there’s Bergeron’s teammate Zdeno Chara, some cases, longevity is a big deal too. The two lockouts have robbed who’d be above 700 points without stoppages and likely be the all-time this generation of players of 116 chances to add to their legacy. And leader in games played by a defenceman. while there’s a very clear line between those instances and this current stoppage, it will still add at least another 10-12 games to that total. It sucks, plain and simple. Almost all of that is on the lockouts, but this stoppage reminds us what could’ve been for a lot of players. Here’s While everyone who pays attention to the sport knows that a lot of NHL hoping we don’t get another one for a very long time. games have been missed over the past 15 years, I’m not aware of any effort to contextualize the missed opportunities for certain players. — Data via Hockey-Reference.com. Because when you start adding up all the would’ves and could’ves, it The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 becomes clear that some players’ legacies have been significantly impacted.

While we can’t know for sure because the games were never played, it’s possible to make a reasonable guess based on some data we do have available. In 2012-13 and 2019-20, we can extrapolate each player’s pace, while in 2004-05 we can use an average from the seasons before and after.

Take Joe Thornton, for example. In 2003-04, Thornton scored 23 goals, 50 assists and 73 points in 77 games. In 2005-06, he jumped up to 29 goals, 96 assists and 125 points in 81 games. Average out those two seasons and we can surmise that Thornton could’ve put up around 99 points in 79 games during the cancelled season. That’s a lot of missed opportunity and it’s exacerbated further by a 2012-13 season where he likely missed out on 28 points, playing at a 68-point pace over 48 games. Add another five points for this season and Thornton’s grand total of lost stats by this measurement is 125 games, 32 goals, 100 assists and 132 points.

For Thornton, another 132 points tie him with Joe Sakic for ninth-most all-time. An extra 100 assists put him four back of Mark Messier for third all-time. Instead, Thornton is 14th and seventh, respectively, with his career winding down.

And an extra 125 games would put him five back of Messier for second all-time, although the record would’ve been smashed by longtime teammate Patrick Marleau, who’s missed out on 128 games. That would put Marleau at 1,851, nearly 100 more than Gordie Howe for the all-time lead. Marleau can catch Howe with 45 games in 2020-21 but there’s no guarantee he gets that chance. He’d also be inches away from 1,300 career points.

In all, there are 12 players who have been in the league since 2003-04 and have been affected by all three stoppages. Joining Thornton and Marleau are Brent Burns, Dan Hamhuis, Dustin Brown, Eric Staal, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jason Spezza, Jay Bouwmeester, Patrice Bergeron, Trevor Daley and Zdeno Chara. On top of that, there were a handful of rookies playing in 2005-06 who might’ve made it like Alex Steen, Duncan Keith, Mikko Koivu and most notably, 2004 No. 1 pick Alex Ovechkin.

While there’s no 2003-04 data to average out for the rookies, we can reverse engineer what might’ve been using age curves and how they performed in 2005-06. Knowing Ovechkin posted 54 goals and 106 points in his age-20 season means that something close to a 42-goal, 82- point season over 75 games in his rookie year at 19 isn’t out of the question. With that in mind, and the illustrious pace Ovechkin was on in 2012-13 and still is to this day in 2019-20, it’s likely that he’s the one who has been most affected by the stoppages. 1182399 Washington Capitals

Beltway March Madness Final: Ovechkin vs. Unitas on final ballot

By Gregory Lee Jr. Apr 6, 2020

It will be D.C. vs. Baltimore in the first Beltway Madness Tournament Final for the best or most influential players who have played on pro teams in Washington D.C. and Baltimore.

In a battle of top seeds, Alex Ovechkin took down Cal Ripken Jr. by two votes in one semifinal. It was the second-closest margin of victory in the tournament. Jim Parker beat Art Donovan by one vote in the first round.

The Capitals star will face Baltimore Colts great Johnny Unitas, who routed Ravens Hall of Famer Ray Lewis with 67 percent of the vote.

The Matchup

Johnny Unitas

There will only be one No. 19 in Baltimore, and it comes as a package with a flat top and black high-tops. A 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time MVP, Unitas is among the greatest quarterbacks ever — not just in Charm City.

Alex Ovechkin

Arguably the greatest goal scorer in hockey history, Ovechkin is the Caps’ franchise leader in games, goals, assists, points, power-play goals, game-winning goals and on and on. And, oh yeah, he also captained his team to its first Stanley Cup in 2018.

Here’s our bracket. Have fun. And argue. You can vote here for the champion.

Voting concludes Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182400 Winnipeg Jets "I'm not much of a TV watcher at all, but I've been surfing TV recently at night and if there was a hockey game on, man, I'd be watching it," said Maurice, who apparently hasn't caught Tiger King fever like the rest of us. Jets coach waiting for answers, generating questions "I don't care where games are played. I want it at home in Winnipeg, but we just want to play. It'd be a wonderful, maybe partial, distraction for some people that are dealing with tough times to watch a game. There'd By: Mike McIntyre | Posted: 04/6/2020 7:00 PM be lots of energy. God, it'd be playoffs with fresh hockey players and it'd be pretty darn exciting. We'd play anywhere."

Paul Maurice is trying to avoid going down the proverbial "rabbit hole." If the season is truly over, would the Jets have made the playoffs? That's easier said than done for a hockey lifer who suddenly has nothing Things were really clicking when this invisible enemy seemingly came out but time on his hands. of nowhere to derail everything they'd been building. As Maurice noted, "You’re careful not to get stuck in front of your computer that much. You the team was finally healthy. The March schedule was one of the most can get over-hockeyed at times like this," the Winnipeg Jets head coach favourable in the league in terms of rest. And they were rolling, winning a admitted Monday while, ironically, sitting in front of his screen speaking season-high four straight. All signs were starting to point to something with a couple of dozen media members over a Zoom conference call. special. Such is the state of availabilities in these days of isolation and self- And then, poof. Just like that, none of it mattered. A gut punch, for sure, quarantining. but given the state of what's happening around us, a completely It's also clear that Maurice, like pretty much everyone else in the NHL necessary one. right now, is also trying to avoid facing the reality that the current season Winnipeg had 11 games left, including seven on the road. Most were is most likely over, shelved by the COVID-19 pandemic. That means no head-to-head meetings with the teams they were in a battle with. In other un-pausing of the regular season. No playoffs. And no Stanley Cup being words, they very much were going to control their fate. awarded. If there's one thing I learned about the Jets this year, expect the Head coach Paul Maurice is trying to avoid facing the reality that the unexpected. Just when you thought you had them figured out, they went current season is most likely over. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free and did something that surprised you. Bet against them at your own peril. Press files) Would Connor Hellebuyck have won the Vezina? Head coach Paul Maurice is trying to avoid facing the reality that the current season is most likely over. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free We may actually get an answer to this even if no further games are Press files) played. I would expect the NHL to eventually hand out its year-end hardware, and you can bank on the Jets No. 1 netminder standing tall Just look at how the veteran bench boss stickhandled his way through a among his masked colleagues. Hellebuyck had a sensational season, query about whether it would be best for everyone to simply pull the plug and it would be a shame if he isn't properly rewarded for it. I'm on record now, rather than cling to some fleeting sense of hope that the sports as suggesting he should also get Hart Trophy consideration as most world can magically resume anytime soon. valuable player in the league. "If the question is, 'What do I want to see happen?' I want to see the '19- What are the biggest takeaways from this season? '20 Winnipeg Jets play," Maurice replied. "Stay in the fight," wasn't just a cheesy slogan, but a way of life for these No, that actually wasn't the question, but it's a nice thought. Not that I Jets. blame Maurice for clinging to hope. After all, it's easy to see why he might have a hard time coming to grips with the fact his squad has likely To me, the campaign turned around out of the All-Star break, which played its last game until the 2020-21 season, whatever that might look Winnipeg limped into on a four-game losing streak, outscored 20-7 in that like. span and with their once-promising season very much hanging in the balance. Their first game back, at home to Boston, was a 2-1 loss that And so Maurice continues to review video of his club's first 71 contests, extended the drought,but they played perhaps their best game of the speak regularly with other coaches and players and general manager year, one which set the table for an 8-5-2 February which got them right Kevin Cheveldayoff, look for little tweaks to systems that could be back into the playoff race. implemented down the road, and prepare for the next big game even though the calendar is empty for the foreseeable future. Maurice alluded to that turning point on Monday, while also pointing out impressive back-to-back road victories over San Jose and Vegas that "If the question is, 'What do I want to see happen?' I want to see the '19- launched a November to remember. '20 Winnipeg Jets play." What's with all the globes in Maurice's house? - Paul Maurice, Winnipeg Jets head coach I counted at least seven visible on the conference call. Turns out With so much uncertainty swirling, here are some other questions taking Maurice's wife, a former high school history teacher, has quite the up space in my head after the hot-stove session with Maurice. collection representing various time periods. Same goes with the When hockey does return, what will it look like? impressive number of books behind him; he admitted to reading very few of them. I can't see how any team, in any league, can play in front of fans until we have a vaccine, which experts say could still be a year or more away. Memo to Maurice: You might want to crack the spines on a few of those. Sure, we're going to eventually "flatten the curve," but social-distancing If nothing else, it will help keep you out of the rabbit hole. measures will likely become the new normal until such time as medical Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 04.07.2020 officials can ensure we're all protected from another deadly flare-up.

As a result, get used to the idea of empty arenas and stadiums. And perhaps, as some have speculated, neutral-site locations where players and teams can be isolated, tested and regularly monitored.

There was a report over the weekend that one of them could be a couple of hours down the highway in Grand Forks. Apparently the lack of population density would make North Dakota a potential option if this route is ultimately explored.

Maurice admitted that any resumption of play in the coming months would likely involve "something unusual." In that sense, could a made- for-TV type of event work? 1182401 Winnipeg Jets "You're pulling for them and so that's why those first few days after (it's) 'Uncle, enough.' We had earned the right. We were set up to be healthy and good and strong going into the playoffs, having survived an incredible year. It still bothers me. Maurice longs to see Jets perform in playoffs "But again, against the backdrop of what the world's dealing with, it's something we can get over."

Jason Bell Maurice, who took over the Jets bench midway through the 2013-14 campaign, agreed to a multi-year contract extension in mid-February, Posted: 04/6/2020 12:42 PM | Last Modified: 04/6/2020 8:56 PM although terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Overall, Maurice has a 272-190-54 record with the Jets. The team has Paul Maurice is anxious for the resumption of the NHL season and the made the playoffs three times, including a run to the conference final in opportunity to see how a healthy Winnipeg Jets squad performs in the 2018. run to the playoffs and beyond. Maurice, his wife and three kids have been heeding the advice of medical That's the veteran head coach in him. professionals and staying home during the crisis. He's finding a balance between getting some work done and enjoying a unique chance to spend But Maurice is very aware hockey is inconsequential right now against lots of time with the family. the enormity of the health crisis facing the province, Canada and the rest of the world. He talks with general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff daily, as well as his coaching staff. The job of touching base with players every couple of "My desire is completely personal. I want to see this team, the Winnipeg days is split up. Jets, play. An over-arching comment to everything I've said, this is small potatoes compared to what people are going through. People are losing "We want to make sure we are in contact with players. We rotate through their lives, the hardships out there, people losing their jobs," the Jets so that everybody's hearing a different voice," he said. "The positive for bench boss said Monday morning during a 40-minute video conference me and my family is I have three (university-aged) kids home, so it's a call with local media. "Certainly, the challenges the world faces with this window I'll never get again. Have dinners together, watch bad movies far outweigh what Paul Maurice wants to see happen with the Winnipeg they think are funny and clearly are not. We're making the most of it." Jets, and I believe that. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 04.07.2020 "I want to see this team play. It has been an incredible year. Some of the most enjoyable moments of my career have been knowing the struggle, knowing the hardship this team faced and got itself to a point where it was feeling good. And you could feel that in the room: the confidence, a hope, a belief. Then, right at that point it started to grow the season ended. I want the season played. I want this group back together. I want to see what they can do."

The NHL put its season on pause on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it's unclear if or when hockey will resume.

Maurice had guided the team to four straight victories before the hiatus. The Central Division team was 37-28-6 and occupying the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Maurice coached the 1,600th game of his 22-year coaching career in Edmonton, a 4-2 victory over the Oilers on March 11, the night before the season was halted.

"I don't care what format it is. I want an opportunity to compete for the playoffs, I want a fair opportunity to do that. But I want to see this season played," Maurice said. "I'm not concerned about next year or what this season would do to next year. Those are all real problems and real issues that smart people gotta figure out."

Winnipeg had lost more than 300 man-games to injury during the '19-20 campaign but was a relatively healthy bunch on its last road trip. A pair of forwards, Adam Lowry (upper body) and Mathieu Perreault (upper body), had returned to the lineup and centre Cody Eakin was fitting in nicely after being acquired from Vegas near the trade deadline.

A blue-line in flux since the off-season was sound, with the addition of Dylan DeMelo and a healthy Nathan Beaulieu. And goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was performing at an elite level.

The Jets, too, faced a manageable schedule in March, playing only nine games in 21 days.

Maurice said so many signs of optimism made the sudden stoppage difficult to accept — until the magnitude of the pandemic started to be revealed.

"It was a trying season, beyond all the things that were obviously a challenge for us. You're still trying to win with a really young team and every day it was a grind," he said. "We didn't fully appreciate — and I guess nobody did — the seriousness of this virus and what it would do to the world, at that time. Those first three or four days right after they paused this season were really hard because I felt this team was stressed right to its maximum but there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Our March was good... we were just starting to get healthy and here comes the payoff for these guys. 1182402 Winnipeg Jets “People are losing their lives,” Maurice said. “The hardship that’s out there — lose their jobs, certainly the challenges that the world faces with this far outweigh what Paul Maurice wants to see happen with the Winnipeg Jets.” Disappointment of paused season weighed on Jets' Maurice If it is over, Maurice will look back on a team that, up against two or three “incredible things” going on, stood united.

Scott Billeck “We had some real turnover and then some good men come in and then become a group, become a team,” Maurice said. “I thought they bonded Published:April 6, 2020 very, very quickly and held on to each other through adversity because Updated:April 6, 2020 2:44 PM CDT we had an awful run this year of injuries and that affected us greatly starting from a position where we had a big amount of turnover.

“So, there’s some pretty darn good heart here, and that’s important The disappointment that coursed through Winnipeg Jets head coach because we’re not going to win without that.” Paul Maurice after the 2019-20 National Hockey League season was put on pause didn’t subside for several days. And about those globes?

Truthfully, he told the assembled media on a video conference call on “I have nothing to do with anything that happens in this house,” Maurice Monday, it still hasn’t fully. said, smiling. “In truth, my wife is a former high school history teacher and part of that is maps and changing maps. So, what’s interesting about “Because I felt that this team got stressed right to its maximum but there a lot of these globes is that they’re from different time periods. They sell was a light at the end of the tunnel because I’d never seen a March maps of the world and countries as they’ve changed. She’s a big World schedule like that,” Maurice said, speaking in front of a backdrop that War II history buff, so if you could zoom in and read a lot of the names on included, quizzically, several globes and a bunch of books he said he’s the spines of these books, there’s an awful lot of history books, of which never read. “Our schedule was brutal in the first half… but our March was I’ve read very few.” good. I don’t ever remember seeing a March that was kind of that good. And I thought we’re just getting healthy, like here comes the payoff for EHLERS STEPPED UP these guys.” The importance of Nikolaj Ehlers to the Jets has often flown under the A trying season, one that included significant roster turnover, injury after radar. injury, a couple of contract hold outs and a no-show by the team’s best At times, it’s been completely dismissed. No points in the playoffs? Some defenceman among other things, challenged the Jets at every juncture. have held that against the 24-year-old for some time now. “They didn’t quit,” said Maurice, who’s coaching in his 22nd season in the What some miss out on is just how good Ehlers is at driving offence. Not NHL. everyone pays attention to the analytics. The Jets had positioned themselves into the first wild-card spot in the Maurice isn’t in the camp. He notices, and noticed a change in Ehlers this Western Conference with a 37-28-6 record (80 points) after a 4-2 defeat season. of the Edmonton Oilers on March 11. “He was starting to drive, and he was starting to be able to compete real By mid-afternoon a day later, and with the team already in Calgary for hard and change kind of the way he played,” Maurice said, lauding the their next matchup a couple of nights later, the season had come to a winger. “He was becoming a man. So those kind of hard things, the small halt, and with it, a four-game winning streak that had the Jets playing skilled guys on our team were starting to buy into. We needed that to some of their best hockey of the season. happen this year to give ourselves a chance to win with the injuries that And for those first few days, the 53-year-old didn’t fully appreciate what we did have. And it forced some players maybe out of their comfort was going on outside of the hockey bubble. zone.”

“I guess nobody did, the seriousness of this virus and what it was going Winnipeg Sun LOADED 04.07.2020 to do to the world at that time,” he said. “I sat back behind the bench a lot and watched these guys go as hard as they could and drive as hard as they could and know when a guy’s playing with two tears in his knee and a broken bone in his foot and watching him play. So you’re pulling for them. And that’s why those first few days after, it’s just, “Uncle.” Like enough. You know how your Mom used to tell you to take the garbage can to the road because it builds character. We had done enough. We had kind of earned the right. And you feel like you’re advantaged. So the advantage that you did have in March, your schedule, looked better than the rest of the league. Not in terms of easy competition, we’re playing all the teams that we need to beat to make the playoffs, but we were set-up to be healthy and good and strong going into the playoffs and having survived an incredible year. And you can build a lot of confidence with that. So that’s why it’s so tough.

“And it still bothers me to this day. But again, against the backdrop of what the world’s dealing with, it’s something we can get over.”

Maurice made it clear during the call that hockey makes way for the safety of everyone at this point.

Yes, he would like to get his team back on the ice. Yes, he would like the current season to continue at some point. Anywhere.

“My desire is completely personal. I want to see this team, the Winnipeg Jets team, play,” Maurice said. “I don’t care what format it is. I want an opportunity to compete for the playoffs, I want a fair opportunity to do that. But I want to see this season played. I’m not concerned about next year or what this season would do to next year. Those are all real problems and real issues that smart people got to figure out.”

But that’s just small potatoes, he said, compared to what people are going through at the moment. 1182403 Winnipeg Jets the playoffs, the Predators and Canucks would move ahead of Winnipeg, leaving the Jets on the outside looking in.

Maurice says the thought of missing the playoffs haunts him. A deep dive into Paul Maurice’s first press conference since the NHL “My desire is completely personal. I want to see this team — the shut down Winnipeg Jets team — play,” he said.

After taking a moment to stress that the Jets’ situation is “small potatoes” By Murat Ates Apr 6, 2020 compared to what the world is going through, Maurice explained why this season meant so much to him.

“It has been an incredible year. Some of the most enjoyable moments of Paul Maurice’s one-liners were in midseason form, even with the NHL on my career I think have been here, knowing the hardship that this team pause. faced and got itself to a point that it was feeling good. You can feel that in the room — a confidence, a hope, a belief. And then right at that point it “I don’t want to hang anyone out to dry or leave anybody out,” he began. started to grow, the season ended.” “Just put Murat’s questions last so, if I miss a guy, he’s used to that.” Recall that, for multiple consecutive games in February and March, Well. I’ve missed you too, Paul. starting with the acquisitions of Dylan DeMelo and Cody Eakin and And it’s true: Over the years, we’ve had some entertaining exchanges — continuing with the good health of Mathieu Perreault and Adam Lowry, from limiting the number of tactical questions I was allowed to ask during Maurice was able to dress a better version of the 2019-20 Jets than any one postseason to joking about taking my laptop away after one that came before it. For the first time since Hellebuyck started playing particularly productive video session. I’ve genuinely missed those Hart-calibre hockey in November, Winnipeg started to feel a sense of exchanges since the NHL has been put on pause. promise — of good things yet to come — that didn’t depend so wholly on its goaltender. I’ve also missed talking about hockey, period. That promise sits unfulfilled. Whether Maurice is making jokes, waxing poetic or sharing legitimate insights, it’s never been his tendency to short anyone a thoughtful “I want this group back together and I want to see what they can do,” response to a thoughtful question — even while protecting Winnipeg’s Maurice continued. I don’t care what format it is. I want an opportunity to trade secrets. Whether the questions I submitted got answered in the compete for the playoffs and I want a fair opportunity to do that. But I tactical detail I appreciate the most or not, I knew Monday morning’s want to see this season played. I’m not concerned about next year or conference call with Winnipeg media was going to be fun — even if some what this season would do to next year. Those are all real problems and of it came at my expense. real issues that smart people (will need) to figure out. If the question is, ‘What do I want to see happen?’ (then) I want to see the ’19-20 Winnipeg But Maurice was also frank, appreciative and thoughtful. The next time Jets play.” my name came up, it was met with a humorous “uh oh” from Maurice, but then: sincere reflection. While it’s true that Winnipeg spent most of the season among the league’s worst teams at 5-on-5 (25th in shot attempts, 27th in shots on What has he learned about himself as a father since he’s had the goal, 31st in expected goals, 21st in real goals), some of those metrics opportunity to be a full-time dad once again? come from a conscientious change in Winnipeg’s style of play.

“I can get grinding on things pretty good that are bothering me,” he Recall Maurice’s five areas of focus heading into the season. The 2019- began. “But the positive thing here for me and my family is I’ve got three 20 Jets didn’t have Dustin Byfuglien, Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers or Ben university kids at home together and it’s a window I’m never getting Chiarot, and they already wanted to give up fewer chances off the rush again. I’ll never get to have dinner every night with them as a group or sit this season than last, so they changed their style. Fewer offensive zone around and watch bad movies with them that they think are funny and pinches. A more passive forecheck. Greater commitment by the forwards they just clearly are not. There’s a lot of interactions that I’m going to get to come back hard and give Winnipeg three men spread out across its with my family that there’s no set of circumstances that will ever present blue line as the Jets doubled down on their wing-lock neutral zone themselves again that will allow this to happen. I am absolutely making defence. the most of that.” It shaved a ton of offence off of last year’s team (there was a bigger Of course, it’s not all dinner and movies in the Maurice household right decrease in chances for the Jets this year than an increase in chances now. Winnipeg’s head coach is also spending his days communicating against) and it still didn’t stop Hellebuyck from facing more rubber than with his coaching staff, his players, and his medical personnel. He’s any other goaltender in the NHL, but it was personnel-driven. grinding video sessions and approaching the pause with an offseason mentality — seeking to find best practices he can apply to the Jets if the The injuries are an old story, of course, but they didn’t help. NHL starts up again. One awful irony is that, just before COVID-19 “That stretch, going into the All-Star break and coming out of it, was a claimed the season, Winnipeg’s hockey team had very nearly returned to real defining moment for us because we were beat up,” Maurice said. full health. “We probably had, I think, nine broken bones this year. We had a bunch Maurice touched on all of these topics and more. In an attempt to provide of guys playing hurt, and they were playing as hard as they could and full context for his responses — and to expand on those responses, nothing was working. We couldn’t get it to go, the effort was there. So at where appropriate — I’ve divided this article into three sections: some point in time your players are going to say, ‘OK, what else coach? Winnipeg’s season before the shutdown, Maurice’s plans for his team if it Seriously, you can only ask us to play so much harder.’ But they didn’t can return to action, and his thoughts on the world at large right now. quit.”

On the 2019-20 season up until now There is one player whose performance Maurice highlighted above all others in terms of putting together a breakout season. The NHL suspended its season the day after Winnipeg beat Edmonton 4- 2 on the road. It was a haunting and surreal game to watch from the “You’re starting to see some players turn the corner for me. One player press box: by the time Connor Hellebuyck and Mike Smith took turns we don’t really talk about is Nik Ehlers. He was started to drive, and he making second period giveaways and Blake Wheeler barely celebrated was starting to be able to compete real hard and change kind of the way his 22nd goal of the season, it was clear that the NBA’s shutdown — he plays, becoming a man.” news that broke during the Jets/Oilers first period — had made its way to For me, Ehlers was one of Winnipeg’s MVP candidates this season — ice level. and I wrote to that effect during our mid-season report cards. Whatever it felt like at the time, Winnipeg’s win left the Jets at 80 points In addition to leading Winnipeg in points-per-minute at even strength, with a 37-28-6 record — good for the Western Conference’s first wild Ehlers’ ability to fly through the neutral zone helps keep the puck safe card spot. and well out of harm’s way, leading to an underrated defensive impact — One little problem: The Jets have played two more games than Nashville a more positive defensive impact than more celebrated players like Mark and Vancouver, each stuck at 78 points. If the NHL rushes straight into Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine. It can be difficult to imagine a smaller, skilled player having a positive you don’t want to be overthinking the game too much. But you do want to defensive impact in such an indirect way — by ragging the puck up ice as put some wrinkles into your game because nobody’s pre-scouted you opposed to laying people out in Winnipeg’s own zone. The impact is now for (however long) it will be. Maybe there’s some minor twists that difficult to notice and can be hard to quantify too — but it does lead to other teams haven’t seen.” fewer chances against. For me, this is a particularly interesting topic. “The small, skilled guys on our team were starting to buy into it,” Maurice said. “And we needed that to happen this year for us to give ourselves a Think back to that stretch of games when Jansen Harkins, Jack Roslovic chance to win with the injuries that we did have, and it forced some and Mason Appleton played such a high-tempo forecheck that they were players maybe out of their comfort zone. But that’s what I thought I able to force turnovers and create offence in transition like higher-end started to see, especially when you got into that time just before the All- Jets teams of old. Star break. We were banged up, we were hurting and we were The youth movement stood out to me in this regard because of their exhausted from it and then they stayed in the fight. And that was the big speed but all reads and all routes depend on a sense of awareness. F1 flag for me that these guys were going to stay in it — and that was and F2 can get more aggressive the more trust they have in F3 to get something to be proud of.” back. Defencemen can pinch at the blue line if they know someone has On what comes next for the Winnipeg Jets their back.

In discussing the future of his club, Maurice was quick to cite the An optimist might argue that full health and DeMelo’s addition to the top importance of health above all else. four defence should give Winnipeg the opportunity to play a more aggressive game in all areas of the ice. A cynic might argue that those “It starts with our medical group, so (head athletic therapist) Rob Millette changes are long overdue. Either way, the pause gives Winnipeg a and our athletic therapists are constantly in contact with the players and unique opportunity to adjust. they’re really checking for symptoms. How’s the health of the athlete? How’s the health of their family? Is there anybody in their family (who is) On the bigger picture sick? Do we need to get people tested if we can? Whatever the Maurice sized up the Jets schedule heading into March and thought that, intervention is that we would need, we’ve been fortunate on that front. based on the relative lack of travel, it was something Winnipeg could take We haven’t had any concerns with that.” advantage of.

Maurice expanded on the training regimens of Winnipeg’s players, too. To lose that opportunity stung him, especially early. Jake Wolff, Winnipeg’s head strength coach, is working individually — but remotely — with each player to keep their fitness routines up. While “I sat back behind the bench a lot and watched these guys go as hard as Blake Wheeler told us last week that he built a home gym in his garage, they could and drive as hard as they could and (I) know when a guy’s not every player is so lucky. That makes conditioning an extra challenge playing with two tears in his knee and a broken bone in his foot. So for some. you’re pulling for them. And that’s why those first few days after, it’s just ‘Uncle.’ Like, enough.” Maurice says his own job will be to pore over Winnipeg’s season and make the right decisions about what to tweak moving forward. “You know how your Mom used to tell you to take the garbage can to the road because it builds character?” We had done enough,” Maurice said. “We have a program we run in the summer — almost a best practices “We were set up to be healthy and good and strong going into the where we really take our game apart and try to find the areas we think, playoffs and having survived an incredible year. And you can build a lot with the players that we have, we can improve on the most the next year. of confidence with that. So that’s why it’s so tough. And it still bothers me The danger, believe it or not, is not going down the rabbit hole. We can to this day. But again, against the backdrop of what the world’s dealing access with our computers, every game, all the analytics, and you don’t with, it’s something we can get over.” get the time to do a deep dive during the season. You’re moving on to the next opponent. Now you have all this time so you have to be careful If there are playoffs this season, Winnipeg will need to rekindle its you don’t get stuck in front of your computer too much. You can get over- confidence and take advantage of a play-in structure of some kind. hockey-ed at times like this.” Any solutions to the problems caused by the NHL’s interrupted season For me, the Jets’ offseason “best practices” are one of their biggest could be just as unprecedented as the stoppage itself. Ideas have been sources of coaching strength. I don’t necessarily feel that all of the thrown around at the NHL level that include play-in games and playoffs adjustments worked this season —Winnipeg’s bottom-tier 5-on-5 played without fans in the building. numbers will attest to that — but you can see the increased commitment “It’s gonna be something unusual. The first thought is the Winnipeg Jets to the wing-lock and the reduction of rush chances. There is a plan, there fans, I’d like to play in front of them, right? Everybody wants to play in are easily discernible reasons for that plan, and there is clear front of their home crowd. Secondly, we just want to play. I’m not much of communication to the point of executing that plan. a TV watcher at all, but I’ve been surfing TV recently at night and if there The best example of this was the off-season leading into 2017-18 when was a hockey game on, man, I’d be watching it. I don’t care where Winnipeg emulated Nashville’s aggressive defence pinch in the offensive games are played. I want it at home in Winnipeg, but we just want to zone, taking time and space away from its opponents as soon as the play. It’d be a wonderful, maybe partial distraction for some people that puck was turned over. This was an NHL practice that the Jets identified are dealing with tough times to watch a game.” and then executed extremely well with its abundance of impact That brings us back to the pandemic. defencemen. As Maurice spoke to reporters through his computer screen, he wore I’m not sure that we see as many significant adjustments midseason, casual clothes. There was no massive Jets backdrop. No expletives, no however, and Maurice shed some light as to why. complaints about referees. No chewing gum. “You’re playing every second day, every third day. There’s something Just the best hockey conversation Maurice was capable of while keeping that crops up — but you’re always trying to grab what’s the theme, right? his mind on the big picture. What’s the thread? We’re not talking about one or two mistakes or one or two things that maybe didn’t work that particular weekend. You’re looking He stressed that the world is connected in its response to the COVID-19 for a thread of strength and a thread of weakness that you can attack.” pandemic. The situation transcends well beyond hockey, well beyond sports. He touched on concern for his own aging parents and for his If there is a part two to the 2019-20 season, Winnipeg’s training camp will brother, Michael, a doctor, but stressed that the situation is bigger than be short and its return to important games will be immediate. Maurice his own experience. says that any changes he makes to his game plan need to stay simple enough to execute in short order. “Everybody is touched on this, whether it’s first responders – we all know police officers, fire department and EMT people – people in hospitals, “You want to make sure that the changes or the areas of focus going into people in grocery stores, people that are keeping us fed. Everybody this environment (are such that) if you’ve got the video done, you can do knows somebody that’s dealing with this differently. So this is not one of it really quickly. It doesn’t sidetrack you from the other things you’re going these kind of cocoon situations where your own little world is touched by to have to do — you’re going to have to touch the puck, you’re going to have to get up to speed, you’re going to have to get that body right and it. This is touching everybody that’s got a different story, a different way that they’re dealing with it.”

Finally, Maurice was asked what his message to the world would be at a time like this.

“This is a really unusual time, isn’t it,” Maurice said. “You get into your fifties and you think you’ve got a lot of experience on how to handle things — and then something like this comes up and you have no experience on how to handle it. But there’s lots of really, really good examples out there of people that are banding together. That’s what I like to focus on. If I’m going to read the news, I want to read the story about the firemen that are doing extra, the police officers, the nurses that are going in, the doctors that are caring for people.”

“What we’re trying to do — and I’m knocking on wood here — we’re healthy and we’re very, very fortunate and we don’t have some of the concerns that a lot of people are dealing with. But we’re trying to find something good. In my house, I’m trying to enjoy every minute of being around a bunch of 20-year-old kids. I’m never getting this chance again. Try to find one thing that’s good and hang onto that thing as hard as you possibly can. Maybe once you find that one thing, you’ll find another. It’s been working so far here. My kids haven’t thrown me out of the house yet. Check in in about a week and we’ll see where we’re at.”

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182404 Vancouver Canucks “They’re exploring everything,” added Carroll. “And they haven’t got down to any specific one yet. It’s still in the exploration stage. You just plug along and hope to figure something out when things open up again.”

Ben Kuzma: Canucks keep hearing optimism in no-news conference It’s the same story at Rogers Arena. calls The ice is out but decision-making heads are full of ideas on how to keep the Canucks’ brand in the corporate consciousness and fans engaged.

BEN KUZMA On Monday, health officials in B.C. reported 63 new coronavirus cases in the previous 48 hours to raise the provincial total to 1,266. A total of 140 Published:April 6, 2020 people have been hospitalized, 72 are in intensive care and 39 have died. Those sobering statistics put sporting concerns on the back-burner, Updated:April 6, 2020 6:26 PM PDT but there’s still a franchise to run.

“We’re out of the normal cycle and this (pandemic) is exceptional, so you Ticket windows would be jammed at Rogers Arena if the Canucks were have to think things through,” stressed Carroll. “It’s a different world right playing. now. We have to focus on our immediate priorities and we have a lot of community stuff going on with FIN (mascot). He’s even doing a drive-by 'It was very much a status-quo kind of call and there’s still optimism and to find a kids’ birthday party. tracking and a belief that we can still move forward at some point — and late summer would be optimistic in some models.' “And we’re doing a lot on the food side and delivering close to 1,000 (hospital) food packages a day now. And we’re just trying to find An NFL draft domino has fallen. Is the NHL next? interesting content to keep this all going to keep people engaged the best we can.” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has informed league general managers that the 2020 draft — scheduled for April 23-25, in Paradise, The Canucks also have an online 50-50 ticket program to support Nev. — will have selections made in a fully virtual format. COVID-19 projects, a season-ticket credit initiative for next season should the season be cancelled, and have placed more than 200 And because of the indefinite closure of team facilities because of self- displaced part-time workers at Rogers Arena into employment isolation, social-distancing and stay-at-home directives with the opportunities in the Lower Mainland. coronavirus pandemic, team personnel have been directed to be in separate locations and use phone or internet technology to communicate The best news Monday was no COVID-19 cases at Rogers Arena or in and forward their draft selections. the adjacent business tower.

In the league memo obtained by The NFL Network, this directive by “Not one person who interacted with the person who originally got it Goodell was decisive: (March 10) and recovered has had it since that we’re and they (staff) are aware of,” summed up Carroll. “In response to developing conditions and the advice of medical and public health experts, authorities at all levels of government have Vancouver Province: LOADED: 04.07.2020 expanded the scope and extended the duration of orders requiring residents to shelter-in-place (stay-at-home orders) and closing non- essential businesses.

“These orders now cover the vast majority of residents and include every NFL home community. In some locations, these orders extend as far as June, and we should expect that this trend will continue.”

What does this mean for the postponed NHL draft combine, awards and draft that was scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal?

There’s a level of interest in a scaled-down draft with top prospects, immediate family and team personnel — imagine that scenario in the hockey mecca? — but as health officials extend measures to safeguard contact and potential spread of COVID-19, it’s hard to imagine any actual draft model. Especially with Quebec struck so hard by the virus.

A virtual NHL draft and returning to Montreal in 2021 for a full bonanza makes more health and economic sense. The 2019 draft in Vancouver was a hit on all fronts.

In that respect, the NHL board of governors held another conference call Monday. However, there was little to report. Canucks chief operation officer and alternate governor Trent Carroll was on the call and it wasn’t surprising that fleeting hope for resumption of the season trumped any real news in a hockey vacuum.

“It was just a general catchup call and really nothing that hasn’t been said already,” said Carroll. “It was very much a status-quo kind of call and there’s still optimism and tracking and a belief that we can still move forward at some point — and late summer would be optimistic in some models.”

When the NHL season was placed on pause March 12, the initial 14-day self isolation period was put in place the following day and expired March 27. The hope was players would return to Rogers Arena in small groups to train or skate and hold training camp April 27.

That isolation period has been extended twice to April 15, and April 30 seems like a certainty. So does extending the isolation measures through May and even June.

Anybody up for playoff hockey in August? 1182405 Vancouver Canucks Those hardest hit had connections to the Humboldt team and the town and those born in Saskatchewan.

Canucks defenceman Ashton Sautner is from tiny Flaxcombe — Ben Kuzma: Green Shirt Day puts COVID-19 concerns in perspective for population 111— and his uncle, Kevin Garinger, was president of the Dorsett Broncos at the time, but wasn’t on the bus. He has since stepped down from the demanding position.

Sautner’s father coached in the SJHL and the ties the family has with the BEN KUZMA game and the province made the tragedy even harder to stomach.

Published:April 6, 2020 “It’s very tough news,” said Sautner. “My cousin was good friends with the assistant coach. My uncle had to go back and make a statement. The Updated:April 6, 2020 4:50 PM PDT bus is where you feel safe and you spend a lot of time on it when you play junior hockey.

'That horrific (Humboldt) crash was a very sad day in the hockey world.' “It’s supposed to be a fun time. But when something like this happens, it’s terrible. Hockey means everything there. My hometown is Kindersley Derek Dorsett has challenges. where I spend my summers. They support their teams and the fans are very passionate.” The former Vancouver Canucks’ winger awaits shoulder surgery because continuing pain radiates to his neck and has persisted since being forced Fast forward and Dorsett is giving COVID-19 support to his children — to end his career in November 2017. It matches the mental anguish that sons Dylan, 5, Ethan, 4, and daughter Emmie, 19 months — and in need didn’t dissipate after being forced to leave a game he still loves. of some support himself to get through the tough transition from the NHL, especially after seven goals through 20 games in 2017-18. Dorsett and his wife, Allison, also have three young children to engage, entertain and educate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The trio includes On the home front, the COVID-19 challenges are obvious. Ethan, who broke his collarbone jumping off a Bouncy House before hockey started this season, so there’s that. “Chasing kids and trying to figure out what’s next,” said Dorsett. “It’s been a little challenging with school and daycare and trying to keep them busy And there’s a second house in Columbus, Ohio, that they’re trying to throughout the day because they’re at different stages — they all pull you renovate. So many concerns and so much uncertainty. in different ways — but we’re just like anyone else would be.

However, Dorsett will count his blessings Tuesday. “It’s a crazy world we’re living in right now. I leave the home-schooling to my wife. We’re playing a lot of sports and mini-sticks and trying to get The Kindersley, Sask., native will don a Humboldt Broncos T-shirt in oldest (Dylan) to ride (his bike) without training wheels. And I don’t know concert with the Green Shirt Day initiative to promote organ-donation the last time I sat down on the couch and there wasn’t a kids’ show on. registration. On April 6, 2018, Logan Boulet was one of 15 players and personnel who perished in a bus crash as the Saskatchewan Junior “We’re pretty good with how much TV they can watch and they don’t Hockey League club travelled to a playoff game. have iPads. We try to keep them busy with colouring, being active outside and biking.” In a selfless legacy labelled ‘The Logan Boulet Effect’, more than 100,000 Canadians became organ donors after the tragedy. Boulet had Yet, in reality, Dorsett doesn’t need more home time with the family. expressed to his parents that he wanted to be an organ donor — he Unlike former NHL teammates, who pine for time because of the signed a card just weeks before his death — and his organs have saved demands of being a pro athlete, he has had nothing but time since he the lives of six people awaiting transplants. had to hang up his skates.

And, because of COVID-19, this year’s donor campaign will take Dorsett practised for 10 minutes in Philadelphia on Nov. 20, 2017, and registrations at humboldtbroncos.com. Canucks coach Travis Green said the winger had told him that there was no particular incident that caused discomfort. Dorsett had fought twice “That horrific crash was an eye-opener and a very sad day in the hockey that season — accumulating two instigator penalties and one shy of a world,” the 33-year-old Dorsett said Monday from Columbus. “It changed two-game suspension — and also had 39 hits to go with his surprising a lot of peoples’ lives forever and it’s been a hard road for a lot of people start. in the Humboldt community, but we’ve got to live life to the fullest. Dorsett was a seventh-round pick in 2009 by Columbus. The pugnacious “It makes you realize the things that are important. When there’s tragedy plugger was on pace to easily eclipse a career-high 12 goals with the — and even the pandemic — people are going to stick together and find Blue Jackets in the 2011-12 season. He finished his career with 127 ways through tough times. The Humboldt crash brought a lot of people points (51-76) and 1,314 penalty minutes in 515 regular-season games. together and this pandemic is doing the same thing. You have to find a He also appeared in 43 playoff games. way to get through it. When Dorsett’s neck region was evaluated in early November in Los “Maybe because the news is so much focused toward the pandemic, you Angeles, the prognosis was mind-numbing. He had sustained a cervical don’t hear as much about violence and killing and hatred. People are disc herniation adjacent and separate to his previous fusion and was being respectful of each other and space.” advised to stop playing. Not for a week or month. Forever. The news hit Dorsett was born in Kindersley — population 4,597 — and had already the feisty winger like a punch to the face. known tragedy. Town residents were devastated Dec. 30, 1986, when He would do anything to will his team to victory, but could only be a the WHL Broncos were bound for Regina and their bus struck a patch of cheerleader after being permanently sent to the sidelines. black ice. It went airborne and the crash claimed the lives of players Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka and Brent Ruff. On Monday, Dorsett still sounded like he hasn’t totally healed from the departure. It’s why the Humboldt tragedy hit Dorsett hard the following morning in 2018 at a solemn game-day skate at in Edmonton. “It has been a hard transition, harder than I thought it was going to be,” admitted Dorsett, who had 54 points (20-34) and 694 penalty minutes in “Obviously, I’m at a loss for words,” said Dorsett, who had been asked to 235 regular-season Canuck games over four seasons. “I thought I’d be a witness a final salute to the retiring Henrik and Daniel Sedin. “We were at guy — because I had other interests outside of hockey — that it would be the dinner last night and found out and it (room) went silent. It shows how easier for me to jump into the real world and adapt. It wasn’t.” big the hockey community is and how it affects everyone. Dorsett has been job-shadowing with Columbus-based Vision “I can’t even imagine what the players, their families, the town of Development because of a long-standing interest in real estate. It has Humboldt and the province of Saskatchewan and even further on are helped filled that competitive void. feeling. It’s the most terrible thing that can happen. I played a lot of minor hockey in Humboldt. It’s a small province but great people and I know the “It’s given me a purpose to wake up and get a routine and be part of a hockey community will rally around and support them as much as we team again,” he added. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve missed. I do miss can.” hockey. The first (retirement) year, I thought I’d jump in and be involved in some sort of way, but it was hard to get up and watch games without being emotional and sad.

“Last year during the playoffs, I started getting to the point of watching and getting that fire again. So, it (hockey) isn’t something I’ve closed the door on and I’d like to get involved in some shape or form.

“There are such good people in the game and that’s what I’ve missed about it. I don’t know what I’d do, but I feel that I know the game in and out and could be of use somewhere for sure.”

For now, that knowing is encouraging Dylan to not give up on the game and rekindle his interest. It has turned the father into a coach.

“We practise at the house non-stop and he has caught on pretty well,” chucked Dorsett. “He can boogie out there.”

As for where the NHL goes with its season on pause, and heightened concerns over health, several scenarios are being considered to salvage the season in some manner.

However, as self-isolation and social-distancing measures increase, Dorsett finds it hard to comprehend playing before a COVID-19 vaccine is produced and distributed. The league could lose US$1billion in revenue if the season is scuttled, and players would financially suffer with escrow salary clawback that could reach 30 per cent.

“Obviously, you’ve got to worry about the safety of the players and fans first,” stressed Dorsett. “I don’t know how I’d feel about playing in empty arenas. They shouldn’t do anything that might jeopardize the health of anybody.

“And escrow is already through the roof and they (owners) are going to have to work something out with revenue sharing. I’m not going to show up to work and not be paid what I’m worth.”

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182406 Vancouver Canucks Who knows. Maybe wrestling lends itself to analytics. Someone could work out a an equation which determines expected pin falls arising from the use of the atomic drop — I’m here assuming they still use the atomic drop. Willes' Musings: We'll probably never know if this Canucks team was good enough to make the playoffs This would also lead to a generational divide in which veteran writers dismiss the work of the number crunchers — “I don’t need data to tell me Bret Hart was the greatest wrestler who ever lived.”

ED WILLES No one knows how long the pandemic will last so we’d have to expand our coverage to include special series such as “All-Star Wrestling, the Published:April 6, 2020 Gene Kiniski years,” or historical retrospectives like “Who was the greater Updated:April 6, 2020 5:00 AM PDT heel: Sweet Daddy Siki or The Sheik.”

We could go on but you get the point. But be forewarned if this goes on any longer, you can expect a three-part feature on Iron Mike Sharpe. Didn’t get out a lot this weekend which left lots of time for the Monday morning musings and meditations on the world of sports. • Tweet of the week: “My wife and I play this fun quarantine game, it’s called, ‘Why Are You Doing It That Way?” and there are no winners.” • We’ll likely never know if the Vancouver Canucks were good enough to secure one of the eight playoff spots in the Western Conference this • Have a friend who’s in the wine business. He reports these numbers: season but it’s an intriguing question. – On Mar. 12, the day the NHL, MLB and MLS closed their doors and the To qualify for the post-season, the Canucks had to finish ahead of one of day after the NBA shut down, they were roughly 10 per cent below their Nashville (they were tied with 78 points but the Preds had one more sales from Mar. 2019. regulation win when the NHL suspended play), Calgary (they were one – They finished March 37 per cent ahead of Mar. 2019 sales. back of the third-place Flames in the Pacific with a game in hand) or Winnipeg (two back of the second-wild card spot with two games in – A case of 12 bottles usually represents seven to eight per cent of all hand) while holding off the charging Minnesota Wild. sales. For March, it was 37 per cent of sales.

The Canucks had 13 games left on their schedule: six at home. They • And finally, saw K’Andre Miller at last year’s World Juniors with Team also faced six teams who sat under the playoff bar over that stretch. USA and the young defenceman looked like a legitimate prospect: big, Eight wins in those 13 games gets them to 94 points which might have mobile and physical, he was still learning a new position after playing been enough. Nine wins and 96 points might have been a lock but was forward but, given his skill set, you’d bet on him figuring things out with this team capable of delivering that down the stretch? the New York Rangers.

That’s debatable. They lost their nerve when Jacob Markstrom went That’s all you should know about Miller. Instead, most hockey fans now down against Boston on Feb. 22 and Markstrom wasn’t coming back any know him as the subject of a gutless racist attack while he was time soon. conducting an online chat on the Zoom app.

Yes, they were coming off a shootout win over the Islanders when the The act has since been universally condemned by the hockey community NHL went dark but think of some of those losses in late February and but how does this happen in 2020? More to the point, why are we still early March: at Ottawa, at Arizona, home and away to Columbus. A asking that question. playoff team might have lost one or two of those games. But all four? If you have an answer, please enlighten me. Sorry, can’t help thinking those games would have eventually cost the Canucks a playoff berth. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 04.07.2020

With the sports world turned upside down the COVID-19 pandemic will it be much longer before sports media turned to topics such as “All-Star Wrestling, the Gene Kiniski years.” Ian Lindsay / Vancouver Sun

• In a world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, maybe it’s fitting WrestleMania 36 provided the only, er, sports entertainment of the weekend.

But if you believe this is a sign the apocalypse is truly upon us, we invite you to reconsider.

The WWE comes along at a time when it’s needed most, filling a void created by the suspension of MLB, NBA, NHL and other leagues which have been shuttered by the pandemic. True, professional wrestling isn’t exactly part of the sports’ mainstream but you might have noticed we don’t have a lot of options these days.

Whatever else it is, wrasslin’ gives us content and something to talk about. Yes, most of us will have to play catch up to familiarize ourselves with a new generation of stars — who, for example, is Drew McIntyre and how did he get a title shot against Brock Lesnar on Sunday night?

But wrestling isn’t terribly complicated. I can, in fact, envision a universe where the coverage of professional wrestling mirrors the coverage we give to those major sports leagues which are currently shut down.

We could have our own insiders sucking up to Vince McMahon for scoops — ‘“I’m told Seth Rollins has been nursing a hip pointer which is why he bowed out of his match with Randy Orton,” or, “Sources tell us The Undertaker is considering retirement. Again.”

We could have beat writers working the cards all over the country, filing match reports on tight deadlines. Junior writers could learn their craft covering the lesser companies, your All-Elite Wrestling or Impact Wrestling where they could make their reputation by identifying rising stars in the game — “I saw John Cena when he was with Ultimate Pro Wrestling.” 1182407 Vancouver Canucks It was Jackson Niedermayer who first made the decision to move north to pursue the sport his father and uncle, Rob, made their last name famous in. Although he’d grown up in NHL rinks, there were few opportunities in California to play junior in a hockey town. Hockey progeny: In a B.C. town, the sons of 5 former NHLers grab the spotlight He visited when he was first recruited by the Vees, and ultimately decided that he wanted to take his next step in hockey there.

The Niedermayers’ eldest son, Logan, left home for school. Scott and By Dan Robson Apr 6, 2020 Lisa felt the family was ready for a change, so they packed up their life and headed north, too.

Josh Niedermayer was still playing minor hockey and found a place in PENTICTON, – On a bench in a rink in British the well-known Okanagan Hockey Academy on the local Midget team. Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, there is a row of sweaters stitched with The family’s youngest, Luke, was still in elementary school, but found names famous from a different time. new teammates in Penticton minor hockey. Niedermayer, Weight, Amonte, Sillinger, and Barnes — names of men So Scott, the Hall of Famer, now makes sure the sheet is ready for the who collectively played in more than 5,800 NHL games through more boys whenever a game of shinny breaks out. than 80 seasons. Tonight, those names are carried on the backs of the as they play the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the British It happens all the time. Columbia Hockey League. “Hockey is so serious,” he says. “It’s good that you can be a kid. There In Penticton, more than 3,000 fans show up to cheer for the Junior A are no adults yelling at them. Well, I’m yelling at them, ‘Keep the mud off! team that is filled with the progeny of former NHL players. We are a long Don’t lose the pucks.’” way from the show. A long way from the locker rooms they grew up in, watching the best in the game play alongside their fathers. In Penticton, if Niedermayer’s not standing in his boots, scraping the ice at home, you’ll likely find him in a rink. The other day, his three youngest But no one is here for the dads now. This is about the sons. sons had games from the afternoon through the evening. He spent more than seven hours between two arenas. Fans wear their sweaters in the crowd. Local kids ask for their autographs and pretend to be them while playing hockey on the street. Niedermayer shakes his head. They are recognized in restaurants and coffee shops where you’re likely to overhear patrons discussing what happened in the most recent Vees “I thought I’d retired from hockey,” he says. “But apparently not.” game. On a weekend evening in Penticton, there are nearly 3,000 people Doug Weight sits up in the third level of the South Okanagan Events packed into an arena. That’s about 10 percent of the town. Fans start to Centre, next to the Canadian and American flags that hang from the fill the seats 45 minutes before puck drop. rafters, chatting with other hockey dads. Scott Niedermayer and his wife, Ivan McLelland signs autographs near the glass at the tunnel to the Vees Lisa, sit in their family’s box high above the action. More than 3,000 locker room. He looks young for an 88-year-old who once played a game kilometers away, Stu Barnes streams a broadcast of the game in Dallas. against Johnny Bower. McLelland was the goaltender on the locally does the same in Phoenix — as does Tony Amonte in famous 1955 Vees senior team, which won the world ice hockey Boston. championships in West Germany. There is a large monument to the team Before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered arenas across North America, in the centre of a roundabout outside of the arena and a giant mural of the Vees were surging toward another run in the BCHL playoffs. And the players on the wall of the Elks Lodge downtown. while they did, a fraternity of former pros took their place as hockey “Just my name, please,” a fan asks, handing McLelland a book about the parents, watching as their kids play the game in their town and their time. world championship team. You’ll need to wipe the mud off your feet before you step on Scott “Can I get a picture with you, Ivan?” another asks, while McLelland signs. Niedermayer’s ice. The Vees play in the British Columbia Hockey League, a Junior A league The Hall of Fame defenceman is a meticulous caretaker of the outdoor that is a tier below the major junior level. The BCHL has a reputation for rink set in a gully on his family’s property next to Lake Okanagan. He being one of the top “tier two” junior leagues in Canada, owning more doesn’t appreciate the marks on the pristine white surface that he national titles than any other provincial equivalent. Eight players from the scrapes and floods morning and night. league were selected in the 2019 NHL draft, including Alex Newhook, On a mild February morning in Penticton, Niedermayer’s ice is rough and who went 16th overall to the Colorado Avalanche. But most of the brittle. He shakes his head. players in the league are looking for a path to collegiate hockey in the NCAA. “The key is you have to watch the weather,” Niedermayer says. “The thing is here it will snow and then rain, one after the other. … It’s just not To the fans who flood the arena every weekend, though, the Vees are as hard enough. It’ll freeze like coffee crisp, kind of frozen with air bubbles.” exciting as any NHL team.

The 46-year-old sounds like a seasoned vet of ice maintenance. He “It’s cliché, but it’s part of our fabric here. I think the people in town take a looks it too, with salt-and-pepper hair, wire-framed glasses, rubber boots lot of pride in the team,” says Fred Harbinson, who has been the Vees and a Patagonia sweater. But Niedermayer admits that he is a complete head coach since 2007. “It’s like a mini pro environment here. You have rookie when it comes to the rink he’s built at the edge of his property, a facility like this. You have a fan base like this. Whenever they go with a view of small mountains to one side and of the lake between the around town, they’re known. I can’t go to the grocery store without being hills at the other. stopped 20 times to talk about the last game or the game coming up.”

“It’s not perfectly level,” Niedermayer says, lamenting a slope at one end And there’s been plenty for those fans to talk about. The hallway outside of the surface. the Vees locker room boasts of the town’s hockey pedigree, with pictures of former Penticton players like Brett Hull, , Joe Murphy, Paul He and Lisa raised their four boys in Southern California, where outdoor Kariya, and Duncan Keith. Recent NHL alumni include rinks are rare. The family remained in Newport Beach after Niedermayer Tyson Jost, Dante Fabbro, Troy Stecher and Mike Reilly. retired from the Anaheim Ducks a decade ago. But they are both from Cranbrook, a small town between the mountains of southern B.C. — and Penticton has won four provincial championships in the last dozen years. they’d long considered moving to their home province one day. They won the national championship in 2012 — a team that won 42 straight games and will soon be enshrined in the B.C. Hockey Hall of It was hockey that took them away, but now it’s hockey that brings them Fame. back. And the four-time Stanley Cup winner plays caretaker, while three of his four sons use the family ice rink to carve out their own hockey Since arriving in Penticton, Harbinson has welcomed the sons of nearly dreams. 20 former NHL players or executives to the team. Ron Hextall’s son Brett helped the Vees win a BCHL championship in “I know a lot of these guys,” Weight says. “It was definitely important. It’s 2008. Trevor Nill, the son of Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill, was on the same not just hearsay. It’s hearing from guys that played at the level I have — team. Martin Brodeur’s son Anthony played goal for the Vees in 2016. and not that you have to, to be successful — but it certainly helped my Tony Amonte’s son Ty played in Penticton before heading to Boston decision and made it a lot easier.” University, while his younger son Tristan is in his first season with the team. Danny Weight is actually the fourth Douglas Weight. His given name is Douglas, after his great-grandfather, grandfather, and his dad — but Dixon Ward, who played more than 500 games in the NHL through the Danny goes by his middle name. Along with the moniker, hockey has 1990s, runs the renowned Okanagan Hockey Academy. It operates also been passed down. programs across North America and Europe, but still runs a local school out of the old wood-framed Penticton Memorial Arena next door to the When he was laid off by Chrysler in the mid-1970s, Doug Weight’s father enormous South Okanagan Events Centre. worked overnights as a plumber and by day as a janitor, then came home to sleep for a few hours before heading to the arena to run Ward has been part of the Penticton hockey community since early 2005, practices for the three teams he coached to make extra money for his when he volunteered as an instructor with the OHA near the end of his family. playing career. Part of the appeal was the opportunity to share the game with his young son, Taylor, who spent four years at the OHA and then His young son always joined him — skating with each team that his four seasons with the Vees, before heading to college. father coached in that Detroit arena, even though the players were older. They were on the ice together for nearly four hours every day. The NHL world is small, Ward says — so it’s not a surprise that a small community like Penticton continues to attract the attention of so many When he had a family of his own, Doug still spent most of his time in players looking for their kids to learn the game. Ward gets calls all the arenas. And just like his father did, he often brought his young son, time from guys he played with and against asking about hockey in the Danny, along. town. The pro-level facilities, the location and the team’s reputation for But instead of watching his father skate in cold barns on the outskirts of success are always big factors in those discussions, he says. But more Detroit, Danny Weight watched his dad play in NHL rinks. At practices, than anything, NHL parents want to know what hockey in Penticton will he watched players like Al MacInnis take slap shots in St. Louis. He teach their kids off the ice. played ball hockey alongside the kids of his dad’s pro teammates, like “Former players know better than anybody that environment and culture Keith Tkachuk — whose sons Brady and Matthew took no mercy on their are the most important part of the development process,” he says. younger friend. In Anaheim, he played mini-sticks in the Ducks locker “Surrounding your kid with other like-minded kids is really important.” room while players like Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry walked around them. The Vees locker pumps with rap music that suddenly stops when the cellphone of the designated team DJ starts to ring. It’s a call from his In New York, Danny took tips on the family’s backyard rink from his grandmother, which elicits good-natured jeers from his teammates in the father’s young teammate, John Tavares, who slept in the room next to background. When he hangs up with his grandmother and plugs his his as a rookie and then lived in the Weights’ guesthouse for three years. phone back into the speakers, the music blasts through the room and They used to play ministicks and watch game tape together while Doug down the hall once again. joked with the young Islanders star about taking it so seriously. Tavares became part of the Weight family and is still like an older brother to The players tape their sticks. They stretch. Some chew tobacco. Others Danny. visit with team trainer to get sore spots taped up before game time. That’s what happens with a hockey team, Weight says — the locker It’s the scene you might find before a typical junior hockey game in many room extends beyond the roster. Your family is part of the team. small towns across Canada, with the added polish of a fancy players lounge and amid state-of-the-art training and medical equipment, Sometimes, Doug would take Danny with him on short road trips. The furnished by team owners Graham and Sue Fraser. younger Weight would stick with the team like he was a player. When they went out for a meal, the players would stick Danny with the bill, as This is the pinnacle of hockey luxury at the junior level. part of his “rookie” initiation. Doug lent his son the credit card to cover it.

And it will inevitably be the top level most players will reach. But a few “I’ll take it out of his savings when he’s older,” he says. will go on to bigger things. The Vees’ leading scorer is Jay O’Brien, who played for the U.S. national junior team and was drafted 19th overall by Mike Sillinger is cued up and ready to watch all three of his sons play on the Philadelphia Flyers in 2018. Others will head to the NCAA, hoping any given weekend. to find an alternative route to the NHL — while gaining an education that Owen, his eldest, plays Division 1 NCAA with Bemidji State University in will carry them through the rest of their lives. Minnesota. His youngest, Cole, plays for the in the Danny Weight is in his first season with the Vees. He committed to WHL. And Lukas, in the middle, is in his third season with the Vees. Boston College when he was a freshman in high school and then spent Sillinger and his wife, Karla, spend most of their time in Phoenix, but two years in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. watch just as much hockey as they ever have — streaming each of their While the 18-year-old gets ready alongside his Vees teammates, his sons’ games, staggered between Central, Mountain and Pacific time father sits at a table overlooking the ice while fans head to their seats zones. ahead of puck drop. Doug Weight sips a beer while watching the New “We don’t miss a game,” Sillinger says. “If it’s Friday or Saturday night, York Rangers play the Columbus Blue Jackets on his phone through we have hockey for five hours.” silver wire-framed glasses. The couple grew up in Regina and moved back when Sillinger retired He has been in town for a couple of weeks, flying in from Long Island after his 15th NHL season in 2009. All three of their sons benefitted from where the family lives, to watch his son play. growing up around NHL locker rooms. When Sillinger played for the “After 30 years, I finally have some time off,” he says. Islanders with Doug Weight, the locker room was always open to kids. Rick DiPietro was particularly good at welcoming the young faces in the Weight spent nearly two decades playing in the NHL before retiring with room, Lukas Sillinger says. The Islanders goalies used to take him and the New York Islanders in 2011. He had a coaching role with the brothers out shopping. Cole, the youngest, had custom-made DiPietro organization until 2018. His biggest focus now is watching his son play. gear and considered becoming a goalie. After a couple seasons with the U.S. National Under 18 Team playing in the USHL, Danny had another year to play before joining Boston College “He didn’t cave,” Lukas says. in the fall of 2020. His father wanted to make sure he played somewhere When he was young, neither of Sillinger’s parents were actively involved that would help his development. in hockey. They worked so he’d have a chance to play. The NHL Many hockey parents with children playing at a high level face these afforded him a chance to spend more time with his own boys at the rink. kinds of decisions. In Regina, he was able to volunteer as an assistant coach with each of their teams until they reached Midget AAA. And Karla has been to more Weight leaned on old friends Tony Amonte, Mike Sillinger and Scott games since their son started playing than when her husband played in Niedermayer for advice. They all had sons in the program. the NHL. “I had the opportunity to be with these boys at important times in their life, and the fathers that went before them. Players on other teams will often as far as being young athletes,” says Sillinger. “My parents wouldn’t have point out the same. been able to do that at my age, back in the day.” “Everyone is always chirping, ‘Oh, your dad played in the NHL and you’ll Owen was the first Sillinger to make the journey to Penticton, where he never be as good,’ or whatever,” says Tristan Amonte. “I mean, played for the Vees for three seasons before heading to the NCAA. obviously.” Lukas joined him two years later, in 2017, and is now one of the team’s leading scorers and locker room leaders. Jackson Niedermayer gets jabbed all the time for not being a Hall-of- Famer or part of four Stanley Cups and two Olympic gold medals like his “Obviously, Penticton is one of the best spots to play junior hockey,” father. But while it’s cute for opponents to note that his dad is one of the Lukas says. The family has become popular in the five years they have best defencemen to ever play, the insult doesn’t register with him. been associated with the team. You can spot several Sillinger sweaters in the stands during Vees home games. And often, you’ll find a handful of “We’ve heard everything,” he says. “I don’t really get rattled. I just give ex-pros watching in the seats alongside all of the other hockey parents. them a smile and try to do something on the ice. … It gives you more motivation.” “For the dads to come here and watch the game, I think it’s pretty fun for them to hang out and get back to together,” Lukas says. Danny Weight views it the same way. It doesn’t matter what came before you, whether your parents played in the NHL or have never even touched For Jack Barnes, Penticton offered an opportunity to learn the game in a puck before. an environment similar to the one his father had. Stu Barnes grew up just outside of Edmonton but attended the Okanagan Hockey School every “You try to make your own path; make your own name for yourself,” he summer while staying with his grandmother, who lived in the nearby town says. “That’s what I’m trying to do.” of Peachland. Jack spent most of his youth in Dallas, where he watched Having a father who played and coached at the highest level had been a his father play for the Stars. As a boy, he would rip around the rink with huge help as he found his way along that path. Mike Modano and take shots on . After practices, he’d play fight with Steve Ott and Trevor Daly. But inevitably, it’s a different one than his father took — and Doug Weight knows his son has to find his own way. As he watches Danny skate “They were awesome,” Jack says. around the ice for the Vees, he says he’s just happy to be able to share He still has fond memories of running around the dressing room and this part of his son’s journey. For a long time, he says, it was hard to getting Gatorade and gum and rolls of tape. really enjoy the game with his own father, because it felt like he was constantly being pushed to be better. “The one thing that’s great about the hockey community is I think all the players really accept kids in the dressing room and think what a thrill it is “My dad and I are still close, but it took a while,” he says. “You know, and understand what a thrill it would have been for them as young guys,” when you’re young and getting pushed, you know you don’t understand says Stu. it. So I just want him to make his own decisions. And I’m glad he loves what I love. It’s special.” But while Jack loved that his father played in the NHL, there were also long stretches when he could only see him on TV. Earlier this year, Josh Niedermayer was called up to play in a game for the Vees — and two Niedermayer brothers suited up for the same team “There were times when he was gone for quite awhile,” Jack says. “When for the first time since Scott and his brother Rob played together in I grew up, I didn’t really know much better. He was always gone right Anaheim, where they won the Stanley Cup in 2007. The brothers are from the start.” honoured in the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame on the other side of the arena. Niedermayer knows it’s unlikely his sons will raise the Cup the same way Now it’s the father who watches the son on the screen from far away. he and Rob were able to. But just seeing them on the same team was After working with the Stars in retirement, Stu Barnes is still based in special enough. Dallas while working as a pro scout for the NHL’s Seattle . Jack played minor hockey with a travel team in the area, but his “To see them just be able to part of each other’s lives a little longer is parents felt he could benefit from playing in a more traditional hockey good,” he says. “As a parent, it’s pretty cool to see your two boys out setting. there.”

In Alberta, Stu grew up playing on outdoor rinks and with one organized Up in his box at the South Okanogan Events Centre, Scott Niedermayer game a week — often against a team from town that was just a few miles watches Jackson on the ice as the Vees battle the Alberni Valley down the road. In Dallas, Jack’s team often had to fly to games and Bulldogs. His youngest son Luke plays ministicks in the hallway and Josh tournaments. roams the concourse with his friends, sporting a Sideshow Bob mane and a fresh gash on his chin from his game that afternoon. “Which is a totally different experience than the way I grew up,” says Stu. From this vantage point, the game looks much different to Niedermayer. Jack plans to return for his fourth season with the team, while taking online courses as he works toward getting into an Ivy League school in “It’s a totally different perspective,” he says. “You want him to do well, the future. His parents have since sold the house in Penticton, but Julie obviously. And as a hockey dad, you’re trying to balance it all. … I try to Barnes gets out to see her son at least once a month and Stu visits as give them, hopefully good, advice. But at the same time, you try not to be much as he can. But when he can’t, he’s online, a proud father watching too overbearing. They’re going to have to try to figure some things out on his son follow his own dream. their own and go through it at their own pace.”

“It’s his journey,” says Stu. “I got to play a long time and that seemed like It’s different for Lisa Niedermayer too. She was a huge part of her kids’ it went by really quickly. So I told him as he’s playing to enjoy it — and minor hockey experience, but the older they get the harder it can be to make the most of it.” watch.

Sillinger has told his sons the same. They have a lot of conversations “When it’s your kids, you just want to make sure nothing ever happens,” about the future — about chasing their dreams, while being realistic Lisa says. “It’s hard, but it’s fun. I love it. I love watching them.” about the future. Sometimes Niedermayer wonders if his sons play just because they want “They know making the National Hockey League is not easy … but that’s to follow in his footsteps. His eldest son is away in Phoenix, learning how what they want to do,” he says. “It has nothing to do with following in to become a pilot — but the other three are firmly set on hockey. dad’s footsteps. It’s about your career and what you want to do — and how you want to do it. I think that’s a big thing.” “I ultimately just hope that they are doing it because they want to,” Niedermayer says. “If they decided to go into music, or a different sport, it Carrying a famous name on the back of your sweater comes with a would have been a new experience for me, it would have been exciting. certain amount of attention, regardless of whether or not you feel the But we’re right back with what I’ve known my whole life.” pressure. On the ice, halfway through the third period, Lukas Sillinger falls hard into There are often jeers from the stands in opposing rinks when the Vees the boards, twisting his leg awkwardly on impact. He has to be helped off show up with a roster that looks like a 1990s NHL throwback. Fans love the ice by his teammates. Far away in Phoenix, Mike and Karla Sillinger to point out that the differences in the ability of the younger generation watch and send him a worried text message to see if he’s OK. The Vees are trailing by a goal. Sillinger is back on the ice five minutes later. He’s there for a frantic push by Penticton as they try to tie it.

Doug Weight has come up to the Niedermayers’ box to watch the third with his old friends. Both dads lean forward, nervously watching the final seconds tick away.

Jay O’Brien slips the puck to Danny Weight with less than 10 seconds remaining. He fires it toward the goal, where Jackson Niedermayer gets just enough to redirect it. The net moves behind the Bulldogs goalie — a horn wails and the Penticton fans erupt.

Tie game.

Scott Niedermayer looks baffled as Doug Weight embraces him. Then the old teammates hug and laugh, and cheer like fans in the stands.

Penticton wins in overtime a few minutes later. Jackson Niedermayer is named the game’s first star. He does a quick loop in the spotlight, waving to the young fans who climb the glass to see him.

A proud father heads down the stairs through a crowded lobby where his image is held behind a glass case. But no one seems to notice. It’s not his time anymore. And he’s happy to slip away.

Scott Niedermayer heads home to check the ice outside so that the rink is ready for his boys tomorrow.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182408 Websites “It’s a very small role,” said Ahmed. “We’re doing nothing compared to the people who are actually on the front lines. Even if we can give one piece of PPE to a doctor who needs it, in my mind, that’s a success, and that’s really our mission.” The Athletic / ‘I’ve got to do this’: Hayley Wickenheiser pushing drive for medical supplies He said the group will hold a collection drive for personal protective equipment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday in Toronto (XYZ Storage, 459 Eastern Ave.). It has a drive-thru facility, where donors are able to drop the equipment on a table without having to come within six By Sean Fitz-Gerald Apr 6, 2020 feet of anyone.

The group would take inventory, then distribute based on need. Their Hayley Wickenheiser, an officer of the Order of Canada, a four-time goal is to fill the gap between the time supplies reach critical levels in Olympic hockey champion and employee of the Maple Leafs, was in a Ontario, and when the government can source reinforcements. The car headed for the suburbs. She was on a mission to pick up a batch of group can move quickly, and it can move without bureaucratic medical supplies. slowdowns.

Her vehicle was part of a fleet bound for Burlington, Ont., as part of a “It’s Canadians helping Canadians,” Ahmed said. “That’s what we’ve grassroots collective of people trying to get personal protective been telling people.” equipment to the doctors and nurses fighting COVID-19. She tried to One of those Canadians happens to have more Olympic gold medals explain the anxiety those workers can feel when supplies are running than the rest. low, as they are now. “She wants to help, she wants to do good things,” Ahmed said. “As a “Just how dire it is, how contagious this disease is,” she said. “How person who’s looked up to her, I want to be like that one day when I’m rationing masks when you’re expected to be a foot away from someone’s older. And when I’m, hopefully, a physician practising, I want to be able face who has COVID-19 is absolutely crazy — just the amount of viral to advocate for people like she has her whole life.” load a person can receive from treating people, one after the other after the other.” In her Twitter plea, Wickenheiser said she did not have much to offer. She might be able to deliver a signed jersey, “a smile and guaranteed Wickenheiser drew more attention to the issue with her Twitter account good Karma” to anyone able to provide the equipment. In the middle of a on Sunday night, pleading for surgical masks, gloves and gowns for pandemic, she offered to pick up the gear herself. front-line workers. Ryan Reynolds, the Canadian actor, followed that with a message of his own, pledging autographs, personalized videos and “I don’t feel at risk,” she said. “I felt more at risk at the hospital than I do memorabilia to “people who help Hayley.” right now. I’ve got to do this. If I can’t be in the hospital treating patients, I might as well be out here.” The message echoed across the social media platform on Monday. The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 “Ryan and I are friends, and we have been for a number of years,” Wickenheiser said. “We met at Canada’s Walk of Fame and we’ve stayed in touch for a long time. When I sent out the tweet, he texted me and said: ‘Would you like help amplifying that message?’”

Reynolds has more than 15 million followers on Twitter.

“He’s a special person, and he’s an amazing Canadian,” Wickenheiser said. “He’s just a normal guy to me. But his celebrity and his wealth are doing a lot of good. It’s going to save lives here.”

READ @WICK_22’S MESSAGE BELOW. BUT FIRST… PEOPLE WHO HELP HAYLEY GET THIS CRITICAL PPE GEAR WILL GET SOMETHING AWESOME FROM ME. I’LL SEND YOU PERSONALIZED VIDEOS. I’LL SIGN WHATEVER YOU WANT. I’LL SEND DEADPOOL BOBBLEHEADS AND/OR MOVIE MEMORABILIA. HTTPS://T.CO/RXWPWFT8CW

— RYAN REYNOLDS (@VANCITYREYNOLDS) APRIL 6, 2020

Hours before she spoke on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned healthcare workers across the province were running critically low on supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump has asked shipments to Canada be stopped at the border.

“I have a best friend who’s undergoing Stage 4 cancer and had a care worker show up without a mask because she didn’t have any — to give her a lung drain at home,” Wickenheiser said. “This is how the virus spreads. It’s incredibly contagious. We have to protect those on the front lines.”

The 41-year-old is a medical student who was on a rotation in the Greater Toronto Area as the pandemic swept across the world. She said students have been pulled from the front lines because the “docs who teach us need to be there to save peoples’ lives.”

Wickenheiser, who is also assistant director of player development with the Leafs, has partnered with a grassroots organization created to get equipment straight into the hands of those working on the front lines. The group, called Conquer COVID-19, was part of the convoy to Burlington on Monday night.

Yusuf Ahmed, a medical student at the University of Toronto, was part of the convoy, too. The items picked up Monday would be transported back to a storage facility in Toronto, where they would be itemized, then shipped directly to those who need it. 1182409 Websites Probably because NHL Seattle first has to know if the rink will be ready in time, which is scheduled to be completed by June 1, 2021. Is that still doable? (Although, I suppose you can host a draft in other buildings since it doesn’t have to be the rink itself). The Athletic / LeBrun: Seattle close to picking team name, NHL weighs draft-hosting options The No. 1 priority for hosting a draft is hotel availability. Are there enough hotel rooms available? Furthermore, these rooms must be blocked off more than a year ahead of time. So by late May/early June, NHL Seattle would need to know if it can officially throw its hat in the ring on the draft By Pierre LeBrun Apr 6, 2020 or not.

As I reported recently, Montreal – whose hosting duties for this year’s Sports teams will help their communities recover on the other side of this draft were postponed – has been promised the draft either next year or in coronavirus hell. June ’22.

And hell is the only way to put it right now. Where Seattle could fit into that remains to be seen. Had it not been for the pandemic, the NHL probably would have gone to Seattle for a site The health crisis of our lifetime has put our lives on hold. People are visit around this time, and that’s on hold for now. dying. It’s scary. “I am sure that this spring we would have made a trip out to Seattle to It feels so inconsequential to discuss the possibility of resuming pro explore possibilities; that is for sure,’’ Steve Mayer, the NHL’s Chief sports, particularly during the next week or so, as the devastation from Content Officer and events guru, said on Monday. “But we have made no COVID-19 will be at its peak in North America. decisions regarding 2020-21. Will we get back into it when we get the all- clear? Yes, we will, because the timing will be such that we’re going to But one thing I’ve seen from reader comments is that many of you – not have to.’’ all, mind you – appreciate the distraction during this time. Anything to take your mind off of this nightmare. So I will try to keep doing that, NHL- But Montreal being promised a draft within the next two years potentially wise. throws a wrench into Seattle’s chances, too.

Furthermore, all of this is a good reminder that we should never again “The difference between a month ago and now is that we thought take for granted what we had before. Montreal’s draft was happening in 2020,” Mayer said. “Montreal now guaranteed to get a draft in 2021 or 2022 absolutely throws everything off That first game, whatever league or sport it may be, once it’s safe to do a little bit. It does change the playing field. So we have to figure that out, so, whenever that is, will feel like more than a game. and we will.’’ From a hockey perspective, it’s why I want to dive into Seattle’s Again, no decisions have been made, but my read on this is that expansion today. Montreal has the edge on Seattle to host in June 2021 because it’s owed I think NHL Seattle has a chance to be such a feel-good sports story on a draft, but also because of the rink construction concerns with Seattle. the other side of this horror at a time when we’ll be yearning for feel-good What remains to be seen, however, is how the NHL doles out all the sports stories. events for that offseason. Yes, there’s been some thought of pairing the We might have had Seattle’s team name announcement by now had Seattle expansion draft with the NHL draft in the same city (with that city COVID-19 never happened. But given the crisis, NHL Seattle obviously being Seattle). But that idea of pairing the events is not written in stone. doesn’t want to be tone-deaf. Although they’re getting closer on a name, In fact, it’s not out of the question that over a two-week period you it’s a matter of choosing the right time for the announcement. Because couldn’t have the awards in Las Vegas, the expansion draft in Seattle there is a sense that it could potentially be a powerful moment for the city and the NHL draft in Montreal. That’s another possibility. – announcing the team name is a milestone event, like they’re really Lots of ideas being thrown around. Nothing decided. kicking things off. But now is obviously not the time. Maybe Seattle just does its expansion draft next year, and then waits a “We’re still going through that process with the league, working hard on few more years to get the actual NHL draft; that’s an idea, too. the trademark and the legal process,” NHL Seattle GM Ron Francis said last Friday during a live Twitter event. Regardless, NHL Seattle is coming, giving the league its 32nd franchise at a time when the league will need a boost. As we’ve said before, the “Trust me when I say it, our people are really working hard, and as soon coronavirus crisis is going to hammer pro sports and it’s going to be a as we’ve completed it, we’ll look at how our community is doing and struggle coming out of it. when is the right time to announce that name.” Having newbie NHL Seattle coming in will be a good thing. In the meantime, the arena in Seattle remains under construction through this health crisis. It was shut down for three and a half days, which The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 allowed for the revamping of all the policies and procedures, while new safety protocols were put in for the construction site. As you might imagine, there’s been debate about whether the construction should continue right now. But the work has resumed in the $930-million arena project.

A model of the NHL Seattle arena from 2019. (NHL Seattle / handout)

What remains to be seen is how the completion schedule has changed, if at all, due to the new safety protocols. The sense is that NHL Seattle should know by late May how the construction timeline has been altered.

Remember that puck drop is slated for October 2021. Will the rink be ready by then?

“We have no reason to expect that there will be a delay at this point. And the Seattle Club is not expecting one,’’ NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said via e-mail on Monday.

The other question is whether or not Seattle could host the NHL Draft next June, which is something the group has hinted is of interest, although there hasn’t been any official, high-level discussion with the NHL about it just yet. 1182410 Websites Puck Skills 5%

Nationality The Athletic / NHL Scout Poll: What counts in prospect evaluation? Who does it best and worst? 5%

In terms of the attributes scouts thought were overrated, I got a lot of varying responses for this answer. I found the direction the scouts were By Corey Pronman Apr 6, 2020 going in tended to be similar, though, as it was usually something related to size, strength or physicality.

Alexis Lafreniere has long been considered the clear No. 1 pick in the Skating also made an appearance here, interestingly ranking second 2020 NHL Draft. But to really see how clear it is, I asked 25 NHL scouts among most important attribute and second among the most overrated one question: If you had the first-overall pick, who are you selecting? attribute.

Every scout tabbed Alexis Lafreniere as the top prospect. There was one “I think teams can get too easily enamored with size and skating instead scout who said it was too close to call between him and Quinton Byfield of focusing on the skill and hockey sense of a player,” said one scout. and declined to answer. Others said it was close but leaned to How important is size for a prospect on a scale of 1-5? Lafreniere. (5 being the most important) When I asked scouts this question in November there were some Byfield votes, but the industry has clearly circled around Lafrenière as the top Despite size being the clear answer to what attribute is most overrated in overall prospect for 2020. evaluations, scouts still feel it holds some value. No respondent voted it a 5 (the most important) and the clear majority ranged between a 1 and a This question didn’t bring any surprises, but I polled the group on a 3. This lines up with discussions I have with scouts all the time. The variety of issues to highlight the hot button topics in the public discourse league has certainly trended to valuing speed, skill and hockey sense. and those that I know are discussed often in NHL circles. However, scouts will point out that if you are 5-foot-8 and lack elite I ended the survey by asking scouts about their peers in the industry. skating, the climb to become an NHL player is much harder than if you Here is a look inside the scouting world. are 6-foot-3 with the same level of skill but lack elite skating. Teams typically, in my experience, won’t ding a player just because he’s small; Most important attribute in a prospect? but they will if he’s small and lacks in certain other areas. Thus, it’s a part of the equation, just not one of the most important parts. Hockey Sense How important is character for a prospect on a scale of 1-5? 64% (5 being the most important) Skating When it came to the question of a prospect having strong character, 16% respondents from across the spectrum – from young to experienced and Skill of different backgrounds – agree that this is extremely important. I often have discussions with scouts who have no time for even the most 12% talented players if they lack strong character.

Accountability “The guys who don’t have it, they can cause headaches for your coaches at all levels, your development staff, their teammates. You have to ask 4% yourself if it’s worth it,” said one scout. Character Defining character can be vague. One respondent who voted lower on 4% the scale said defining and evaluating what is considered "character" is a very tough task. It could range from anything from a personality flaw to a The attribute NHL scouts clearly thought was the most important was lack of work ethic to a deeper issue with the person. NHL caliber hockey sense. A player's ability to see the ice, to move the puck at an NHL level in terms of the caliber of plays and pace required, Vague terms can be troubling. But if a panel of experts can agree to what and to think creatively were all things teams valued the most. it is, agree to its importance, and the scout is skilled in identifying it, then I would argue the term "character" has a specific meaning to those skilled When I talk to scouts about players, lacking intelligence is right up there in their discipline. with a lack of work ethic/character that turns teams away from a player. How important is video scouting for evaluating prospects on a scale of 1- “Not every pick is going to be a top player, so some guys are going to 5? need to learn how to play in a different role than they did in junior. I find the guys with great hockey IQs tend to be the ones who find a way to do (5 being the most important) that,” said one NHL scout. The value of video has been a discussion point in hockey circles for Most overrated attribute in a prospect? years. Live scouting is a part of all the major sports, but hockey has had more resistance to the idea of significant value coming from video Size scouting. Some of the respondents still feel that way, with 40 percent of 41% voters voting 2 or lower, saying it was either a supplemental tool to the live scouting or had little value at all. One scout added that he thought Skating things like skating, work ethic and the details of the player's game were very hard to judge by video. 18% There has been a growing appreciation of video scouting in recent years, Physicality as I’ve noticed a lot of NHL clubs start to implement it into their scouting 14% process. I would say a majority of teams now implement it in some fashion, which mirrors the fact that 60 percent of voters answered the Strength questions with a 3 or higher. This is in part due to the increasing quality of broadcasts across leagues, as well as technological developments 9% that allow teams to get video clips of a player's shifts from across the Shot world on top of the idea that video can help teams increase efficiency.

9% In recent weeks, video is playing a significantly larger role in the day to day operations of scouting staffs and that could continue into next season as well. One scout jokingly asked if he could change his answer However, I do not think it’s a guarantee that the deal is changed because days after leagues started suspending play. there is a large group opposed to the idea, lining up with what I’ve heard for years within NHL circles. How important is analytics for evaluating prospects on a scale of 1-5? The scouts who wanted a change were emphatic and felt it’s long (5 being the most important) overdue. The scouts opposed to a change cited how much it would hurt I think when a lot of people think of scouts, they think of old-school ex- the CHL to take so many of their best players and significantly lower the players who grind it out in rinks and probably aren’t the most progressive quality of play in the league. thinkers. The responses I got for this question though tended to favor the Which organization is the best at drafting and developing? importance of using data to help inform the evaluation process – even among some of the more veteran scouts. To highlight the work of teams that have gained the respect of their peers, I asked the scouts to name the organization other their own that “I read everything, I look at everything that can help us [including they think does a good job at drafting and developing players. analytics],” said one veteran scout in response to this question. The results in alphabetical order: I don’t know if the answers would have been as positive if I asked this question 10 years ago, but in recent years we’ve seen teams adopt Clear winner: Tampa Bay with 10 votes philosophies where the eye test and data have started to be combined in team approaches to prospect evaluation. Receiving multiple votes: Boston, Colorado, Nashville and St. Louis

There are still some skeptics, with respondents who felt the numbers Also receiving a vote: Anaheim, Carolina, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, aren’t that predictive and those who questioned the data reliability from Pittsburgh, San Jose, Washington and Winnipeg certain leagues. Even outside the context of this survey, when I go around rinks I How important are international tournaments for evaluating prospects on occasionally hear scouts praise the work of Tampa’s head amateur scout a scale of 1-5? Al Murray and the entire Lightning group, which was the clear favorite pick. No other organization got more than three votes, whereas Tampa (5 being the most important) received 10.

I asked the international tournaments question because I noticed in Which organization is the worst at drafting and developing? public discourse there’s often a debate over the value of such events and whether they get overrated due to sample size. Scouts don’t think it’s On the opposite end of the spectrum, I asked about organizations (other everything, but they clearly place importance on the events based on the than the respondents own team) that scouts felt need to improve at results of this survey. And at most major international tournaments there drafting and developing. This question understandably resulted in many are usually several scouts per team in attendance. respondents abstaining, but more than fifteen scouts did answer.

“It shouldn’t be the end all be all, but it is imperative to see players at a The results in alphabetical order of organizations who received votes: high level versus their peer group,” said one scout. Receiving multiple votes: Detroit, Edmonton and Montreal

In those tournaments there is usually opportunity to see dozens of Also receiving a vote: Arizona, Buffalo, Florida, Los Angeles, Minnesota, relevant NHL prospects, to see how they stack up to their opponents and N.Y. Islanders, N.Y. Rangers and Toronto within their own teams. But another scout mentioned that the tournaments are not always representative of the player pool, as good Which scout do you have the most respect for? players sometimes get cut or age out. This question was geared toward shining a light on names the average Which league is better at developing NHL players? fan may not know. Most fans can recognize the names of the general managers in the league, but most probably don’t know the head scouts. CHL This isn't a clear answer to who is the best since hundreds of scouts are 67% employed and a sample of 25 scouts isn't large enough to get a NCAA representative look at the entire industry. This was an opportunity for scouts to give shout outs to a peer they respect who doesn’t work for 33% their organization. Executives were allowed to be named with respect to their scouting work. And the scouts polled were asked to name someone Some respondents abstained from answering this question with a few from a different organization. insisting it was a case by case decision. The scouts mentioned by respondents are listed in alphabetical order. The CHL vs. NCAA debate usually has the same arguments. The CHL has a lot more games and more elite talents play there, whereas college Receiving multiple votes: Tim Burke, San Jose; Wes Clark, Toronto; and you get to play against older, stronger players and you get more time to Al Murray, Tampa Bay. watch a player develop. Also receiving a vote: Bill Armstrong, St. Louis; Lucas Bergman, “I think the college route is valuable for the quality of play and the extra Nashville; Paul Fenton, Columbus; Max Giese, Winnipeg; Alan Hepple, years, but for us the kind of schedule players get in major junior I think is Colorado; Craig Heisinger, Winnipeg; Jeff Kealty, Nashville; Rob the most important, it gets them ready for the pro game” said one scout. Kitamura, Tampa Bay; John Lilley, Toronto; Scott Luce, Vegas; Martin Madden, Anaheim; Ross Mahoney, Washington; Ryan Nadeau, Boston; “Just look at the numbers,” said another scout in response to this Tom Nolan, Nashville; Jim Paliafito, Toronto; John Rosso, Tampa Bay; question. and , Boston

“I always prefer the college route, I find it lets guys develop at their own The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 pace,” said a third scout.

Should the CHL-NHL agreement be amended?

Yes

60%

No

40%

In public discourse, the agreement between the CHL and NHL to not let U20 players go to the AHL during the CHL season is often debated. Most momentum is toward changing the agreement to provide exceptions. Most of the scouts I surveyed agree with that sentiment. 1182411 Websites By my math, Ovechkin likely loses out on 74 goals and 135 points from missed hockey. The lost goals are the most difficult to swallow given Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record. While it’s still a strong possibility given his current trajectory, it would’ve been much The Athletic / How NHL stoppages have impacted the legacy of certain easier with another 74 goals. That would put Ovechkin third all-time at star players 780, with Howe’s 801 and Gretzky’s 894 clearly in sight. Ovechkin would also already have over 1,400 career points and a strong chance to reach

the top five all-time. By Dom Luszczyszyn Apr 6, 2020 Ovechkin and Thornton are the big ones. Marleau too in his quest to play the most NHL games ever. But there are other milestones that may be out of reach for these 16 players because of the time lost to stoppages. The cancelled season in 2004-05. The shortened season in 2012-13. And now the suspended season in 2019-20. While the latest reason for Who knows how long Kovalchuk will play, but 60 more goals means he missed hockey is obviously more understandable than the others, they’ve hits 500 all-time and 129 extra points puts him above 1,000 for his all played a role in altering the legacies for a handful of players who’ve career. Both marks are likely in jeopardy now. Eric Staal is still going been active through each stoppage. strong, but how much stronger is his Hall of Fame case if he’s at 1,135 points rather than 1,021? Same goes for Jason Spezza, who would be Hockey careers only last so long. There are only so many opportunities over 1,050 without the work stoppages — though his health can’t be for players to build their NHL resume and cement their place in hockey assumed during those times, either. Bergeron will likely get to 1,000 history. That matters especially in a league where totals often mean more points with the way he’s played the last few seasons, but it’d be a lock than rates, where reaching 100 points in a season or 1,000 points over a with 94 extra points. Lastly, there’s Bergeron’s teammate Zdeno Chara, career tends to resonate more than being on pace for either milestone. In who’d be above 700 points without stoppages and likely be the all-time some cases, longevity is a big deal too. The two lockouts have robbed leader in games played by a defenceman. this generation of players of 116 chances to add to their legacy. And while there’s a very clear line between those instances and this current It sucks, plain and simple. Almost all of that is on the lockouts, but this stoppage, it will still add at least another 10-12 games to that total. stoppage reminds us what could’ve been for a lot of players. Here’s hoping we don’t get another one for a very long time. While everyone who pays attention to the sport knows that a lot of NHL games have been missed over the past 15 years, I’m not aware of any — Data via Hockey-Reference.com. effort to contextualize the missed opportunities for certain players. The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 Because when you start adding up all the would’ves and could’ves, it becomes clear that some players’ legacies have been significantly impacted.

While we can’t know for sure because the games were never played, it’s possible to make a reasonable guess based on some data we do have available. In 2012-13 and 2019-20, we can extrapolate each player’s pace, while in 2004-05 we can use an average from the seasons before and after.

Take Joe Thornton, for example. In 2003-04, Thornton scored 23 goals, 50 assists and 73 points in 77 games. In 2005-06, he jumped up to 29 goals, 96 assists and 125 points in 81 games. Average out those two seasons and we can surmise that Thornton could’ve put up around 99 points in 79 games during the cancelled season. That’s a lot of missed opportunity and it’s exacerbated further by a 2012-13 season where he likely missed out on 28 points, playing at a 68-point pace over 48 games. Add another five points for this season and Thornton’s grand total of lost stats by this measurement is 125 games, 32 goals, 100 assists and 132 points.

For Thornton, another 132 points tie him with Joe Sakic for ninth-most all-time. An extra 100 assists put him four back of Mark Messier for third all-time. Instead, Thornton is 14th and seventh, respectively, with his career winding down.

And an extra 125 games would put him five back of Messier for second all-time, although the record would’ve been smashed by longtime teammate Patrick Marleau, who’s missed out on 128 games. That would put Marleau at 1,851, nearly 100 more than Gordie Howe for the all-time lead. Marleau can catch Howe with 45 games in 2020-21 but there’s no guarantee he gets that chance. He’d also be inches away from 1,300 career points.

In all, there are 12 players who have been in the league since 2003-04 and have been affected by all three stoppages. Joining Thornton and Marleau are Brent Burns, Dan Hamhuis, Dustin Brown, Eric Staal, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jason Spezza, Jay Bouwmeester, Patrice Bergeron, Trevor Daley and Zdeno Chara. On top of that, there were a handful of rookies playing in 2005-06 who might’ve made it like Alex Steen, Duncan Keith, Mikko Koivu and most notably, 2004 No. 1 pick Alex Ovechkin.

While there’s no 2003-04 data to average out for the rookies, we can reverse engineer what might’ve been using age curves and how they performed in 2005-06. Knowing Ovechkin posted 54 goals and 106 points in his age-20 season means that something close to a 42-goal, 82- point season over 75 games in his rookie year at 19 isn’t out of the question. With that in mind, and the illustrious pace Ovechkin was on in 2012-13 and still is to this day in 2019-20, it’s likely that he’s the one who has been most affected by the stoppages. 1182412 Websites “People sideswipe, like he’s a one-catch wonder,” Tyree later told Sports Illustrated. “I had a pretty good career.”

Sorry for sideswiping, but Tyree hits all the right notes for a one-hit The Athletic / The greatest one-hit wonders in sports, and why we love wonder: them so much • Came out of nowhere

• Had a brief, incredible peak Stephen J. Nesbitt Apr 6, 2020 • Never reached close to that level again

Plenty of athletes satisfy two of those qualifications. Jeremy Lin went One day, 20 years ago, a middle-aged man with curly hair poking out from undrafted and unnoticed to instant celebrity with the Knicks in beneath his cap walked to the pitcher’s mound at Comerica Park in February 2012, but he bounced around the league for seven more Detroit to deliver the ceremonial first pitch. You know how some people seasons and even won an NBA championship in 2019. Tim Tebow had take the invitation to throw the first pitch and really make a meal out of it? one miraculous playoff run with the Broncos, but he was far from They wave their arms to the crowd. They wait for a sign from the catcher. unknown. The Tigers’ Armando Gallaraga was a subpar pitcher robbed It’s disgusting behavior. of a perfect game in 2010, yet he was a rookie-of-the-year candidate just two years prior. Yankees rookie Shane Spencer hit eight home runs, Well, this guy was truly making a show of it. He dropped to a knee and including three grand slams, in 38 at-bats for the Yankees in September patted the dirt on the mound, smoothing it here and piling it there, until it 1998, then homered twice in the American League Division Series. sat just so. Then he pulled a plastic bag from his back pocket and filled it Though his power surge was a flash in the pan, Spencer won two World with dirt from the mound. No one intervened. In fact, the crowd roared at Series. his antics. What’s worse, no one in the bleachers was clapping louder than my dad. No, the truest one-hit wonders meet all three conditions. They aren’t prodigies who flame out. They aren’t once-great players who plummet I was 9. I had never heard of Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. from their peaks. They are unknowns who are defined by a season, a game, a moment, an image, and it gives their legacies life beyond when A little while later, after Fidrych’s first pitch, my dad and brothers and I others’ careers and accomplishments have dwindled out. They remain walked through the concourse and saw Fidrych headed our way. My dad lodged in the public consciousness. flagged him down, and Fidrych signed our ticket stubs. (The other autograph on our tickets belonged to then-Tiger Rod Lindsey, who Timmy Smith was the Redskins rookie backup running back in 1987. He played in only 11 Major League games. At least we knew Lindsey’s carried the ball only 29 times in the regular season, but head coach Joe name. We had no clue who Fidrych was.) Gibbs started Smith over George Rogers in Super Bowl XXII. Smith rumbled for a Super Bowl-record 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns My brother David saved his ticket stub. (Courtesy of David Nesbitt) in a 42-10 win over the Broncos. Then inconsistency, injury and drug use But my dad seemed a little awestruck by The Bird. See, my dad was 22 derailed his NFL career. in 1976 when Fidrych, then 21, captivated the baseball world. He pitched Cardinals rookie Bud Smith tossed a no-hitter against the Padres on with panache and pure love for the game. He manicured the mound dirt Sept. 3, 2001. He was 21. He made only 14 more starts in the majors. with his bare hands. He talked to the baseball. He strutted in a circle after outs. He threw away balls that “had hits in them.” He ran on and off the Rich Beem held off a hard-charging Tiger Woods to win the 2002 PGA field. Fidrych had a 2.34 ERA and tossed 24 complete games that Championship. As third-round leader Justin Leonard faded in the final season. He started the All-Star Game, won American League rookie of round, Woods birdied each of the last four holes to finish 9-under, but the year and was second in Cy Young voting. Beem, in the group behind Woods, dropped a 35-foot putt for birdie on the 16th hole and won by one shot. Beem never finished better than 15th And then Fidrych’s career crumbled. Injuries forced him from the majors at another major. at 25. Douglas was a 42-to-1 underdog for his fight Feb. 11, 1990, against Mike There on the concourse at Comerica Park, my dad shook Fidrych’s hand Tyson. Douglas beat Tyson with a 10th-round knockout to claim the title and thanked him for what he’d done for baseball, for always being as of undisputed heavyweight champion. But eight months later, in his first authentic as the bag of dirt in his back pocket. Fidrych, who died in a title defense, he was knocked out by Evander Holyfield. Douglas retired truck accident on his farm in 2009, had a home in the hearts of a that night. generation of Tigers fans. They never forgot The Bird. He was their one- hit wonder. The latest inductee into the One-Hit Wonder Hall of Fame was a 42-year- old man from Toronto, a kidney-transplant recipient, a two-time survivor Chumbawamba. Dexy’s Midnight Runners. Blind Melon. The music of skin cancer and … an emergency backup goaltender. David Ayres scene is littered with one-hit wonders, bands remembered for the one was called on to protect the Hurricanes’ lead for 28 minutes on Feb. 22, (and only) time they climbed the charts with a hit song. and he skated away with an NHL win, stopping eight shots in a 6-3 There are one-hit wonders across the sports world, too, and this week victory over the Maple Leafs. we’re celebrating them. Over the next few days, The Athletic will be There’s a whole wing of this Hall of Fame dedicated to emergency featuring some of the greatest one-hit wonders in sports history, from backup goalies — EBUGs is the shorthand version — and they might be Buster Douglas to Peyton Hillis to Joe Charboneau to, yes, Fidrych. Each my very favorite variety of one-hit wonders. Ayres’ Instagram profile now had a brief moment of stardom, and then, unable to replicate it, they states, “An average guy who got to play a little bit of hockey.” It’s perfect. disappeared into obscurity. Anytime an amateur steps onto the ice with pros in a real NHL game, This isn’t to denigrate the athletes. One-hit wonders are beloved. They Twitter begins to boil over. capture our imagination. They are the ultimate underdogs. And there’s an Before Ayres there was Scott Foster. He played college hockey and then everyman quality to them. For sports fans, it’s easy to think that if we had transitioned into the corporate world, working as an accountant in a chance — just one shot — maybe we could pull it off, too. But these Chicago. On March 29, 2018, Foster stepped in as the Blackhawks’ one-hit heroes have what most of us don’t: A hit. A moment we’ll savior and became the first EBUG to stop a shot. He stopped all seven, remember forever. in fact. He returned to work the next morning. All he got, Foster later said, Take David Tyree. The Giants receiver, a sixth-round pick out of was “beer league glory.” Syracuse, averaged less than a catch per game over his first five years in After Ayres’ win, Hurricanes goalie James Reimer signed a stick for the NFL. Then came Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning engineered a last- Ayres: To Dave: Way to hold the fort! And Ayres’ own stick was sent to ditch drive, down 14-10, and heaved a third-down pass to Tyree, who the Hockey Hall of Fame, where it is now on display. had a touchdown catch earlier in the game. Tyree leaped and caught the ball, securing it against his helmet as he fell to the turf. The Helmet Now, Ayres is just like the rest of us, stuck in quarantine with his family. Catch. The Giants scored and won, 17-14. From this day forward, each time an EBUG gets a chance in net, pulling That was the last catch of Tyree’s career. on an NHL sweater for the first time, Ayres and Foster will be mentioned, and their big moments remembered. Such is the life cycle of a one-hit wonder. Their time in the spotlight is short, but their legacy lives on for ages.

The Athletic will be telling the stories of our favorite one-hit wonders in sports during the next week. We’ll catalog each of those stories here. Here is a running catalog of those stories.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182413 Websites Edmonton’s blueline now is made up of drafted players Klefbom, Nurse, Ethan Bear, Caleb Jones, and Matt Benning (signed as a college free agent), plus acquired veterans Adam Larsson and Kris Russell. Drafted D-men Evan Bouchard, William Lagesson, Philip Broberg and Dmitri Sportsnet.ca / Darnell Nurse walking the walk, talking the talk as Oilers' Samorukov are waiting in the wings. homegrown leader The young ones will come along at their own speed, but now they’ll have Nurse as a veteran shoulder to lean on. And Klefbom. And Bear. And Jones. All lifetime Oilers — rather than some free agent veteran who has Mark Spector | April 6, 2020, 7:23 PM parachuted in from elsewhere.

“For me, the first year, it had its ups and downs. Our team wasn’t a great EDMONTON — For years, the Edmonton Oilers tried to import defensive team and you’re trying to learn the way in the NHL. It’s tough leadership. Because their best players were mostly teenagers, still — that’s the reality of it,” Nurse said of his own rookie season. learning the walk, and they just didn’t have the veterans on hand to show “[Coaches] Jim Johnson and Todd McLellan and Woody [Jay Woodcroft], all those No. 1 overall draft picks the ropes. they helped me out so much. Whether I was going through one of those stretches where you’re playing good, or if you’re down on yourself, they So in they came, one after the next, year after year. always found a way to keep me going.”

Ryan Whitney, who had gone to a Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh in ’08. When you don’t have the proper leadership model, it’s hard to know what Eric Belanger, a veteran depth centreman with 10 years in the league. one truly looks like. It’s why teams like Boston are always good — because they’ve got layers of players who learned how to win from Nick Schultz, the glue guy from Minnesota. Boyd Gordon, who was Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, who passed it down to down to Brad Belanger 2.0 — only a better leader — they said. Marchand and David Pastrnak, then to the Jake DeBrusks and Torey Matt Hendricks was a true gamer. Milan Lucic was a former Cup winner, Krugs. but alas, lacked in game by the time he arrived in Edmonton. “Especially in your rookie year,” agreed Nurse, “it’s easy to get in your As they blew through the revolving door that was the Oilers dressing own head. Growing up in a world of social media where we can see as a room, a funny thing happened. Edmonton’s drafting improved, which player, especially a younger guy coming into the league and you’re so mean that some of the young players that required leadership were good used to being on Twitter or Instagram, you see everything everyone’s enough to still be here four and five years into their careers. They were saying about you. It’s easy when you’re in a hockey market to get [down] becoming good players, and slowly, leaders in their own right. on yourself.

Now, like Darnell Nurse, they run this dressing room — just another sign “So that’s one of the lessons I got to learn in my first year and I think of the functionality that exists in Edmonton, a pleasant change for fans in guys that are in their first year as D-men this year, these guys have been these parts. great.

How has his leadership role in the dressing room grown over the past “I’m just trying to help out where I can.” few years? Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 “It’s become bigger and bigger,” Nurse said Monday in a Zoom session with reporters. “When you talk leadership roles, you have to walk before you can talk. You can’t say anything if you’re not doing your job on the ice.

“As my game has grown, I’ve had more confidence to be a more vocal leader, a guy trying to bring life when it’s needed, bring a message when it’s needed. We have a great mix of guys who’ve been around the league for a while, and some of the top players in the league who bring it each and every day. It’s been fun for me to take some stuff away from guys as well as become more vocal.”

Along the way, Nurse earned his chops the old fashioned way.

He picked Lucic for his first NHL fight back in 2015. He fought Ryan Reaves and Michael McCarron, then mercilessly pounded Roman Polak in defence of Hendricks, when it appeared the veteran had received a dangerous cheap shot from Polak.

Meanwhile, Nurse’s game caught up with his “scary” level, to the point where he trailed only Oscar Klefbom in minutes played this season, averaging 23:27 per night.

These days he only fights about three times a season. Doesn’t have to as often anymore — at 6-foot-4, 220 lbs., there aren’t so many takers in today’s NHL.

Now, Nurse walks the walk, and talks the talk as a homegrown leader in Edmonton. He, Connor McDavid, Leon Drasiaitl and Klefbom, they’re the core leaders here, all 26 or under.

“He’s very important,” Klefbom said of Nurse. “I think it was no surprise that he got assistant captain this year, well-deserved. Great guy in the locker room. Very professional.

“He’s a big, strong guy and he’s very important for us on the blueline. To have him healthy and playing a lot of minutes, strong minutes, that’s going to help us in the long run. I’m really looking forward to seeing Darnell playing in the future and see where he ends up because he has a lot of potential.”

You can do all the work you want in the free agent market, but until you can draft the lion’s share of a roster it is impossible to win. 1182414 Websites For half an hour, anyway, there was little thought about hockey — although Marner did cop to being frustrated about the NHL’s pause despite acknowledging that there’s more important things to worry about right now. Sportsnet.ca / Marleau, Matthews, Marner show friendship ties still run strong “I think we’re itching and dying to get back just as much [as the fans are], but like Mitch said obviously there’s some things that are bigger than hockey and this is definitely one of ‘em,” said Matthews.

Chris Johnston | April 6, 2020, 5:01 PM Marleau, ever the ultimate hockey dad, gave a reminder about the importance of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and limiting

trips out of the house to only those that are absolutely necessary. In an alternate universe, Patrick Marleau would have been on the ice with The 40-year-old could miss out on his final crack at the playoffs if the the Pittsburgh Penguins preparing for another run at an elusive Stanley NHL doesn’t find a way to resume the 2019-20 season and is obviously Cup. going to do everything he can to see that it doesn’t happen. Instead he spent Monday morning on a NHL-initiated Zoom call with “I think the sooner we do all the right things, the sooner we’ll be able to good buddies Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner, playing a version of be in front of the fans and enjoying playing again,” said Marleau. the “Newlywed Game” and sharing some laughs to break up the monotony of the COVID-19 pause. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 It was an excellent illustration of how weird a stopped NHL season is, especially at the outset of a week that was originally supposed to include the start of the playoffs on Wednesday night.

Marleau waived his no-movement clause to facilitate a deal to Pittsburgh hours before the Feb. 24 trade deadline and suited up in eight games with his new team before the novel coronavirus halted play on March 12 — meaning that he’s now been away from the Penguins in self- quarantine longer than he was ever with them.

“The short amount of time I spent there was great, the guys were great,” Marleau said during Monday’s call. “Yeah, just a great opportunity for myself to get another shot at winning a Cup with the Penguins and everything’s been great with the organization. They’ve helped every step out of the way.

“I’m looking forward to getting out of the house — I’m sure like everybody is — and get back to normal and get out there and start playing again.”

Marleau famously became fast friends with Matthews and Marner during his two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, adopting two considerably younger teammates into a family that already included four boys of his own.

With no games on the horizon and NHL players instructed to remain in quarantine through at least April 15, the three men spent time Monday going over the well-worn details of a friendship that began when they watched “Cars 3” together during a Leafs road trip early in the 2017-18 season.

“Then it became kind of a tradition: Every road trip we’d put on a movie and order dessert,” said Matthews.

He and Marner became fixtures at the Marleau house, getting together for holidays and engaging in some raucous mini-stick games with the Marleau boys: Landon, Brody, Jagger and Caleb.

“I don’t think the first time we brought shorts or anything, and then every other time we went after we brought an extra pair of clothes,” said Marner. “We knew we were going to get all sweaty and play mini-sticks for hours. I think that’s kind of just where the real relationship started — when we started going over there and hanging out with all the kids and just kind of feeling like really we were part of the family.”

If the “Newlywed Game” they engaged in proved anything, it’s how strong those ties still run.

There weren’t very many contradictory answers to questions that ranged from who is most likely to pick up the cheque at dinner (Marleau) to who could survive solely on pizza (Marner) to who is most likely to be found binge-watching “Love is Blind” (Matthews).

The amount of chaos on the conference call was as entertaining as it was relatable in this time of staying home to flatten the curve. Marleau’s sons were crawling over the couch behind him. Marner’s dog barked in the background. And then a phone started ringing in his house until Matthews finally stepped in and said: “Mitch, please.”

“I’ve been here for like three weeks and I have never heard that once,” Marner replied. “I thought it was one of you guys. I don’t know what that was.” 1182415 Websites For the first year, Straschnitzki wasn’t keen on talking much about what he saw, heard and experienced that cold, awful night. But with the influence of friends, family members and teammates he’s started seeing a counsellor. Sportsnet.ca / Straschnitzki on Humboldt anniversary: 'You just want to be there for your teammates' “I’ve been there a few times and spent hours just chatting, which I’ve never done before,” said Straschnitzki, a fixture outside the dressing rooms after Flames games where he’s forged relationships with everyone from Sean Monahan, Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie to Connor McDavid, Eric Francis | April 6, 2020, 4:12 PM Tyler Seguin and Ryan O’Reilly.

“I’ve never been one to talk about what I’m feeling or thinking. At the There’s a good chance Ryan Straschnitzki will mark today’s second same time it was nice to get things off my chest. Some guys want to keep anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash by playing hockey. it on the down low and keep it quiet, and others who want to talk to other guys about it. I was conscious through part of it (that night). It’s awful and Well, a version every young Canadian hockey player thrived on in I hope it never happens again.” basements and hotel hallways along the way. He also hopes to never have to deal with the hatred he saw late last “I love playing mini-sticks with my little brother,” said Straschnitzki, 20, month after it was announced his family had launched a $13-million from his home in Airdrie, just outside Calgary. lawsuit naming both drivers, amongst others, as defendants. He revealed he and his family were immediately subjected to online vitriol, which “I have a long hallway in my basement and decided to get my (sledge included death threats. hockey) sled and started shooting the ball. I love ripping balls and foam pucks at Connor.” “I’m not sure what that’s all about, but there have been people who have reached out and maybe not said the nicest comments,” said Does he let the eight-year-old win? Straschnitzki, whose family is following in the footsteps of several other “Oh God no,” he chuckled. families affected by the crash.

“I like the competition, and we both have fun doing it.” “There have been a few people that have tried to call the house, and we had the police driving by our house at night just to make sure. I’m not It’s just another in a series of steps Michelle and Tom Straschnitzki might looking out for any altercations, but I’m looking out for my family and I not have fathomed seeing after receiving the call two years ago, don’t want this to affect them or me in any way. informing them of the crash at a rural Saskatchewan intersection near Nipawin. “You have to understand the process of going through something like this. I probably wouldn’t have pursued it if I wasn’t this injured. We’re not It left their son paralyzed from the chest down in the collision that cost 16 actually going after the family (or team driver Glen Doerksen), it’s more teammates, coaches and support staff their lives. Thirteen others were for his insurance company. But people just think how greedy I am and injured, sparking a stirring wave of support thrown towards the tiny I’ve got a bunch of comments about that. Saskatchewan town from around the world. “It was pretty tough. I’m not one to seek too much media attention – I’m In the days and weeks following the accident, one of the first goals set by just kind of looking out for myself. The cost of living in a wheelchair yearly Straschnitzki was making the national sledge hockey team. is immensely huge. It’s not easy and I think any help I can get is what I With the help of former Team Canada member Chris Cederstrand, that need. dream is still very much alive. He was recently named to the Alberta “I just ignore it and keep doing what I’m doing. The true supporters and provincial team, and was looking forward to his first Nationals in May people I’m close with always stick by my side and I’m not worried about before they were cancelled due to COVID-19. anyone outside that group.”

His chief goal continues to be walking, which is something he took great Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 strides towards in November when he had experimental spinal surgery in Thailand. He continues to work on his mobility with the help of an epidural stimulator implanted to send electrical currents to trigger nerves and move limbs.

“It’s still a work I progress but it is getting stronger,” he said.

“After I use the device I have planted inside of me walking became easier. The muscles become more accustomed to using that motion, and flexing a certain way to make the step happen. Hopefully one day I can take assisted walking to the next level and maybe even walk some day.”

Before COVID-19 he spent four or five days a week on the ice with his sled, but has been forced to do all his training in his basement, which has been renovated to accommodate his life in a wheelchair.

“It’s going really well,” said the ever-optimistic defenceman.

“I’m still learning a lot of stuff about this injury. Unfortunately my synaptic rehab clinic closed down (due to COVID-19), so I’ve been trying to do physio here. For me being a high level para I think it’s important to work on my core balance. I have this stimulation bike where I attach stim pads to my leg and it flexes the muscles to keep my muscles intact for my legs.”

Much like the endless support his team received from coast to coast following the crash, Straschnitzki has continued to get help from various sources including his teammates, who stay in touch regularly via a team text chat. The exchanges intensified as Monday’s anniversary approached.

“It’s just another day, but at the same time you remember what happened and you just want to be there for your teammates and families,” he said.

“Part of the recovery process is just being there for the guys you were with that were involved as well.” 1182416 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Oilers head coach Dave Tippett on 'renewed respect' for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Emily Sadler | April 6, 2020, 5:31 PM

The resurgence of the Edmonton Oilers has been a great storyline to watch this season — and it has brought with it a new role for the longest- tenured member of the team: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

After years of organizational and lineup changes, the 26-year-old has thrived not at his usual position at centre, but on the wing alongside and Kailer Yamamoto.

“I always liked [Nugent-Hopkins], and coaching against him you could tell he was a really smart player,” Oilers head coach Dave Tippett, who went up against Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers often during his time coaching the Arizona Coyotes, said Monday during an interview on . “My first experience with him was at the World Cup [in 2016] on the Under-23 team that I was coaching. I knew he was a good player, but I was running the penalty kill on that team and he was one of the guys we were using and you’d find how really smart he is.”

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This year, Tippett and general manager Ken Holland learned just how versatile he is, too. Faced with the task of splitting up the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Draisaitl, Tippett shifted his third centreman, who he called “a great complement player,” over to the wing where he has excelled beside Draisaitl and opposite Yamamoto.

“When I first took the job in Edmonton, Ken Holland and I talked a lot about trying to split up the big two there — but then where does Nuge fit?” explained Tippett of the decision. “You know, you’re trying different things. Nuge was battling a wrist injury most of the year, too, early in the year, that he was struggling with. So he was struggling on some face- offs. It got to the point where we just said, we’re gonna split the two big guys up and we put Nuge and Yamamoto and Draisaitl together and boy, they took off.”

Through 65 games at the time of the NHL’s hiatus, Nugent-Hopkins had tallied 22 goals and 61 points, putting him on pace for the most productive season of his career. His linemates have also been lights out — Draisaitl leads the league in points with 110 and Yamamoto has proven he belong with the big club as he’s scoring at nearly a point-per- game pace through 27 games.

“The thing about Nuge, it’s just he’s so smart. He’s got great skill, great anticipation, reads off people,” said Tippett. “Draisaitl and Yamamoto, they can drive a line, but Nuge was really the glue in there that really kept things together. I’ve got a real renewed respect for him because you watch him from afar and you like him but when a coach watches as much video as we do and see what he does game-in, game-out, you get a real respect for him. He’s a really good player. And a good person.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182417 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Bobby Orr thanks 'true heroes' at Massachusetts General in moving letter

Thomas Ketko April 6, 2020, 10:13 PM

Bobby Orr’s connection to Massachusetts General Hospital runs deeper than its location in Boston.

In the mid-1970s, as Orr grappled with the knee injures that ultimately derailed his Hall of Fame career, it was Dr. Carter Rowe — a renowned surgeon who practiced at Mass. General at the time — who was entrusted with the task of operating on Orr, a responsibility he shouldered three times.

As the hospital now grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Orr penned a heartfelt letter to offer his encouragement to those on the front- lines of the pandemic.

“This message is for everybody currently on the front lines at Mass. General, doing what you all do so well,” Orr wrote in a letter posted to Mass. General’s website. “Thank you to the physicians, nurses, technicians, custodians, administrators, supply handlers — everyone there who is contributing in these unprecedented times.

“The battle against COVID-19 could never be managed without your tireless dedication, and please know that the people you serve understand your commitment, and we do not take it for granted. This pandemic has yet [again] demonstrated what everyone at Mass. General is made of as you go about your daily routines.”

As of Monday night, 13,837 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to a database maintained by , and at least 260 people have died.

Orr, who turned 72 last month, spent the best years of his legendary career playing in Boston for the Bruins. Throughout his 10 seasons there, he revolutionized how hockey was played with an electric two-way game defined by his rapid acceleration and open-ice artistry. A half-dozen games into the 1978-79 season, Orr was forced to retire due to his knee injuries — despite the best efforts of Dr. Rowe.

But his style of play lived on, and influenced countless defenceman since Orr hung up the skates. To him, though, changing hockey isn’t what makes a hero.

“You are not only saving lives at your wonderful facilities — you are also protecting so many more people beyond your hospital walls as a function of your best efforts.

“It strikes me that the word ‘hero’ is often used to describe athletes in our society, but in my eyes, YOU are the true heroes that I personally look up to and [you] are constantly on my mind. This virus is no game, so we need real life heroes to step up and bring it under control. Thankfully, that is exactly what you are doing.

“Undoubtedly, the days and weeks ahead will test us all in many ways. But none will be tested more than those of you who continue to manage, treat and research the virus day after day after day. Given your efforts and expertise, I have great confidence in the eventual outcome of this pandemic, in no small measure because of the excellence I have personally witnessed at Mass. General.

“To all of you, please keep on fighting the good fight, and thank you so much for all you do.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182418 Websites For the first year, Straschnitzki wasn’t keen on talking much about what he saw, heard and experienced that cold, awful night. But with the influence of friends, family members and teammates he’s started seeing a counsellor. Sportsnet.ca / Straschnitzki on Humboldt anniversary: 'You just want to be there for your teammates' “I’ve been there a few times and spent hours just chatting, which I’ve never done before,” said Straschnitzki, a fixture outside the dressing rooms after Flames games where he’s forged relationships with everyone from Sean Monahan, Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie to Connor McDavid, Eric Francis | April 6, 2020, 4:12 PM Tyler Seguin and Ryan O’Reilly.

“I’ve never been one to talk about what I’m feeling or thinking. At the There’s a good chance Ryan Straschnitzki will mark today’s second same time it was nice to get things off my chest. Some guys want to keep anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash by playing hockey. it on the down low and keep it quiet, and others who want to talk to other guys about it. I was conscious through part of it (that night). It’s awful and Well, a version every young Canadian hockey player thrived on in I hope it never happens again.” basements and hotel hallways along the way. He also hopes to never have to deal with the hatred he saw late last “I love playing mini-sticks with my little brother,” said Straschnitzki, 20, month after it was announced his family had launched a $13-million from his home in Airdrie, just outside Calgary. lawsuit naming both drivers, amongst others, as defendants. He revealed he and his family were immediately subjected to online vitriol, which “I have a long hallway in my basement and decided to get my (sledge included death threats. hockey) sled and started shooting the ball. I love ripping balls and foam pucks at Connor.” “I’m not sure what that’s all about, but there have been people who have reached out and maybe not said the nicest comments,” said Does he let the eight-year-old win? Straschnitzki, whose family is following in the footsteps of several other “Oh God no,” he chuckled. families affected by the crash.

“I like the competition, and we both have fun doing it.” “There have been a few people that have tried to call the house, and we had the police driving by our house at night just to make sure. I’m not It’s just another in a series of steps Michelle and Tom Straschnitzki might looking out for any altercations, but I’m looking out for my family and I not have fathomed seeing after receiving the call two years ago, don’t want this to affect them or me in any way. informing them of the crash at a rural Saskatchewan intersection near Nipawin. “You have to understand the process of going through something like this. I probably wouldn’t have pursued it if I wasn’t this injured. We’re not It left their son paralyzed from the chest down in the collision that cost 16 actually going after the family (or team driver Glen Doerksen), it’s more teammates, coaches and support staff their lives. Thirteen others were for his insurance company. But people just think how greedy I am and injured, sparking a stirring wave of support thrown towards the tiny I’ve got a bunch of comments about that. Saskatchewan town from around the world. “It was pretty tough. I’m not one to seek too much media attention – I’m In the days and weeks following the accident, one of the first goals set by just kind of looking out for myself. The cost of living in a wheelchair yearly Straschnitzki was making the national sledge hockey team. is immensely huge. It’s not easy and I think any help I can get is what I With the help of former Team Canada member Chris Cederstrand, that need. dream is still very much alive. He was recently named to the Alberta “I just ignore it and keep doing what I’m doing. The true supporters and provincial team, and was looking forward to his first Nationals in May people I’m close with always stick by my side and I’m not worried about before they were cancelled due to COVID-19. anyone outside that group.”

His chief goal continues to be walking, which is something he took great Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 strides towards in November when he had experimental spinal surgery in Thailand. He continues to work on his mobility with the help of an epidural stimulator implanted to send electrical currents to trigger nerves and move limbs.

“It’s still a work I progress but it is getting stronger,” he said.

“After I use the device I have planted inside of me walking became easier. The muscles become more accustomed to using that motion, and flexing a certain way to make the step happen. Hopefully one day I can take assisted walking to the next level and maybe even walk some day.”

Before COVID-19 he spent four or five days a week on the ice with his sled, but has been forced to do all his training in his basement, which has been renovated to accommodate his life in a wheelchair.

“It’s going really well,” said the ever-optimistic defenceman.

“I’m still learning a lot of stuff about this injury. Unfortunately my synaptic rehab clinic closed down (due to COVID-19), so I’ve been trying to do physio here. For me being a high level para I think it’s important to work on my core balance. I have this stimulation bike where I attach stim pads to my leg and it flexes the muscles to keep my muscles intact for my legs.”

Much like the endless support his team received from coast to coast following the crash, Straschnitzki has continued to get help from various sources including his teammates, who stay in touch regularly via a team text chat. The exchanges intensified as Monday’s anniversary approached.

“It’s just another day, but at the same time you remember what happened and you just want to be there for your teammates and families,” he said.

“Part of the recovery process is just being there for the guys you were with that were involved as well.” 1182419 Websites Clark Stork, former Broncos radio play-by-play announcer We had a 5-3 lead going into period three, and you’re thinking: ‘Holy man, we’re going to tie this series against the Nipawin Hawks, the best team in the league. We’re in this thing.’ Sportsnet.ca / The oral history of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash ‘IT WENT THE OTHER WAY’

Game 4 of the Humboldt-Nipawin seven-game series went to three by Eric Francis overtimes before the Hawks won it on a power play

Rene Cannon, a ‘billet mom’ to Broncos Xavier Labelle, Logan Hunter and Adam Herold The boys had really worked to get that two-goal ‘IT WAS THE LAST TIME WE SAW HIM’ cushion and then when that fourth goal was scored [by the Hawks], the ‘IT WAS THE LAST TIME WE SAW HIM’ EPA just got a bit quieter.

This is the story of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that left a nation Herold It’s looking really good, but Nipawin ties the game and we go into reeling, told by the players, coaches and family members at the centre of overtime. Then another overtime. These are full periods, so this is it. dragging out.

In early spring of 2018, the Humboldt Broncos squeezed together for a Salamon Both teams were obviously getting tired, but for almost six celebratory team photo — a snapshot now synonymous with unthinkable periods of hockey it was a really good game — the atmosphere was still heartache. Their hair dyed bright yellow for what they hoped would be a there. I think all the fans stayed, everybody was still in their seats. The long post-season run, the players had just pulled off an upset, beating players were still playing hard, finishing their hits, playing well for the Melfort Mustangs four games to one in the opening round of the technically playing two hockey games almost. Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs. The Broncos’ reward was Johnson There were ebbs and flows. There were times we were taking it a date with the first-place Nipawin Hawks, their longtime rival. to them. Other times, they were taking it to us. I remember our goalie After squeezing out a victory in Game 3 of that best-of-seven series, the made a phenomenal save on Conner Lukan. Broncos were down 2–1 when they laced up their skates for Game 4 on Doerksen Both goalies stood on their heads. In a 6-5 game, you don’t home ice: the famed Elgar Petersen Arena (EPA), named in honour of usually say the goalies stood on their head, but they played amazing. I Humboldt’s most tireless volunteer. Win again that Wednesday night, and recall one post that Schatz hit. I watched it from the bench and your heart the series would be tied; lose, and the Hawks would grab a commanding sinks, but it didn’t go in. 3–1 lead. Either way, the Broncos would be boarding a bus back to Nipawin for Game 5 on Friday, April 6. Aaron Lukan, season-ticket holder and president of Humboldt Sports Hall of Fame There were so many chances on both ends. I thought we out- Kathleen Keen, Broncos’ billet coordinator It was intense. It was an edge- chanced them but just could not get that winner. of-your-seat kind of game. Those boys played so hard — so hard. It’s tough to think about it now, almost surreal. Muench I’m a photographer, so I spend a lot of time taking pictures. I was taking pictures of the crowd and the game. I just thought I needed to get Rob Muench, Humboldt mayor It was one of the best hockey games I’ve up and take pictures. In hindsight, that was probably a good thing. I just seen in a long time. felt the urge to do that. Carter Doerksen, captain of the Nipawin Hawks That rink was packed. It Tarrington Wyonzek, one of the officials I called a penalty shot in triple was so full. overtime. It’s probably the biggest penalty call I had in my career. It was Russell Herold, father of Broncos defenceman Adam Herold It was a a 100 per cent clear breakaway for the Nipawin forward [Brandan Arnold] good atmosphere. Humboldt’s got a nice rink and the seats are bowl- and the Humboldt defenceman dove at the player in hopes of hitting the style with fans all around. puck away and he ended up taking his legs right out. You heard a little bit from the crowd, but it was such an easy penalty to call that no one Keith Salamon, one of the officials Lots of jerseys, cowbells and noise argued it. I remember holding my arm up, blew the whistle and I makers. The atmosphere was great even on the Nipawin side — they immediately pointed to centre ice. I remember hesitating for a split had a good full section of fans that they brought as well. It was noisy for second, thinking to myself: ‘Holy shit. Are you going to call a penalty shot both teams. in triple overtime?’ Yeah, I did.

Brandan Arnold, right wing, Nipawin Hawks It’s a tough rink to play in Salamon I don’t think there’s a person in the rink that didn’t think it was every time we’re there. We knew we needed to step up in Game 4. going to be a penalty shot. It was about as easy as a penalty shot you could call. Salamon It was a very important game because it either could have went 2-2 in the series or 3-1. You could sense the tension, the rivalry, the Doerksen A penalty shot for Brandan is a goal almost every time. But the intensity of the game. ice was wet because it was right at the start of the period. He went down and I don’t know if the puck bounced, but he didn’t get a shot. Basically, it Al Gaetz, former Broncos general manager and longtime season-ticket looked like he fanned on it or put it in [the goalie’s] pads. holder All the boys dyed their hair yellow. If they got by Nipawin they would have dyed it green. That’s the tradition. Wyonzek After the penalty shot, the fans went nuts. The rink was loud. Then Humboldt ended up taking another penalty shortly after that. I Doug Johnson, Nipawin head coach It was a roller coaster of a game. It called that penalty as well. might have been the most exciting game for a spectator that I’ve ever been a part of. For a coach, it was hell. Doerksen [Grant] Baetsen got a borderline hit from behind from [Nick] Shumlanski, an awkward hit along the boards. It could have gone Harold Thiessing, longtime Broncos fan I went to all the games here, uncalled, but there’d be some unhappy people. playoff games, and when you see the kids score goals, you never think that’s the last time you’re going to see them. Johnson It wasn’t a penalty anyone could argue about. He hit him from behind near our boards. Doerksen My first shift of the game, we got scored on. [Logan] Schatz scored; he made a nice play and burned us on a two-on-one. We dug Wyonzek The Nipawin player was a good two to three feet away from the ourselves in a hole pretty early. wall — the danger zone, as we call it. The Humboldt player, I don’t think had intentions to hit the Nipawin player from behind, but the stick was Johnson We were down early. Then one of our top forwards scored two right on his back and he gave him a real good shove. The Nipawin player goals in one shift. Then we got a big one after a penalty kill and we were didn’t have great balance and went shoulder-first into the wall. I had to up 3-1. call a cross-check. It couldn’t be overlooked. Arnold It was a weird game. We were up 3-1, and then they scored four Doerksen On the power play, we were working the puck around. Brandan quick goals. Going into the third period it was 5-3. [Arnold] had the puck on the left side and shot it. It hit the goalie on the shoulder, bounced up, and trickled in behind him. It was a lucky bounce. Arnold I shot it on net and couldn’t see it. My two linemates were at the The Broncos prioritized building character over skill, but the wins have net and they had their hands up. You’re excited, but you’re just so tired. come, too; the team won the national championship in 2003 (pictured here) and 2008 Doerksen We all jumped the bench. Winning in overtime is the best feeling, let alone winning in triple overtime. Bill Chow, president of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League The 12 teams we have in Saskatchewan are community-owned. They’re all run Wyonzek Nipawin had a good section of fans who were very happy. The by volunteers. There’s nobody getting any money … You go to the rink professionalism of Humboldt, they put their heads down and skated off because it’s part of the community. You go to the rink to meet people, to the ice. talk to people, to socialize. That’s what hockey means to Saskatchewan.

Lukan It was after midnight. People had to work in the morning. Everyone Bill Gaetz, former Broncos general manager In 1995, the team had a couldn’t wait for it to end, but when it did end, it was tough to see. deficit around $200,000 and folding the club was considered. I joined the Muench, the Humboldt mayor The disappointing part is we outplayed board and became office manager, and initiated the first Humboldt them that game, especially in overtime. We deserved to win. The Bronco Combine Lotto. Four dealers gave us special prices for Broncos didn’t do anything to lose that game. It just went the other way. combines, you know, ones for harvesting. In three months we made $250,000, and we couldn’t stop them coming. The farmers were going Cannon People were deflated and obviously exhausted. I haven’t mad. We oversold by $100,000, and we were required by government to attended too many hockey games until midnight, but no one had given up give that back. It’s been held ever since — now it’s a cash lotto. hope. Lukan Humboldt has 10 provincial championships and two national Stork It was devastating when we lost Game 4. You know, we had a 5-3 championships. We won the RBC Cup [the National Junior A Hockey lead, blow it in the third, and Nipawin eventually wins in triple overtime. Championship] in 2003 and 2008. I don’t think anyone else in the league We’re like: ‘Oh man, this is the worst. We’re down 3-1, we’re going back has 10 titles. But it’s been a struggle the last number of years. We there for Game 5, our season’s over.’ Little did we know what was going haven’t been as successful as people in Humboldt are used to. to happen. Now the result of those games is absolutely minuscule. Now I wish the guys would have lost our first darned series to Melfort because Klimosko When Darcy Haugan took over [as head coach and general they wouldn’t have been on that bus to Nipawin and they’d all be alive. manager], he came into a tough situation. He came in late-August 2015 and we were kind of in limbo. We didn’t have a great start. I think we had Herold We wondered if we would stay after the game to talk to Adam. It’s a streak where we lost 26 straight road games or something. It was so a three-hour drive home [to Montmarte, Sask.], but we did stay. Thank tough at times. You could just see the disappointment on the fans’ faces. God. That was the last time we saw him. Kevin Garinger, Broncos president and billet dad to Conner Lukan The Brayden Klimosko, former Broncos player and assistant coach I was born Humboldt Broncos were not about building hockey players, but creating and raised in Humboldt. It’s just a typical small town in Saskatchewan. amazing young men. That’s what we had in our organization — amazing Everyone knows each other, everyone is friendly towards each other. It’s young men. That was Darcy’s belief: that through that process, they amazing. I love everything about it. would ultimately become great hockey players, too.

Austin Duzan, former Broncos player When you think of Humboldt, the Klimosko Our locker room needed some work, and the first thing Darcy first thing you think of is the Humboldt Broncos. The first thing you see wanted to do was make sure he fixed it up nice. He wanted to make sure when you drive into Humboldt, from the highway, is the rink. it got a new coat of paint and new decals on the wall. One thing he would always say is: “This is such a storied franchise, and we’re not proud Rob Muench, Humboldt mayor The Humboldt team used to be called the enough of it. I want everyone who plays for my hockey team to know that Humboldt Indians, for years, since the 1940s. In the 1970s, it was we’ve won these championships.” It was kind of a breath of fresh air. We reorganized and restarted from scratch. They had no money, no were so good for so many years and we were kind of struggling, but he resources. It was all local volunteers, even the coach. Somebody in the was so proud to be there. To be honest, not only myself, but the whole organization knew someone in Swift Current, and knew the Swift Current town at times, lost that pride. Broncos got new sweaters and they had old ones they weren’t using anymore. They gave Humboldt the sweaters, so we got these green Kevin Garinger, Broncos’ president and billet dad of Conner Lukan It’s sweaters that said Broncos on them. That’s how we became the hard to put into words what [being a billet parent] is like. You love them, Humboldt Broncos. and you care about them deeply, and you want the best for them … It’s a hard responsibility for anyone because you fall in love with these guys Aaron Lukan, Humboldt Sports Hall of Fame president I was a season- and you know there’s a time when they’re not going to be in your home ticket holder their first year. I was a young kid, and the Broncos were the anymore. be-all and end-all for the community. I remember being in [the old] rink and there was a catwalk that went from the back of the arena to the goal Rene Cannon, billet mom of Labelle, Hunter and Herold Some of the judge box, and there were fans up there. In today’s world, the fire boys that we have had move into our home, who have never been away commissioner would never allow that, but that’s how many people were from home, feel like guests. It takes them longer to feel they can go into in the building. There were no seats in that rink, just benches, so people the pantry and eat whatever they want and that sort of thing. I said: “If it’s stood the whole game. There was a Saskatoon writer of the day who in the pantry, it’s free game.” coined the phrase: “The Humboldt Broncos: the team that gets a 60- minute standing ovation.” Colin Brochu, billet dad of captain Logan Schatz The first night he was here, he walked in and he was checking the fridge to see what we had Tom Kiefer, season-ticket holder and former billet parent Hockey in rural for leftovers. It made it really easy not to have the awkward moments. He Saskatchewan is so big. It’s become a social thing. You come to the was comfortable here, which made us comfortable with him here. games, you know the team, you get to know the players. It’s part of living in Humboldt. Justin Rempel, Melfort Mustangs trainer Jaxon Joseph was one of ours before we traded him to the Broncos. He was just a really genuine, caring Klimosko Our whole family had season tickets, and all four of us would person who would definitely give the shirt off his back if he needed to and go to games: my mom, my dad, my younger sister and me. It is what we if he could. Great sense of humour; the guy was always making jokes. did, especially on the weekends: go to the rink and watch the Broncos. He loved to chirp at everybody that was on the ice — make fun of them and tell them how bad of a hockey player they were, just trying to get Lukan Elgar Peterson was always at the rink, a super volunteer. Parents them off their game. used to drop their kids off at the rink for skating and Elgar was there and he’d tie their skates. After the Broncos’ first season, he became a fixture Cannon Xavier liked to tell outrageous stories. I often joked you can only on the Broncos and he put at least 40 years of volunteering in. When you believe a third of what comes out of his mouth, so you really need to meet an ex-Humboldt Bronco, the first question that’s asked is: “How’s think about whether what he is saying is the truth … He was filled with Elgar?” — every time. He had a remarkable effect on the players, and mischief. If we were having a conversation at supper that made my girls was known throughout the community and the SJHL. Obviously, naming squirm or gross out, Xavier would step right over the line just a tiny bit the [new] arena after him tells you about his importance. more.

‘AMAZING YOUNG MEN’ Garinger Conner was a quiet guy, he joked around a little bit but in the dressing room Conner was very much a leader. We had many leaders on the team but Conner was a leader. He was one to be vocal in a dressing room environment. We always talked about the fact we had multiple and it’s tough for away teams to win hockey games. It is very intimidating captains on our team. Conner Lukan could have been a captain. for a road team, so for him to say there is no doubt we’re going to win, they were feeling good. Curtis Thiel, Broncos assistant equipment manager Dayna Brons was like a little sister to me. She was very dedicated to her training. She did Di Paolo There’s a restaurant in Humboldt called Johnny’s Bistro that everything. Besides being the team trainer, me and her did laundry. We makes the best food on the planet Earth, and that’s not an exaggeration sharpened skates. When new players come in, we fitted them with pants — it’s incredible. One of the owners/operators, she billeted three of the and a helmet. Basically the behind-the-scenes stuff. Broncos. She would give us 50 per cent off on game days. We’d go for morning skate, be there at 9 a.m., be on the ice at 10 a.m. for about 25- Jack Redlick, head coach of the St. Albert Raiders I coached Logan 30 minutes. Then we would head over to the Johnny’s, we’d all sit Hunter last year. Logan’s a big kid, but he’s really a giant teddy bear. together and eat and talk and stuff. He’s one of those people where you’re hard-pressed to walk into a room and not find a smile on his face. He’s always happy, he’s laughing and Stephanie, a server at Johnny’s Bistro, who asked that her last name not he’s smiling, and that becomes infectious. be published They were here Friday morning. They all looked alike because they all had blond hair. They would all be joking around on their ’WE’RE IN THIS THING’ cell phones and talking about their girlfriends.

Cannon Logan and Xavier bought my daughters chocolates on Cannon I think they were very determined. I know that one of the Valentine’s Day this year and they walked up the stairs with a dozen comments, or one of the sayings, that I saw on a few of their Instagram roses and chocolates for me. Then they invited the girls on Valentine’s posts — and that I know came from Darcy Haugan — was: “Why not Day evening to finally play Settlers of Catan downstairs. I joked with my us?” That was their attitude. Even though they weren’t top ranked, “Why husband that our girls were their Valentine’s Day dates, and they wrote not us?” We’re strong. We can do this. We can work together. on the chocolates that they gave my girls to whichever daughter, Abbie or Tessa, and it said: “From Bros.” Chris Beaudry, assistant coach I never once thought we weren’t going to win the [Nipawin] series, even though we were down. Because I’m a Marilyn Hay, mother of play-by-play announcer Tyler Bieber Tyler would confident person and we have a confident group. get up at 5:30 every morning and go to work, but his day didn’t stop there. After, he would volunteer with the high-school kids — teaching Klimosko This was a special team. There was some destiny there. You them basketball, football, he taught the girls flag football. He had a real knew they could go far. I really felt that they were going to go to Game 7. passion for that. Beaudry I don’t travel with the team on games that are east of Humboldt, Scott Thomas, father of winger Evan Thomas Evan hated having his because I live an hour east, so it doesn’t make sense for me to drive picture taken, and most of the pictures we have of him just by himself — back to town and jump on a bus that drives basically past my house to even his grad picture — there is no smile there. But every picture with his get there. The roads were fine. I was 40 minutes behind the bus. teammates, he has a smile on his face. He loved being part of a team. Ryan Straschnitzki, Broncos defenceman We were down 3-1 in the Garinger [Brody Hinz] could tell you statistics. Pick a couple of teams in series and we had one practice that morning and we knew what we NFL football, and a year they played against each other, and he could tell needed to do. Everyone was getting amped up in their own way. you everything about it. He was an amazing mind. He was passionate about the Humboldt Broncos. He had a major role; the coach had him Nick Shumlanski, Broncos centre We were just joking around [on the bus doing not just stats but other things, and Brody just loved it. Players loved to Nipawin], a couple of the guys, and then all of a sudden we just, like, it too. slammed on the brakes and that’s pretty much the last thing I remember, is just seeing a couple guys stand up to see what was going on and I’m Neil Langevin, godfather of defenceman Logan Boulet Logan had made it not sure what happened after that. known, and very clear to his family, that he had signed his organ donor card when he turned 21 just a few weeks ago. Straschnitzki All of a sudden the bus driver screamed “whoa” and a semi- truck pulled up in front of us. After that, I just blacked out. Chris Musselman, friend and colleague of bus driver Glen Doerksen He didn’t look at it as a job. When you’re the bus driver, you’re looked at as Straschnitzki A couple minutes later I woke up. I ended up outside the part of the team. He loved sharing stories with hockey parents. He would bus staring directly at the bus, and I saw a couple teammates lying in get into games for free. He loved watching hockey. Glen cheered for front of me. those teams as if his own kids were playing. Matthieu Gomercic, Broncos left winger, who was trying to sleep in the Antonio Di Paolo, former Broncos player traded in October Everybody back of the bus when he heard the brakes squeal The next thing I knew, I was so gelled together as a team. Everybody was so close. There were was picking myself up off the ground and kind of looking around. never any issues. We were just a group of guys happy to see each other Shumlanski Somebody woke me up, I think, and then I just managed to every day. There were jokes every day. Being at the rink was grab a phone from somebody, just called home to let [my dad] know that everybody’s favourite place to be. they needed to get there as soon as possible.

Thomas Darcy loved this group of players. He thought this group of Straschnitzki I kept calling out guys’ names and asking if there was players had something special. They had this aura about them that Darcy anything I could do. All I wanted to do was just help my teammates, but I really loved. just couldn’t move my legs. I had a couple teammates lying in front of Aaron Lukan, Humboldt Sports Hall of Fame president Darcy made a me. I was in shock and didn’t know what to think. couple of trades, just huge moves. They got us more scoring. We were a Myles Shumlanski, Nick’s father As soon as I came, I knew that it was a one-line team and him acquiring Shumlanski allowed a guy to move to disaster. It was a pretty devastating sight … People were getting the second line, and then that line started clicking. Then getting Fiske on blankets. You were taking your jackets. You were doing anything to cover defence was a huge move. I think we were middle of the pack early in the these boys. They were in snow and ice and it was very cold. They were year. Only maybe one or two teams had a better record than the Broncos in very bad shape. in the second half of the season. They really turned it around. Straschnitzki Nick Shumlanski had blood on his face and he was Thiel That Friday at 10 o’clock there was a very light practice. On game moaning in pain. Logan Boulet was next to him. Then I saw Bryce Fiske days, they usually just have a light practice, an hour, maybe an hour-and- — his head was up and he had blood on his face but I wasn’t sure what a-half, because they don’t want anyone to get hurt. We were hopeful that was going on. I later found out in the hospital what had happened to him. day. The guys had a positive attitude. I’m not sure which player — [Fiske survived.] Brayden Camrud or Logan Schatz — they said: “This is a Cinderella team. We’re not giving up.” Gomercic Finally, I kind of came to and started crying.

Brayden Klimosko, former Broncos player and assistant coach I talked to Straschnitzki We had people who had pulled over their cars who didn’t Brayden Camrud, and the one thing I asked him was: “What were your want to lift me because they didn’t know what was wrong — I said I thoughts going into Game 5?” He said: “There was no doubt we were couldn’t feel my legs so they didn’t move my neck and they waited for the going to win that hockey game.” I am sure you’re not familiar with ambulance. Nipawin’s rink. They call it ‘The Cage.’ It’s a tiny rink, it’s tough to play in, ‘I KNEW THAT IT WAS A DISASTER’ Jessica Brost, owner of Northeast EMS in Nipawin I’ve been in EMS for colours: green means they don’t have to go by ambulance; yellow means 13 years and an advanced care paramedic for nine years. I took over the they have to go to the hospital, but it can wait; red means critical; and company as owner-operator on April 1st. The staff received it well. It was black is deceased. Every single patient was black or red. a secret up until two days prior. Lyle [Moffatt] had a meeting and said he’s retiring. In the next breath, he says we’re taking over. Moffatt All the paramedics said they just remembered how silent it was. I don’t know if that’s a psychological effect, but there wasn’t a lot of yelling. Lyle Moffatt, former owner of Northeast EMS I’ve been a paramedic for There were no sirens. There were people moving around and doing their 32 years. I was doing a fundraiser on April 6th for our community and job. With that many people on scene, you would think you wouldn’t be there were two EMS people at the fundraiser and a couple firemen. One able to hear what’s going on, but you could hear it. of the firemen’s alarms went off on his pager. He said: “I have a crash I have to go to.” After 32 years, I figured I needed to go too, but it wasn’t Brost Some of my co-workers said they either heard nothing, or that it my place so I stepped down. was so loud. They couldn’t get over how loud everything was. The rest of us heard nothing: eerily quiet and focused, blocking everything out. Brost It was a nice day, kinda quiet. It was an office day, clearing up things with the ministry of health. It was a few minutes before 5 p.m., I Gomercic As I was being taken away, I thought I was sleeping at first. So had the vehicle with the car seats and I was going to go pick up my kids I was, like: “When am I going to wake up? When am I going to wake up?” when dispatch called: “Semi versus bus. Thirty-five patients.” A lot of my I thought it was a dream… a nightmare. Every step was: “I’m going to staff heard three to five patients. The information came through again wake up now.” But I just never, ever woke up. I just looked back and I and they heard 35. Even dispatch was in shock. I said: “Call everyone on could hear the guys yelling. I knew there was nothing I could do to help my list.” them.

Carter Doerksen, captain of the Nipawin Hawks I’m one of the first ones Brost I had to take a survey and run from patient to patient to get a grip at the rink, around 5 p.m. Then we heard a bunch of sirens. Guys coming on things. There were EMS people, bystanders, conservation officers to the rink said they were passed by four or five cops, ambulances, fire and firefighters helping the EMS people put patients on a spine board or trucks. We knew something wasn’t right, but you’re still trying to focus on strapping them onto a board. It’s cold too. Someone also first on scene, I a hockey game. Humboldt will be here any minute. think a house close by, brought blankets. I thought: “Who the heck has this many blankets in their house?” We went out there for a Code 4, with Brost Being naive, we were talking about who this might be. When you sirens, and they were already covered up. I don’t know how they got think bus, you flash immediately to children. And then we realized school there before us. There were 20 blankets. I don’t know where they came was out this week and it’s 5 p.m. Then we thought: “Oh, hockey game.” from. People don’t carry them in the car like that and they were big Then we thought maybe it was the fan bus. Then we realized — this comforters. could be the team. Doug Johnson, Nipawin Hawks coach A former teammate of mine, Moffatt Within 20 minutes, through social media, we found out it was the Trevor Demmans, was there early. He was there before the first Humboldt Broncos bus and there was 30-some patients. I immediately responders. He was taking his daughters to a rodeo in Tisdale. They had phoned Jessica and she didn’t get back to me. She almost always gets their horse trailer and got to the accident before the first responders. He back to me. I knew her hands were full so I went down to the ambulance was handing out blankets. station. There’s usually six vehicles parked there and they were all gone, except for my old supervisor truck. So I jumped in the truck and off I Brost Later I realized how significant that was, preventing hypothermia went. with some of the patients by covering them up. They covered up the deceased under these blankets, which when you come to that type of Brost It was eerie because it was at the intersection of Highway 335 and situation, it’s helpful to focus on the living patients when you can get Highway 35, and there were 35 patients. You pulled into where all the distracted and overwhelmed by the tragedy in front of you. I went around emergency vehicles parked. On the right hand side was the bus that was to double check that they were, in fact, deceased and no one had made totally torn apart with some people still underneath. On your left, facing a mistake and the person was just unconscious. the accident, was a truck turned onto its side with patients along the underside of the truck. There were big bags of peat moss everywhere. Myles Shumlanski Nobody wants to be a hero. They were just doing what You wondered: “Where are we going to find all these people?” I asked comes natural. the firefighters to check beyond the core where everyone seems and look Brost I’m checking pulses. I’m looking at pupils to see if they’re dilated. behind the bus and peat moss to see if more people are out there. Quite often they’re fully dilated which indicated a head injury. I went from Shumlanski I laid on the ground for at least 10 minutes, then they picked person to person, check pulse, check pupil, cover them back up and onto me up and rushed me to the Nipawin hospital and that’s all I remember. the next one. Definitely not breathing. Definitely deceased. I don’t want to go into graphic detail. A lot of them were pretty obviously deceased. I just Brost Rarely do you go to any event and all of [the patients] are so lifted the blanket a bit and it was certain. similar. They were all the same age, seemingly the same height and weight. They were all physically fit young men with scrappy beards and Johnson Trevor Demmans phoned me when he got back in the vehicle: horribly bleached blond hair. There were older men, the coaches, and “Humboldt’s bus was in an accident.” Then he started talking about the one female. But the rest of them were just so similar. Some players had scene. He said there were kids no longer with us. After getting off the their names on their jacket. They were all wearing suits and ties. call, I phoned Bill Chow; he’s the SJHL president. Then it was just fielding calls. We didn’t wait for confirmation from the league; we told the Moffatt On my way down to the scene, which is about 27 km south of people here the game’s cancelled. We told our radio announcer the Nipawin, I already passed two ambulances coming the other way en game is cancelled. Then I brought the guys in to talk to them. route to Nipawin hospital. When I first arrived on scene, as a paramedic, these are the things we rush into. We are a different breed of people. Doerksen Guys are taping their sticks. Others are playing soccer in the When most people run away, that’s where we go. My first impression corner. Then Doug got the news and brought us all in at about 5:30. The was this is the biggest thing I’ve seen in 32 years. I’ve never been in the whole evening’s a blur, but he said something along the lines of: military, never been to war, but this is what I pictured it as. “Humboldt’s been in a terrible accident. The game’s been cancelled.” We still didn’t know any details. Nobody knew any details. Guys are best Brost They were so injured and so hurt, that you couldn’t get past step friends with some of those guys. I called my parents first. Then I called one. Step one is airway, because there’s no point in giving an IV and my billets, because my billet dad was truck driving that day on the same pain medication if there’s no airway. There was so much facial trauma road. Her first reaction was: “I hope it’s not Dave.” But then she got a and head injuries, we just tried to provide oxygen. hold of Dave.

Moffatt It was at the junction of three municipalities, which means there Johnson We knew it was bad. We heard there were casualties. The bond were three different RCMP, three fire departments, three different first between hockey players, it’s such a small community. Kenzie Arnold [of responders and three different ambulance services all at the same time. the Hawks] dates [Bronco] Bryce Fiske’s sister. You could see his face There was control. People knew what they had to do. They were treating fall. For the first bit, everyone was on their phones: Nick Shumlanski is the injured and getting them into the ambulances. okay. Bryce is at the hospital. When information started coming in, it helped. But then the bad information started coming in. Brost People were running around frantically from person to person, climbing under the bus or over the bus. There were patients everywhere. Darren Opp, Nipawin Hawks president Our entire hockey team was In extreme multiple casualty incidents like this, there are four different sitting in T-shirts, pre-game warm-up stuff, just sitting in the dressing room in silence; coaching staff in silence. It’s a heartbreaking thing to crying and she said that a truck had hit the bus as she started see. Everybody’s upset, just sitting, waiting to hear something — hyperventilating because she said she didn’t have enough information. anything. Everybody was still hoping that the initial news was not going to be true. Somebody had to be making a mistake or something. Garinger I ended up calling the Nipawin Hawks organization, getting to the president of the organization, Darren Opp, who’s an absolute rock for Doerksen I brought everyone into the dressing room — I’m religious — us as an organization. Him and his team, everyone associated with the and told everyone: “I’d like to pray for these guys.” What else can you Hawks, were just incredible, and Darren let me know there had been an do? They had the option if they wanted to come, and everyone came. We accident and that it was bad — real bad. A semi-trailer had hit our bus. just sat and prayed. Guys were crying. There was nothing else we could We didn’t know a whole bunch more. do. Cannon I called Xavier’s brother Isaac because Tanya had said he was Rene Cannon, billet mom to Labelle, Hunter and Herold It was about the one that had called her and he said: “What’s going on? What do you 5:30 p.m. I could feel and hear my phone ringing in my purse. It was know?” I said: “I don’t know anything yet.” He said: “A truck hit the bus.” I Xavier’s mom Tanya and she said: “I got a call from Isaac [Xavier’s said: “Where are you? You’re not driving are you?” He said: “No, I’m at brother] and he thinks there’s been an accident with the bus. Have you home.” I said: “We are three minutes from your house. I am coming.” I heard anything?” And I said: “No, have you tried to call Xavier.” She said: walked into the house. I was the first one to be with him. “I did,” but said he isn’t answering. I said: “Okay Tanya, don’t panic. I will try to call Logan and Adam and I have numbers for one or two other Herold I called back my friend [in Nipawin] and asked: “How serious is players that are here often enough that I like to give them some teasing this accident?” He said: “It’s serious. You’d better come here.” Erin once in a while.” So my daughter watched me and I really, really believed [Adam’s older sister] was coming home from Regina to have supper with in my mind that the bus had hit the ditch, that I needed to just get in touch us Friday night. She rushed home and we went up together. We drove up and get some reassurance, I guess partly because what actually to Tisdale, three-plus hours, in panic mode. You’re calling RCMP and happened isn’t in any way something that anyone could have imagined. RCMP says they’ll call you back when they know something. We phoned the hospital and they don’t know anything. Chris Beaudry, the coach that Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor I picked up a bottle of wine for supper survived, he witnessed the crash and was on the scene. His was one of and we’re getting ready to listen to the game. We have a radio in the the numbers I tried and he answered. I said: “Chris, has there been an kitchen. My wife flipped her phone on and it said on Facebook that the accident?” He said: “Yes, but they won’t let me close to the scene.” game is cancelled. I said: “Cancelled?” She said: “There’s an issue with You’re in a panic, so 10 minutes later I phoned him again. We did this the bus. More information to come.” And then social media blew up. four or five times. Then he said there had been fatalities, but he didn’t know who. He stayed calm, but it must have been terrible to witness that. Russell Herold We were going to watch the game on TV. We were having an early supper and my friend that lives in Nipawin called me at Moffatt The roof of the bus was completely removed, laying on its side, 5:45 p.m. He asked if I’ve talked to Adam. I said: “Why?” He said: still kind of attached. The bus was facing south, and I knew the bus was “There’s been an accident with the bus. You should try and get a hold of heading north. The first 30 feet of the bus was removed. I still don’t know him.” He knew how serious the accident was, but he didn’t know about where it was. It looked like the impact was initially at the front of the bus. Adam and didn’t want to let on. Johnson Everybody knows how the bus is set up. The older guys are at Cannon So I attempted calling Xavier’s phone. I attempted Adam’s. I the back. The coaches and rookies sit at the front. attempted Logan’s and I didn’t get any answer, which was understandable, I guess, because I assumed they were busy trying to Brost There were people walking around in T-shirts, and it was cold. I figure out what to do or what had happened. My dad lives in Nipawin so I would say it was about minus-15. Some of my staff, their hands would called him because I assumed the boys had been much closer to barely work because they were frozen. You had gloves, but they got wet Nipawin than Humboldt. or had blood on them. Your hands were so cold.

‘EVERYBODY WAS SO CLOSE’ Moffatt As soon as we got two patients in one ambulance, that ambulance would head out and the next ambulance would get ready for Adam Herold, Tessa Cannon, Logan Hunter, Abbie Cannon and Xavier two patients. When we looked at the times of ambulances on scene, it Labelle share a moment at home on March 22 was roughly 15 minutes per ambulance, which is unheard of. We knew the severity of it. Trauma alert was called at our hospital. Our hospital Garinger I was in Edmonton for a family emergency. I got a phone call took all the serious patients and they were transported there. from one of my board members [Kathleen Keen] who said: “Kevin, have you heard anything about a potential bus accident?” I said: “I haven’t John Griffiths, responder at STARS Emergency Link Centre The call heard a thing.” I started calling members of my board and other folks and arrived probably just after a quarter past five with STARS. They wouldn’t tried calling Conner and others. Not getting any answer. I started have known there was a big bus crash. They wouldn’t have known checking the time. “Well, it’s close to 5:30 and they might be out to have anything happening. They just would’ve had the location. I wasn’t on a pre-game meal.” Those kinds of things go through your head. But shift. I started my shift at 19:00 and we usually show up a little bit early, there’s always that piece that said you’d better make sure you know so I was there at about 6:45 p.m. I took over the helicopter that had exactly what’s going on. landed at the scene. I landed there and made sure everybody was already on their way up to the hospitals. The patients, the most critical Kathleen Keen, Humboldt billet coordinator Around suppertime, I was at ones, had actually been evacuated by ground ambulance and sent to two a friend’s house. I got a phone call from one of my billets and she had hospitals, Nipawin and Tisdale, so the helicopter actually left the scene heard there was an accident that involved the boys. I tried to call Darcy without any patients on board and flew up to Nipawin, where they landed and there was no answer. So I texted him, and then I phoned Kevin and then the medical crew and the transport physician started treating [Garinger], and let him know what I was told and that I couldn’t get a hold the patients. of Darcy. I was thinking Darcy’s probably getting ready for the game, and he doesn’t answer his phone when they’re getting ready for a game on Rob Gomercic, Matthieu’s father, who received a call at his Winnipeg the bus. So a lot of it was denial. At the same time your heart drops home from another parent, saying Matthieu had been taken to hospital I because you’re worried they didn’t answer. Two different things at the said: “Can you provide me with any more information than that?” He said: same time; it’s kind of hard to describe. “No, it seems really bad. There’s going to be good news and bad news.” We were hoping he didn’t take a turn for the worse. It was pretty nerve- Herold I tried calling and texting Adam and it’s not unusual not to hear wracking. from him. Before game time, he often puts his phone on silent. So I wasn’t too alarmed yet. Griffiths With so much trauma, the local hospital is going to lose its blood supply. For a lot of patients, you might run out. We’re based in Calgary. Muench The Mayor of Nipawin phoned me. She asked: “Have you So Alberta was able to pack units of blood from two hospitals in Alberta, heard?” I said: “Yeah, but I don’t really know what’s happened.” She said: put them on planes and then send a bunch over to Nipawin to help out. I “It’s bad. It’s bad. There’s been a number of casualties. It looks like don’t think I’ve ever heard of blood from one province going to another seven.” I said: “My God.” province. It just wasn’t even a question. It was “send whatever you need, Cannon So I asked my dad to start calling people to find out if the bus Alberta’s happy to help.” had been in an accident. I called Christina Haugan because we keep in Mike Schlosser, close friend of Elgar Petersen We were in Saskatoon touch and are friends and I didn’t get an answer from her, but she called with our son having supper. I got a text that the bus had been in an me right back. I said: “Christina, I’ve heard there’s an accident.” She was accident. We went out to the vehicle and I called Elgar to let him know Rob Gomercic When I saw [Matthieu] he was smiling, so I knew he was there’d be no game tonight, that the bus was in an accident. Right away, okay. I was very happy I got a chance to hug him. I can’t even explain in he asked if anyone was killed and I said: “I don’t know. It doesn’t sound words how I was feeling. A sense of relief. Just to see his smiling face. good. It sounds serious, but I’ll keep you updated.” I think he called four times between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Garinger I was concerned about Conner. I was concerned about these others that had been in my home. And I had relationships with these kids Shauna Nordstrom, mother of right-winger Logan Hunter We were and they were incredible young men, and it was extremely hard and waiting to try and get some news of what had happened in this accident something that went from extremely terrible to unimaginable. We started and a couple of his dear friends came over and they wanted to be with hearing names. me and we kept praying in a huge circle that he was going to be okay, that he was going to be in one of those small hospitals or had been Myles Shumlanski In the hospital you’d hear that this one passed away. airlifted to Saskatoon because we knew the STARS ambulance had been You’d talk to a couple parents. “We haven’t found where our boy is.” If on the site. We just hung on to each other, we prayed as hard as we you didn’t know which hospital your boy was at and it was three hours could, and the clock kept ticking and no news was coming our way so a later, you knew it was a problem. group of my friends drove with me to Saskatchewan and Logan’s older Russell Herold When we got [to Tisdale Hospital] we were put in a room sisters came along with their step-brother. We had to get to the Royal with other parents and billet parents, waiting for news. We couldn’t go to University Hospital [in Saskatoon] as fast as we could. the site. The highway was barricaded off. I thought something was up. I Scott Thomas, father of centre Evan Thomas I was riding up with the could see someone motioning to the pastor and they were waiting for the starting goalie’s parents from the other team in the same vehicle. You RCMP to come. see one ambulance come flying over your left shoulder, you see a Kelly Schatz We found out several were transported to Nipawin, some second, you see a third and you see the STARS air ambulance flying went to Tisdale, and some went directly to Saskatoon, but we had no overhead. You have this really ominous feeling and you realize this is names. We just had to wait until we figured out who was where. And so going to be bad. we waited until somebody came to actually talk to us. The RCMP came Jack Redlick, head coach of the St. Albert Raiders, where some of the to us and said we need to talk to you, so they took us to another room Broncos, including Logan Hunter, used to play I got a hold of Logan’s and told us what happened. mother just to see how she was doing. They were driving to Saskatoon Shauna Nordstrom Unfortunately when we arrived we were given the already. They hadn’t heard anything yet, they just had to get there. I terrible news that Logan had been one of the deceased men in that bus. couldn’t imagine that drive — six hours from Edmonton to Saskatoon. They didn’t know if their son was alive or dead or what. They had Redlick We ended up having five ex-Raiders alumni that were killed in nothing. that crash: Stephen Wack, Jaxon Joseph, Logan Hunter, Conner Lukan, and the head coach Darcy Haugan played for us back in ’91-92. Thomas We pulled up to the accident from the west. You can see bubbles — red, blue flashing lights — all over the place. And police cars Doerksen A lot of the guys went to the church. That’s where the families and firetrucks across the highway basically stopping anybody from going of Humboldt players gathered for information. I stayed back at the rink. I any further. You can see the top of the bus, you can see the carnage, felt lost. I remember sitting at the rink. We were getting details later that twisted metal, that one piece of the bus sticking straight up. There was a night. Guys heard stuff, but nothing was confirmed. Later on, probably dead, eerie silence with all the people that were around there. That around 11 p.m., the RCMP came in and gave us a few confirmations so feeling of nervous anticipation and dread when you know something bad we started finding out details. They confirmed there had been fatalities is coming. and there were many in critical condition. I just sat there. I wanted to wake up from a nightmare. That’s what it felt like. I sat there from 5 p.m. Paul Labelle, a Saskatoon emergency room doctor and father of Xavier until 12. Labelle I went to the scene, but they turned me away. Herold We got the news around midnight, though I lost track of time. I Thomas You play those scenes over in your mind and you see them in said: “I want to see him.” They said: “He’s in the wreckage and you can’t the movies — guys trying to fight through the police officer to get there. I go there.” We went to the local hotel where they gave us a room and we never had that feeling. It was a feeling of resignation. I started pacing just waited. But they didn’t know where he’d be taken, if he’d be in back and forth, it was cold, so I walked back to the car to keep moving Saskatoon, or when. So we’re waiting in limbo and a police officer came and keep my mind occupied. It was a feeling of resignation, like: “Oh my into the hotel to get us a room. I asked him if there’s any way he can get God. Now what?” us any information. If he’s going to Saskatoon, we’ll start going there. He Russell Herold Adam’s coach [with the midget triple-A Regina Pat said: “I’ll find that out for you.” Canadians, Darren Mckechnie], phoned us and asked if we knew Cannon We waited so long because all three of the boys were anything. He’s a Regina police officer. I said: “No, Darren. We’re in a unaccounted for. Raelene and Russell got to Tisdale. I asked them to panic here. If you could find anything out.” He texted us a number for a please let me know and then my phone rang. It said “ID unknown” and I crisis line. We phoned that and we were told he was in Nipawin hospital. almost didn’t answer it but I did. It was the RCMP. The RCMP officer said We thought: “Okay, we’re happy he’s alive.” But the Nipawin hospital had that he was calling on behalf of Russell and Raelene Herold and he was no record of him. We called the crisis line again and they said: “No, he’s so very sorry to tell me that Adam had died in the crash. He was one of there. He’s on the list.” She told us to hang on a minute, came back on the first kids to be identified because he was actually carrying his ID. So the line and asked where we were. We were an hour out of Tisdale. She they knew with absolute certainty it was him. I wept while Xavier’s family said: “Go to Tisdale hospital.” held me.

“I think anybody at my age would gladly give my body for any one of Brost When we left, there were eight or nine accounted for as deceased. those boys, because they, they did not deserve this.” I remember them lined up with blankets on top and wearing their dress Kelly Schatz, Logan’s father They got us into a waiting room area. I shoes. heard five of the boys were at the Tisdale hospital, but they wouldn’t Griffiths The Saskatchewan health authority basically ended our really say who it was. They were having trouble identifying these boys. involvement once the last patient was back in Saskatoon and They had no wallets with them. They were going to a game, so they transported. So they left Nipawin, it must’ve been about one in the didn’t need it. They all had their hair dyed blond for the playoffs. I know morning. The last patient landed safely back in Saskatoon and drove Dayna Brons was one of them, the trainer. I know she was there and them over to the hospital there at about 2:15 a.m. We do emergency they were sending the STARS helicopter to pick her up, taking I would transport and make sure patients get back to the major care centre, in assume the worst to Saskatoon as quick as they could. this case it was Saskatoon Royal University Hospital.

Griffiths When the hospital is calling saying we have five people and Muench It was like a snowball rolling down the hill. The first night I went they’ve got X, X, X and X wrong with them, it’s not a big panic on the to bed, there was media here from Saskatchewan. I went to bed and I got other end. They just say: “Do this to this one, he’s the most important a phone call at 4:30 a.m. It was the BBC. It travelled that fast. one, and do this to this one.” Herold About 4:30 a.m., the coroner and another RCMP officer knocked Ryan Straschnitzki I lost my cell phone, and I stopped at Nipawin’s on the door. They confirmed [Adam’s] identity. His wallet was on him. hospital. They gave me a phone and I called my parents on that. They said: “You may as well go home. He won’t be released today or tomorrow. It could be as late as Monday.” So my sister-in-law and her Freter A bunch of the alumni created a Facebook group about the vigil husband had raced up there to be with us. They drove their vehicle and and we all said we’d go. For sure, we’d be wearing our jersey. It brought our vehicle as we started back to Regina to tell my mom, who’s going to a lot of emotion to us alumni that night. It made it more real to think that be 92 on April 28th, the bad news. We stopped and told her, got home could have been any of us, any year, any team across Canada. here on the farm and walked in the door when our billet mom, Rene from Humboldt, got a hold of us and said they’re having a viewing at one Russell Herold, father of Adam Herold We planned to go the vigil in o’clock in Saskatoon. There had been a change of plans. A viewing of all Humboldt, but we found out late in the day they were doing a vigil locally, the bodies to try and identify them. We turned around and drove three in Montmartre. We did feel obligated to go to Humboldt, but this was hours back to Saskatoon. This was Saturday. You raced up there to get where Adam started. I thought it would just be outside the local rink and a to the accident. Then you drive four hours back, then three hours’ drive few people. It was inside the rink and there were maybe 600 people. He back again. I don’t mind the driving if my son was there. was a little Montmartre Ice Dog to start. They had a net at centre ice and his No. 10 Ice Dog jersey hanging there. Stork Seeing Darcy’s name and face on TSN, that was painful. I knew he was dead, but it just became real. Stork It’s so heartbreaking now, you go by the Elgar Petersen Arena, all those boys’ cars are still there. Plates from Alberta, Manitoba, Bernadine Boulet, Logan Boulet’s mother When they told us what Saskatchewan — far and wide. There’s flowers on them now and stuff, Logan’s condition was at that time, we just knew that something good but like, that’s where they parked. They got on the bus, thinking obviously could come and that someone’s life could go on when our son’s couldn’t. they’d be back at one o’clock in the morning to drive back to their billets. We knew he was in really good shape, we knew that his organs would be in good shape, and we knew that someone could benefit from that. I got Jack Redlick, head coach of the St. Albert Raiders [Logan Hunter’s] to listen to Logan’s heart, and now someone else has his awesome heart mother got a hold of me on Sunday, and just asked if I could get a hold of in their body. It was beating really strong, so I’m so happy for someone. the league and make sure Logan’s scholarship didn’t go to waste, that they could give it to another player in Logan’s name. Herold We saw Adam in the Saskatoon funeral home. It was sad. You’re in disbelief. Now you hear about the poor kid that was misidentified Freter All of us alumni went to the church before the vigil and met with [Xavier Labelle], that was Adam’s billet brother. In hindsight, I remember our chaplain, Sean [Brandow]. We were giving hugs and catching up. Not seeing Adam and thinking: “He’s got the wrong colour hair. It’s not many people know of Elgar Petersen. Adam.” Because their hair was all dyed blond. As soon as I got up closer, Muench From Day 1 in the 1970s, he was a trainer. yes, it was definitely him. It was blood in his hair. Kevin Garinger, Broncos’ president and billet dad of Conner Lukan We’ve Mike Schlosser, close friend of Elgar Petersen My wife and I drove to the got parents coming in here over the course of the day to clean out nursing home Saturday morning to explain to Elgar what happened, and lockers and just to be in the place their kids love the most: Elgar that there had been some deaths. Then we got him to listen to the radio Petersen Arena. station because the newstalk had everything on about the accident. He put his headset on and listened. I had my phone on, so I could hear Freter This is one of the communities where the rink isn’t named after exactly what he was hearing. Then he went down for food and we went someone who donated the money for it. Elgar has been a part of the with him. It was on TV and they had a little shrine set up where the organization forever and that’s why it’s named after him. One of the most Bronco team had been a couple months back when they went to visit emotional things was seeing him roll in [to the church]. I was speaking Elgar and the rest of the nursing home residents. They had taken a with [former coach Dean] Brockman when Elgar came in on his bunch of pictures, so they had that all set out. Elgar spent a lot of time wheelchair. The whole church went quiet. We all went and gave him a there, sitting there, looking at the pictures. hug.

Clark Stork, former play-by-play announcer I rode that bus for five Muench The vigil was planned in less than 24 hours. It was the biggest seasons, 265 games, and this year I wasn’t doing the job anymore. I just event that’s ever happened in our city. I was trying to figure out numbers, — I’m baffled as to how this could even possibly happen. I had to tell my maybe 6,000 people, which is the population of our whole city. But it seven-year-old son that his hero, Logan Schatz, the captain of our team, wasn’t just people from Humboldt. They came in from far and wide. is dead. He’s been a Bronco since he was 16. It’s not right. Freter Walking onto the ice and not seeing an empty seat was amazing. Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor The Prime Minister called me Saturday We heard the curling rink was full. The school was full. The church was morning. He offered his condolences and shared a story about his full. Another school was full. Humboldt is one of the biggest hockey brother passing away young and how that affected his parents, and what towns in Saskatchewan. I never doubted for a second they would get this these parents must be going through. And then he shared the story about support. It shows how much this team meant to that town. It was a his son, who’s starting to travel with hockey, and how that impacted him. humbling thing to see.

Stefan Freter, Bronco from 2013–14 I live in Saskatoon now. I’ve kept my Ryan Straschnitzki, Broncos defenceman I want to show them how tough Broncos hockey jersey ever since I got traded. I kept it tucked away in a we are and how solid a team we were — if I cry maybe it shows a sign of box. As soon as I heard, I brought out all my equipment and hung it in the weakness. I want to show we’re still in this together. I’ve always been told windows so everyone could see it from the road. to be a strong Canadian kid and things are going to get better if you just push through it and work hard. Pain doesn’t last forever. Muench Pretty much every clergy person presented the idea of having a vigil. They suggested Tuesday, but I thought we should have it sooner. I Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s dad He keeps wanting to try and move his said: “Maybe we should have it Sunday. The game was supposed to be legs, of course, because he wants to go back to skating. He just looked on Sunday.” at me and his mother and he goes: “Well, I’m gonna get onto the Olympic sledge hockey team.” He’s an amazing kid, that boy. Matthieu Gomercic, Broncos left-winger I think all of us that are here right now are amazed that anybody could come away from that. The bus — Gomercic Even just driving to the rink I could see the overflow [of crowds] there was almost nothing left. We’re beyond thankful that we were able to in the church and the high school, outside of the rink, which was full. It somehow come out of it. It’s just crazy that where you sat basically chose was unbelievable. It was really something special. what happened to you, right? Shauna Nordstrom, mother of right winger Logan Hunter I think I’m still in Nick Shumlanski, Broncos centre We’ll just take it day-by-day, for now. I shock, still numb. I’m just thinking he’s in Humboldt playing hockey and mean, I’m not too worried about the future [of playing hockey] right now. I’m driving to watch him play. Has it sunk in? No. It sure hasn’t sunk in.

Gomercic I really miss everybody. I’ve sent a lot of these guys texts Phyllis Wasserman, great-aunt of injured goaltender Jacob Wasserman hoping that maybe, somehow, I’d get an answer. It’s holding on to this We’re just keeping our fingers crossed and praying. I keep saying to my sense of belief that maybe they’re out there somewhere. You know, like husband: “I could see him standing in net still and putting his helmet on, this is just a dream where somebody’s just ended up sneaking off shaking his head, and then this.” It’s a shock, the whole thing. somehow, and now he’s just been found. Freter Friends and family all gathered on one side underneath the Myles Shumlanski, Nick’s father I think anybody at my age would gladly stands. It was quiet. We happened to be by some of the family of the give my body for any one of those boys, because they, they did not current players who didn’t make it. They were being handed their sons’ deserve this. jerseys. We saw these parents grab these jerseys and just hug them as they cried. It hit home for everyone. There wasn’t a dry eye in that arena. Muench At 7:30, there was a moment of silence. That’s when the game would have started.

Pastor Sean Brandow, Broncos chaplain, speaking at the vigil I’ve heard so many times: “I wonder if this community will ever be the same?” You know how Jesus showed that he was who he said he was? His scars. A scar is something that is healed but still there. This isn’t going to go away. It’s not going to be as raw. Can we heal? Yes. Will the scar be there? Yes.

Drew Wilby, Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice We were made aware that an unfortunate error had occurred in the identities of two of the individuals involved in the tragic Humboldt Broncos collision. Xavier Labelle, who had previously been confirmed as deceased, he is alive. Unfortunately, Parker Tobin has been confirmed as deceased.

Ron MacLean, Hockey Night in Canada Don [Cherry] and I were visiting with what we thought was Parker Tobin’s family. So you know the story now. Parker Tobin, the goaltender from Stony Plain, Alberta, we thought had survived. In fact it was Xavier Labelle. So imagine, the mom and dad and the brother, they don’t know that they’re not looking at their own boy, that he’s so severely cut and hurt that they actually think it’s possibly their boy. And I can remember her, this is Parker, the mom, saying: “He’s beginning to look more like our boy.” Can you imagine? And it wasn’t, of course, their boy.

Rene Cannon, billet mom of Labelle, Hunter and Herold Xavier’s parents were gone for hours, hours. There’s so few details that I know. They had obviously accepted that the person they were being told was Xavier was Xavier, and we grieved with them and we went to the Sunday night vigil in Humboldt to be with all of the other families and support the community and stuff, believing that we had lost our three sons.

Freter After the vigil, people didn’t know what to do. They didn’t want to leave. There were people sitting in the stands staring at the ice. There was us left on the ice making conversation with billets or those we haven’t seen since leaving Humboldt. We went by their pictures and read some more cards. The whole place was in awe. It was like a place of worship. We went to look at all the flowers and cards left on centre ice. We read a few of them. Someone came up with the idea of the alumni, with all our jerseys, circling centre ice for a picture. When we were around centre ice, we put our arms around each other.

Muench The players congregating at centre ice after the vigil I didn’t notice at first. I was talking to people and then all of a sudden, you could see what was going on in the corner of your eye. I ran over to the barricade and started taking pictures.

Freter I’m not sure who it was, but someone started applauding us. Then everyone in the rink did. It was one of those moments that sent chills down your back. It’s an honour to wear that jersey.

Interviews and editing by Aaron Hutchins, Jason Markusoff, Kyle Edwards, Meagan Campbell and Michael Friscolanti

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182420 Websites “Now his friends are seeing a little bit of how his life has to go when he’s out in the public, and the precautions he needs to take just because of inability to fight off everything as easily as others,” Todd said. “It’s obviously an important time, and hopefully he’s able to stay healthy.” Sportsnet.ca / Capitals' Todd Reirden opens up about son at high risk during pandemic The Reirdens were in no need of a reminder of life’s fragility. The last time Travis got sick was toward the end of January. A simple flu can be a mountain that takes weeks to climb. The teenager needed medical tests and fell behind on his classroom ones at George Mason High School in Luke Fox | April 6, 2020, 3:51 PM Falls Church, VA.

As his body battled the illness, Travis’s teachers put him on a Look out the window. We are all engulfed in the same quiet storm. homebound plan, which meant a tutor coming into the Reirden house and working to get Travis caught up with his classmates as he rebuilt his What we can’t see is how the sleet and hail of the COVID-19 pandemic is immune system. silently pounding some windows more fiercely than others. “Everything was going good. He was feeling better and also ready to go “It certainly has made it a different situation in the Reirden household,” back to school — then there was talk of this coronavirus. So, we kept him Washington Capitals head coach Todd Reirden said Monday, during a at home,” Todd explained. For safety, the tutor no longer visits. All of candid conference call. Travis’s schooling has gone online. “Those are some of the things that he’s going through now and sacrifices that he’s making.” “When first news came out of who was going to be most affected by this, obviously it was the elderly and it was people with a compromised The Reirdens also thought hard about the nurse’s visits and Travis’s immune system. Immediately, Travis, who’s now 17, goes to the top of plasma IV. As much as the antibodies boost their son’s system, they that list.” decided it best to not introduce someone else into their home during the pandemic. They also asked themselves if six hours of that nurse’s time Travis Reirden is Todd and Shelby’s only son. would be “wasted” on one patient and might be better invested toward He was born with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a rare emergencies. antibody deficiency that renders the immune system defenceless against “And Travis felt that someone that has that type of specialization and bacteria and viruses. Travis’s reality, under the best global help background, they should be out helping others that are going circumstances, is recurrent and often includes severe infections attacking through this virus right now. And if we could do it for as long as we could, the ears, sinuses, and respiratory tract. and he was still feeling healthy, then he would go without any treatments Headaches. Ambulance rides. Hospital visits. Social distancing and unless there was an issue. So we’re really on top of him in terms of how staying home from school before it was cool. A bottle of hand sanitizer he’s feeling,” Todd said. always at the ready. A nurse who comes to the Reirden house once a “We kind of play it by ear, but it’s something that we’re obviously on top month for four to six hours to administer immunoglobulin replacement of.” therapy — transfusions of human plasma packed with the critical antibodies Travis can’t produce himself. Reirden begins each work-from-home day by checking in on the health of the Capitals players and employees, and he happily reports no positive “It’s not an easy one to go to sleep on the road when there are some COVID-19 tests within the organization. things that are going on that are not fun, and my wife and him are having to deal with it on their own,” Todd told The Washington Post in April of The coach also offers a sincere thank-you to the work of first responders, 2019. “I feel at times that I’m letting him down.” frontline health-care workers and everyone in the food business during some surreal times that have hit especially close to home. And while Travis’s old normal is rapidly resembling our new normal, his 2020 reality can become even more frightening — if they let it be. Yet the dad chooses to focus the sun waiting on the other side of these storm clouds. The NHL froze the Capitals atop the Metropolitan Division on Thursday, March 12 as Coronavirus fears skyrocketed in North America. “If we are going to be playing hockey again this year, which I really hope we are, then that means that we’ve got this virus in a good spot,” Reirden Todd accompanied Travis to a doctor’s appointment the very next said. Monday and again to see a second doctor on the Tuesday, a simple act that would not have been possible were Todd running practice and “And that’s the exciting thing — that the health and safety of people is not prepping for the Oilers. The family needed to understand Travis’s risks. being violated again. And now that means we’re able to start to get back to real life.” “That was one of the nice things, looking back on it. I was able to be a part of it with him and bringing him into to see the immunologist on that Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 Monday and see exactly where he was before things really hit,” Reirden said. “Shelby has done (this) for so many years on her own when I’m working. It’s nice to be able to be a part of the process with him and be there for him.”

By Wednesday, they had fresh blood work results.

“Given his situation, he was in a good spot,” Todd said. “So that’s certainly eased the anxiety around our household between Shelby, my wife, and I and Travis. But we really had to be careful about what we’re bringing into the house.”

As you’d imagine, the Reirdens are taking quarantine seriously. Social distancing and thorough handwashing are no-brainers. If they do leave the house, they take off all their clothes at the door upon return and toss them in the wash.

“We’re really making the right choices because it can get scary for someone like him,” Reirden explained. “For him, it’s the understanding of what exactly he’s able to do and not able to do. And making sure that he is really cognizant of what’s going on and the choices that he makes.”

Through FaceTime chats, Travis has found it interesting to see his peers learn firsthand to adopt the same behaviours he’s always employed for survival — avoiding large gatherings and close contact, placing a premium on hygiene. 1182421 Websites Could the two parties coordinate a graceful buyout-and-retire exit? Does Lundqvist, 38, value continuing his NHL career more than being a Ranger for life? The Blueshirts could theoretically move Georgiev — the rumours were certainly out there all season — and set up a one-year Sportsnet.ca / Five of the NHL's biggest storylines to follow in the off- arrangement where Lundqvist mentors Shesterkin. That said, for a season rebuilding club, does it make any sense to give up on any young goalie given how volatile the position is? Afterall, Lundqvist was a seventh-

round pick who went on to be one of the best of his generation and carve Ryan Dixon | April 6, 2020, 12:22 PM his handsome face on the Rangers Mount Rushmore.

How will the UFA goalie carousel shake out?

The NHL off-season always brings its share of big questions. Of course, Had Braden Holtby hit the open market even two years ago, he might the rather large wrinkle this time out is not knowing when the off-season have been in line for a Sergei Bobrovsky-style megadeal. (Unless, of itself will actually happen. course, Bobrovsky’s $10-million pact with Florida last summer is the cautionary tale that ends all big-time goalie pay days.) As it stands, it will We know the draft — originally slated for Montreal in late June — will not be very intriguing to see what kind of interest the career Washington occur in its usual form. If it’s decided in the next eight-to-10 weeks there Capital generates — especially with a pair of other guys out there teams won’t be a Stanley Cup handed out this year, maybe free agency starts could view as superior starter options. on July 1 as scheduled. If we’re still holding out hope for a playoffs that could happen during the hottest months of the year, perhaps the free- In three seasons from October, 2014 through April, 2017, only two agent frenzy will be a Labour Day Weekend thing in 2020 instead of a goalies — Carey Price and — had a better cumulative Canada Day happening. save percentage than Holtby’s .923. In the three seasons since, that number has risen to 30 as Holtby produced a .906 mark in 161 games. Truly, who knows. Jacob Markstrom, by contrast, has posted a .914 save percentage in that time and while Holtby was putting up some of the worst numbers of his Regardless, at some point the book will be closed on 2019-20 and we’ll career this year in 2019-20, Markstrom was recording some of his best in begin to shift our focus to 2020-21. Whenever that occurs, the page- Vancouver. (The late-blooming Markstrom, it should be noted, is actually turning will trigger significant events, from big-time stars hitting the open only four months younger than Holtby, who turns 31 in September.) market, to teams looking to shake things up via trade to Hall-of-Famers in Markstrom’s fellow Swede, Robin Lehner, is also eligible to become a waiting deciding if it’s time to hang ’em up. UFA for the second straight summer and will be seeking a long-term deal With that in mind, here are some storylines to watch out for whenever the after doing a one-year contract with Chicago last time out. In the past two NHL off-season arrives. seasons, only three goalies have laid down a better save percentage than the .925 Lehner has recorded with the Islanders, Hawks and Vegas A month ago, the NHL general managers meetings in Florida ended with Golden Knights. news the salary cap could rise anywhere between $3 million and $6 million. Now, a flat cap of $81.5 million would seem like the best-case One of those guys happens to be Dallas Star Anton Khudobin (.926). If scenario. you’re a squad looking for a UFA stopper who can play 30-35 quality games, Khudobin, Islander Thomas Greiss and Boston’s Jaroslav Halak That will have an impact on the number of suitors who can chase after should all hold appeal. And if two-time Cup-winners are your thing, 35- Taylor Hall, the 2018 Hart Trophy winner and head of the 2020 UFA year-old Corey Crawford quietly had a nice bounce-back in Chicago and class. Hall, who turns 29 in November, is a marvellous player, but I’m not needs a new contract, too. sure — even if the cap was spiking — it would be wise to give him the blank cheque treatment. Take away his stellar 2017-18 showing and and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey you’ll see a guy who has never been a first- or second-team all-star, is no world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what stranger to the injury bug and, as a winger, plays the least-valued they think about it. position on the ice. Just sayin’. How will the coaching carousel shake out? Besides Hall, there isn’t much in the way of desirable forwards available Two years ago, during the 2017-18 campaign, not a single coach was to the highest bidder. It’s a little juicier on the back end, where Blues fired in-season. This year, seven bench bosses were given their walking captain Alex Pietrangelo and offence-minded Torey Krug of Boston and papers for a wide variety of reasons. When Bill Peters’ racist remarks Maple Leaf Tyson Barrie are all eligible to test the market. came to light, the Calgary Flames had to act. Jim Montgomery’s sudden (The goalie scene is interesting enough to merit its own space a little dismissal in Dallas was shocking, but we subsequently learned he had later on.) an alcohol-abuse problem and sought treatment after being given his walking papers. Toronto’s troubles, Colorado’s surge Even the changes made for conventional reasons were jarring, with high- The Leafs had to be doing backflips when they thought there might be profile men Babcock, Bruce Boudreau and Gerard Gallant some breathing room coming with a rising cap. That’s not going to being shown the door. Some of the coaches who were dropped found happen anymore. And unless we get some kind of playoff tournament new gigs very quickly, as was the case with Pete DeBoer moving from that sees Toronto suddenly turn into a new team, this club will enter the San Jose to Vegas and John Hynes landing in Nashville after being off-season wondering what the heck happened during a frustrating — removed in New Jersey. and, to be fair — injury-filled campaign that saw the squad fail to consistently find its best self. We don’t yet know what other vacancies might open up in the next few months, but any club looking to make a change has to know there are Could GM Kyle Dubas dive headlong into the trade market in the hopes intriguing options available. Gallant was coach of the year in 2018; of finding a formula that better works for his club? Boudreau’s career points percentage is .635 and surely Babcock is At the other end of the cap spectrum, the Colorado Avalanche are a willing to reform his more old-school ways if that’s what it takes to have a contender right now and have salary space to weaponize (remember, final act in his storied career. they took a run at Artemi Panarin last summer) and prospects to dangle if Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 so inclined. General manager Joe Sakic scored last off- season and could easily snap another zinger like that off his blade.

Curtains for ‘The King?’

The New York Rangers seem to have the perfect young goalie battery to start a new season in 24-year-old Igor Shesterkin and 23-year-old Alexandar Georgiev. The only issue is, franchise icon Henrik Lundqvist still has one more season to go on his contract that counts for $8.5 million annually against the cap. 1182422 Websites was a finalist last season after taking over the St. Louis Blues as interim in November 2018 and leading the club from the bottom of the standings all the way to the title of Stanley Cup champions. His ability to rally the team to run it back, claiming (and Sportsnet.ca / Jack Adams Tier List: Bruins' Bruce Cassidy leading the maintaining) the top spot in the Western Conference, should not go way overlooked — though, considering the hurdles other coaches have coached through this year, it might.

Like Tortorella and Sullivan, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Emily Sadler April 6, 2020, 11:14 AM Bednar has had his hands full juggling lineups early and often as injuries struck. Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Philipp Grubauer, to name a few, have all missed time this Last year, New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz took a team few year yet the Avalanche already have more points this year than they thought would be playoff-bound and led them to within a point of the managed last season, with 12 fewer games played. division crown. One year prior, Gerard Gallant guided a team of misfits all the way to the the Stanley Cup Final in their very first year. In 2017, it The Long Shots was John Tortorella who took home the title of top coach after achieving Paul Maurice, Travis Green, franchise history with the Columbus Blue Jackets as they hit 100 points for the first time ever. Paul Maurice had his work cut out for him this year on the blue line, but managed to piece together a defence corps despite dealing with a Looking through the list of past Jack Adams Award winners, given to the rotation of injuries and the ongoing uncertainty that was Dustin best coach each season as voted by the NHL Broadcasters’ Association, Byfuglien’s status with the team. Goaltender Connor Hellebyuck is the you’ll see some pretty impressive coaching performances. biggest reason the Jets are still in contention, but Maurice deserves a Who might take home the award this year? Here’s a look at some of the nod for his ability to adapt to a season that brought much change in top coaching performances of 2019-20, with a focus on who we believe Winnipeg. should have the best odds to claim the honour. Though currently sitting just outside the playoff picture, the Vancouver The Favourites Canucks’ success this year has been one of the best stories of the season. Head coach Travis Green has proven he’s the perfect leader for Bruce Cassidy, John Tortorella, Mike Sullivan this young team, and his ability to match players up to maximize performance (did anyone see J.T. Miller barrelling towards an 80-plus- If you’re the coach of the team with the best regular-season record, you point season?) has made this club really fun to watch. should always be in contention. A late surge in the standings after a less-than-stellar first half has seen When you look at the success of the Bruins since he took over Boston’s Philadelphia Flyers coach Alain Vigneault’s name bandied about in Jack bench in 2017, you could argue Bruce Cassidy should be a perennial Adams talk, though perhaps his success behind Philly’s bench can serve Jack Adams finalist. The 2019-20 campaign might just be his best yet. more as a sign of good things to come next season as opposed to a Sure, the team’s talent can speak for itself and make Cassidy’s job look trophy-worthy campaign this year. Still he deserves a place in the easy, but that he’s been able to rally a club that was one win away from conversation. winning the Stanley Cup and guide them to an even better season as the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 best team in the league one year later takes one heck of a coaching performance. Cassidy’s ability to juggle the lineup, bring in fresh faces, and roll out four deep lines should have him in consideration for the award this year.

After watching three stars walk out the door in free agency, including franchise cornerstones Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky, Tortorella and the Blue Jackets were not supposed to be contenders. Their odds continued to plummet with every injury endured — Josh Anderson, Cam Atkinson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Brandon Dubinsky, Nathan Gerbe, Alexandre Texier, Seth Jones — and yet, Tortorella’s crew is currently in the second wild-card spot with the suspended season now at a standstill.

“You know, we were supposed to be a lottery team when we were a healthy team — according to the pundits — and then when we had the injuries, it’s been fun to see guys and the team itself just stand together and try to find ways,” Tortorella said last month during an appearance on Hockey Central. “We’ve had to play differently and I think they’ve bought into that. So it’s been a pretty cool year that way, in just trying to survive here, and I think that’s been very rewarding in the locker room.”

Tortorella was named coach of the year in 2016-17 after guiding the Blue Jackets to the best season in franchise history, which included a remarkable 16-game win streak, just one victory away from setting a new league record. That was his second Jack Adams win, having won it with the Lightning in 2004. Should he win the award again this year, he’d tie the legendary for most wins in league history.

You can’t talk about injury-plagued teams without bringing up the Penguins. Like their Metropolitan Division foes, it’s not just about how many players have been forced out of the lineup, but who has been sidelined. Stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have both missed significant time, with guys like Jake Guentzel and Kris Letang also being bitten by the injury bug and prompting Sullivan to change things up on the fly. Despite the adversity on the injury front, Pittsburgh has maintained its standing amid playoff-bound teams and currently sits third in the division.

Had A Shot

Craig Berube, Jared Bednar 1182423 Websites together as a potential hockey team — I don’t think anyone looks at our makeup and goes, ‘Oh that team is going to win the Stanley Cup right now,’ but everyone in this dressing room believes this team is a playoff team and there’s no doubt in our minds we can beat some of the teams Sportsnet.ca / Q&A Part 2: Canadiens' Paul Byron on Bergevin, Julien that are in the playoff mix right now. and Cup aspirations We show it. But we show it sometimes and then come back the next game and lay an egg.

Eric Engels | April 6, 2020, 9:44 AM So our team’s potential is making sure we don’t lay any eggs next year. We gotta make sure we play good for 82 hockey games because we

know we can be a playoff team. The consistency part is something that I The following is Part 2 of our two-part discussion with Montreal believe we can work through and it’s something we need to learn, and Canadiens forward Paul Byron. being young sometimes they’re hard lessons. We learned some of those this year and next year we’re going to be better. I know we’re going to be We spent the better part of 30 minutes on the phone last week talking better. about how he’s dealing with the NHL season’s pause due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, his concerns about his parents, and his thoughts on his SN: What kind of coach is Claude? injury-plagued season. All of that was covered in Part 1 of this series. PB: He is kind of a mix of all the coaches I’ve had. He’s a great person. I In this final instalment, Byron takes us inside his relationships with think he talks very well. He communicates very well. He’s much more of Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin and head coach Claude a motivator through speeches and talking. And, tactically, he wants us all Julien, and he offers in-depth analysis on the team. to play a certain way.

Sportsnet: Who is Marc Bergevin in the players’ eyes? What insight can We go through a lot of the system stuff early in the year and he wants to you share with us about him that people just don’t realize or don’t make sure that everyone down in Laval is playing the same system so understand? when they get called up it’s a seamless transition. And I think down in the AHL the guys have done an amazing job of that. Paul Byron: To me, he’s a different GM than any GM I’ve ever had before. Or maybe my relationship is just different with him. I’ve always Playing for Claude — I enjoy playing for Claude, honestly. He’s a great been a young player on other teams, kind of afraid to go into a GM’s coach, a great teacher, and he talks to you. If something’s on his mind, office or to a GM who’s always been more of a corporate guy, if you he’s not just yelling at you and berating you. I find it’s much more talking know what I mean. Whereas Berge was a player, so he understands the one-on-one with you. And I never really had that with coaches before. It game and understands you. was more just getting yelled at and kind of being afraid of the coach. But with Claude, you want to work for him and want to do things for him He’s a great person. He’s personable. You can go talk to him. I think he’s because you know he’s a good person. incredibly intelligent. The conversations I’ve had with him just about hockey — he just thinks the game differently than other people. And the SN: Given the leadership group you guys have, and given Claude as you vibe he gives off just being around the rink… he does feel like he’s part of just described him, how do you explain how the negative trends in the the team, like he’s part of the guys and of everybody who wants to win team’s game this year persisted without being fixed? (and not like he’s above it). It’s just different than what I’ve ever PB: I think there was a certain level of maturity (missing). It goes with experienced before. looking yourself in the mirror and saying, ‘How many more times am I SN: How do you feel about the team he’s constructed? What’s its going to make the same mistake before I rectify the mistake?’ potential? If you feel the team fell short of it this season, how will you Are we all waiting for a coach to come in here and bench you and sit you correct that? in the stands before you learn your lesson? It’s an incredibly hard job PB: I think we learned a lot this year about playing full games, not having being a coach and trying to figure out what’s right, what’s wrong to do letdowns in games. I think we led the league in one-goal games lost. We with certain guys. had a four-goal lead in a game against the Rangers we blew. I don’t Back when I was a rookie, if I repeated mistakes, I would have been know how many times we had two-goal leads and three-goal leads benched or sent to the minors and I wouldn’t have played again. Here throughout the year. We’ll learn from that. you’re given a chance to rectify your mistakes. The biggest thing about our team is realizing how young we are. And we Like I said, I think our team showed lots of flashes of rectifying the have (32-year-old) Carey (Price), we have (34-year-old) Shea (Weber), mistakes, but then we rebounded with glaring errors all the time. It’s not we had (35-year-old) Nate (Thompson) for a long portion of the year and just one guy or two guys; it’s the whole team. It’s hard to pick on anyone people look at those guys and say, ‘Oh, they’re a veteran team.’ and say they’re the problem. We’re all the problem and we’re all the But then you look at the rest of the roster. For a while, I was the oldest solution. We’re all NHL players; we all watch the video, we all get the forward until Nate came last year. (31-year-old) Dale (Weise) got called clips, we all see what’s wrong when other guys do it, but then you have up. But you look at the other forwards — Jo (Drouin) is a young guy, we to look at yourself and say, ‘If I’m the guy making the mistake, I have to have Phil (Danault), Tuna (Tomas Tatar) is not very old, Gally (Brendan figure out how to stop making the mistake.’ Gallagher) is not old. (20-year-old) Nick (Suzuki) came in and played We talked about it. I don’t know how many times we did a PK meeting incredible for us, Jesperi (Kotkaniemi) is a young kid with tremendous where we talked about having good sticks, being in lanes, knowing how talent, and we just drafted Cole Caufield. the dangerous shooters are. And then we’d get into games and you don’t You look at the nucleus, the core, the young forward group that we have get the puck on the faceoff and you don’t get the puck out — two of the and there’s so much potential I see in that group. You add Max Domi — most important things on the penalty kill — and then the puck’s in your it’s a really, really, really good group. net. So how do you fix that? Is that the coach’s fault? The coach can’t go out there and take the faceoff, and he can’t clear the puck for you. You look at the back end and we all know what Shea is capable of bringing. Carey is the best goaltender in the world and, as it was Everyone knows what they have to do and it’s just a matter of everyone announced Tuesday by the NHLPA, I think everyone’s in agreement he’s doing their job. It’s something we’re working through. We were a young the best goalie in the world. Jeff (Petry) has been playing unbelievable team still, even if we have some older players, and not having that for us. Ben (Chiarot) has been a great addition. Our Ds are big, they’re consistency in your game and realizing how important every single shift mobile, and then we have a lot of good young D that are coming up is something that I think separates our team from the top teams right through the system. I know he hasn’t come up and had in impact yet but I now. When our team learns to do that, there’s no doubt in my mind our think there’s a ton of potential in Josh Brook. I know Cale Fleury showed team will be a playoff team. some great flashes of what he can be as a player. I think everyone’s Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey really excited to see what Alex Romanov can do for our team. world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what Right now, blending in the young players and the old players and they think about it. everyone meshing together and putting forth a really good season SN: Having the time off for everyone to think about it right now — will that allow you to come back with lessons learned and minds refreshed?

PB: I think so. Everyone’s at home right now, everyone’s supposed to be in self-quarantine. I know for us, it’ll be three weeks on Friday that we pretty much haven’t left our house.

What do you do with that time? I have kids, I have a family, I’ve got stuff to do.

But there’s a lot of guys on our team who are younger and don’t have much to do, so you can go back to your video archives and start pulling clips from games and start watching games and take this time of opportunity to learn and to get better. I haven’t talked to anyone about it, but I’m sure some guys are doing it. We’re professional athletes and we’re competitive. We want to win and we want to get better and we all have these tools around us to help us get better. I know guys are doing that to get better and that’s what drives us. I know any real advantage we can get, we’ll take.

SN: You talk about believing you’re a playoff team, but what’s one reason this team can win the Stanley Cup soon? Not something external like, ‘Anyone can win if they make it,’ but an internal reason.

PB: I just believe everybody on the team wants to win it. And if we all believe, we’re all going to do our job to enable us to achieve that.

I’ve never been on a team before where I’ve felt that guys cared for each other like we do on this team. I don’t know if I’ve seen 20 or 24 guys that really do care about each other and are so close off the ice. I can’t see why we wouldn’t fight for each other on the ice and all do our job and pull together and try to win together.

No one has the blueprint to win the Stanley Cup until you win the Stanley Cup. But there’s a lot of teams lately that haven’t had that blueprint, but have found that consistency every shift and every night. And I think our team is on track to do that.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182424 Websites If the season doesn’t resume the Jets will have had just 21 days with DeMelo and 18 with Eakin. That’s probably enough time to have shown DeMelo the valued member of this team he could be, likely playing on the top shutdown pairing alongside Josh Morrissey. It could also be enough Sportsnet.ca / Paused NHL season could complicate Jets' plans to re- time to show Eakin the benefits of playing in a super-skilled top-six as he sign Eakin, DeMelo was playing between Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine when the season paused.

Unfortunately at this stage, time could just as likely be working against Sean Reynolds April 6, 2020, 3:20 PM the Jets. As we’ve seen in the past, when players are given room to focus on the perks of life outside Winnipeg, it hasn’t worked out well.

Of the countless drawbacks to this COVID-19 shut down, a big one for Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.07.2020 the Winnipeg Jets is their time cut short with Dylan DeMelo and Cody Eakin.

Those two players were a different kind of trade deadline deal than the ones the Jets have made in years past according to GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

“When we made the (Paul) Stastny deal we didn’t know if we could re- sign him or not. When we made the (Kevin) Hayes deal we knew we couldn’t re-sign him,” Cheveldayoff said leading up to the 2020 trade deadline. “We can look at these players (DeMelo and Eakin) we just acquired as potential guys, if the fit is there for both sides, to be a longer term type thing.”

The plan was simple. Not only would those players make the Jets better as they pushed for a playoff spot, but management would have time to sell the two pending UFAs on being Jets for the long-term.

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Unfortunately that time hasn’t materialized.

Cheveldayoff doesn’t like to address the topic of players not wanting to come to Winnipeg, but the team’s history with UFAs says enough, as does the very short list of big signings.

At the top of that list would be Mathieu Perreault, a great under-the-radar acquisition back in 2014. Add Brandon Tanev, too, who turned out to be quite the college signing. Dmitri Kulikov and Steve Mason were higher profile signings in 2017. Kulikov came with a buyer beware tag due to injury, while the Jets had to give away Joel Armia to shed Mason’s salary just a year later.

Those players had varying degrees of success, but all came to the Jets with restrictions that would have limited the competition for their services.

That really is a common theme with the players the Jets target, many of whom have been “last stop” players: NHLers looking for one last gig before retiring or heading to the minor leagues or overseas. Players like Kyle Wellwood, Matt Halischuk, Joe Morrow and T.J. Galiardi come to mind.

In the end you can’t find coveted UFAs who chose Winnipeg over other options.

It’s a touchy subject in Winnipeg where fans have been reduced to celebrating smaller victories in this category. For example, a big deal was made when Stastny (who later left Winnipeg as a UFA) waived his no- trade clause to come to Winnipeg. But why wouldn’t he? He came to a surging Jets team poised for a long playoff run and benefitted from a stacked top-six to boost his numbers, which in turn elevated his value as a UFA on his way out the door. Hayes applied the same blueprint a year later and his big payday followed as well.

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it.

All that doesn’t mean the Jets haven’t been able to snag big fish. They have, although the master anglers they have landed are typically ones already in the boat. Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien all signed long-term contract extensions.

That should tell you something; players who have spent time immersed in the culture of the Jets are the ones who choose to stay.

And that’s why the time spent with DeMelo and Eakin, and the time lost, is so important. 1182425 Websites playoff teams, the Jets get squeezed out. Five teams have eight home games remaining, seven more have seven. So if/when the 2019-20 season comes off pause, you get the feeling some form of a regular schedule will be played out. Both for determining who makes the TSN.CA / Maurice: “I want to see this Winnipeg Jets team play" playoffs, and also to get players ready for the postseason.

The list of what will go into all these decisions is a long one. It will get figured out. But for now, look after your loved ones, look after yourself. Be safe.

Hockey can wait. “I want to see this Winnipeg Jets team play” is what stood out from the TSN.CA LOADED: 04.07.2020 Paul Maurice video conference this morning. The answer was in response to “what do you want to see happen”, but he wanted it clear that what he and other hockey people want, is “small potatoes to what people are going through. Losing lives, the hardships, losing jobs. All that far outweighs what I want to see happen.”

For everyone involved with the NHL life changed dramatically March 11 and 12. The Jets were in Edmonton on the 11th starting a three-game road trip. A trip that took them to Calgary and Vancouver for games that meant so much in the standings. The Jets started the game mathematically out of a playoff spot, tied in points with Nashville and Vancouver but with more games played. Calgary sat one point ahead. Tied 2-2 going into the third, Kyle Connor scored early in the final frame, Connor Hellebuyck did his thing and the Jets skated away with a 4-2 win, jumping into the number one wild card spot, with third place in the Central in sight, just two points back of a struggling Dallas team.

But it was after the first period when coaches and players heard news of an NBA player testing positive for the coronavirus and that the league would be shutting down. However, the focus was still on hockey. “We were excited about our team. We were getting healthy, we liked our schedule. We were playing the teams we had to for getting into the playoffs.” Things changed quickly. “You rely on people above you to make decisions. The best decision was to get everybody home and we did that.”

The first few days were difficult as the NHL schedule dictates our daily moves. All of a sudden there was nowhere to go. Hockey was not that important. COVID-19 had put the NHL on pause.

It was an emotional time for all, head coach Maurice included. “Our team had been taxed to the max, we saw a light at the end of the tunnel.” The season “was some of the most enjoyable moments of my coaching career. We became a group, we became a team, battled through a lot of adversity, watched players play through injuries.”

Road wins in San Jose and Vegas set the stage for a very good November. They talked about this team learning how to win. Players developing, turning the corner. The player and All-Star break could not come quick enough for the Jets. The injury list grew. A home loss to Tampa was followed by three straight road losses. The players were exhausted. And despite a home loss to Boston coming out of the break, the Jets had some jump back in their game and went into the pause on a 12-5-2 run and “learned how to stay in the fight.”

So now coaches pore over video, working on making players better for whenever the game returns. Looking for an edge. “Time to maybe put some new wrinkles into your game because no body has pre scouted you.”

But coaches are not the only ones still busy with the game. “Our medical people are in constant conversation with our players and families, making sure they are all okay. As for conditioning this is unique, not all players have gyms in their homes. Or climate prevents them from getting outdoors. So we have to get creative with workouts.”

So will hope meet reality? When will the “all clear” come from health people signalling our lives can start to return to normal. That is most important.

From a hockey standpoint, will that come in time for there to be a Stanley Cup winner? And again, we all understand hockey and sports as a whole, returning falls way down the “important” list. But we still get asked about it, we talk about it, we write about it. All ideas being discussed by the NHL and the players, are on the table. As way out there as they may seem today.

Paul Maurice likes his team. Wants to see it compete for a playoff spot. He feels they have earned that right. He wants to see it compete for the Stanley Cup. For the Jets, some regular season games need to be played. If a simple winning percentage is used to determine the 16 1182426 Websites battle with EB. His story went viral. The last time I checked, the YouTube video had close to twelve million views. The video—if you haven’t seen it, you really should take the time—introduced the world to a very special boy and his mother, Tina Boileau, whose love and unfailing dedication in TSN.CA / Finding some light and hope out of darkness and despair caring for Jonathan most certainly qualifies her for some form of sainthood, to say nothing of her own heroism. Jonathan was a true

inspiration, who, in the face of second-by-second, minute-by-minute Bob McKenzie suffering, somehow managed to rise above everything and be cheerful and optimistic, a shining light of life. An example in the art of forging ahead no matter the obstacles, he was wise and philosophical, but also funny and warm, and all of that at such a tender age. Two years ago today, the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crashed. “It’s always that battle between pain and not,” Jonathan said. Sixteen lives were lost but so many more were forever altered. He may have been known as the Butterfly Child, but as he so plainly told It was in the aftermath of that catastrophe, I wrote a little something not us, he had “the heart of a warrior.” Indeed he did. Every day, just trying to only on the Broncos’ tragedy, but the passing of Jonathan Pitre and how live was a battle for him, but he was still dedicated to a greater cause— out of so much darkness and despair we valiantly try to find some light raising awareness and funds for EB. and hope. There’s your hero. There’s heroism. Which is an endeavour that is ongoing today for many in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and so much death and darkness the world over. All of which made the news of his passing so sad, though it was also hard not to allow that Jonathan’s suffering was over, and perhaps he This first appeared as part of the introduction in the book Everyday had, finally, found some peace. Hockey Heroes: Inspiring Stories On and Off the Ice, by Jim Lang and myself, which was released in the fall of 2018. It is reprinted here with That was how Friday, April 6, began. There was no way of knowing how permission of Simon & Schuster Canada. wretchedly tragic it would end.

“Who’s gonna be the hero?” That same Friday, in the late afternoon–early evening hours, on northbound Highway 35 just north of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, the bus If you’ve ever played hockey, odds are you have heard that line before. carrying the Humboldt Broncos Junior A team of the Saskatchewan On the bench, in the third period, of a tense, taut tie game. Or maybe in Junior Hockey League—heading to Nipawin for game 5 of their league those anxious moments just before the beginning of sudden-death playoff series—and a semi tractor trailer truck travelling westbound overtime. collided. The resulting carnage at the prairie highway intersection was “Who wants to be the hero?” unimaginable.

When you’re asked to put your name on a book titled Everyday Hockey As soon as the news of the crash filtered out that evening, we knew it Heroes, it does make you pause and think a little about what it takes to would be bad. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police indicated fairly early be a hero, to be heroic. And what exactly is a hockey hero anyway? that there were fatalities. As we waited for more details to emerge, we were reminded of December 30, 1986, when four members of the It could be the player who gets the game-winning goal. There are few Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos died when their bus hit feelings in the game that rival that incredible rush of energy and black ice and overturned, and of January 12, 2008, when a van carrying excitement. I mean, let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love a little adulation a boys’ high school basketball team in Bathurst, New Brunswick, crashed and adoration, to be put up on a pedestal? To be the hero. in wintry road conditions, killing seven students and the wife of the team’s As I got to thinking about heroes and hockey, it struck me that while there head coach. How could this happen again? may not be many things as exhilarating as scoring the game-winning Friday night gave way to the wee hours of Saturday morning, and we goal, does that action really qualify as heroic? A truly heroic act should learned that the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash was even worse than we’d not be so fleeting as a game-winning goal. It should have a deeper thought. Fourteen of twenty-nine on the bus had perished. Within a week, meaning or a greater sense of purpose than a random act in a random two more succumbed to their injuries. game. So many young lives ended. So many more forever altered. When I was getting ready to write this introduction in early April 2018, I was pondering just that, trying to figure out the whole hero thing as it It’s difficult to conceive of a tragedy that could shred the very fabric of applies to hockey and the title of this book. Then I received some Canadian life the way a fatal bus crash of a junior hockey team could. It inspiration. Not welcome inspiration, mind you. But inspiration was an assault, an affront, to the things the Canadian hockey culture nonetheless. holds near and dear. For many Canadians, hockey is a way of life. It’s in our hearts, our blood, our soul. "The moment we got to know Jonathan Pitre, he became our hero." A hockey team is a family. Now, you may or may not immediately recognize April 6, 2018, as a particularly good or bad day in your life, but let me tell you why it was Tom Cochrane performs in tribute to Humboldt Broncos such a sad and tragic one in the hockey world. That morning we woke up Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter Tom Cochrane honours the to the heartbreaking news Jonathan Pitre had passed away. He was just Humboldt Broncos and those affected by the tragedy in Saskatchewan seventeen. with a special rendition of 'Big League'. If you’re not familiar with Jonathan Pitre, his story first came to In Canada’s hockey heartland, in Saskatchewan, in places named prominence in Canada in 2014 when the Ottawa Citizen wrote a story Humboldt, Nipawin, Estevan, the Battlefords, Weyburn, Melfort, Melville, about a hockey-loving teenager from Russell, Ontario, who had a rare Kindersley, and Wilcox, the Junior A teams are extensions of the but excruciatingly painful genetic skin condition known as epidermolysis communities. The players could be locals; they could be from far and bullosa (EB). Those born with EB, known as “Butterfly Children” because wide. The owners, the executives, the management, the coaches, the their skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, suffer painful blisters all over trainers, the players, the billet families, the sponsors, the media, the fans, their bodies. There’s currently no cure, and depending on the severity of the townspeople—they are, in a sense, all one. the condition, EB can be fatal. We in the hockey community are, in that same sense, all one, too, an The moment we got to know Jonathan Pitre, he became our hero. He extended family of sorts, especially when tough times hit, when tragedy loved sports, especially hockey and his favourite team was the Ottawa strikes and we don’t have to squint too hard to see how easily we could Senators, who embraced him as one of their own. He got to be an NHL be in walking in someone else’s shoes. For us, there’s supposed to be a scout for a day and spent time with the Senators’ management and certain sanctity and safety on a team bus. It’s where friendships and players. He effectively became an adopted member of the team and a families are forged, not where they come to a tragic end. Yet on that truly beloved member of the NHL community. fateful night, they did. The pain of the Humboldt tragedy transcended that In 2015, (TSN) produced and aired The Butterfly little prairie community because hockey people—Canadians all across Child, a touching yet difficult-to-watch documentary about Jonathan’s the vast land, in small communities and big cities, and in the NHL and every hockey league below it—know what it’s like to have your children on a bus, to chase their hockey dreams. So to see such a special tradition go horribly wrong on such a massive scale, well, no matter how far away from Humboldt you may find yourself, it hits close to home. Hits you hard.

Sleep, or any kind of peace, was difficult to come by that Friday night in April. It’s why I lay there awake, tossing and turning, unable to stop thinking of the courageous Jonathan Pitre and the sorrow his mom, Tina, must have been feeling, unable to shake the image of the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash, unable to stop thinking about all those young lives snuffed out and their grief-stricken family members experiencing such incredible loss but still very much alive, left to pick up the pieces of lives forever altered if not shattered.

After I finally did fall asleep for a few hours, I woke up the next morning and started looking for a little perspective and, damn, there it was: the bright light of inspiration among all that darkness.

Hope.

If you allow yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by what I sometimes refer to as the “infinite sadness” in life, but that’s where our heroes come in—those who in the face of terrible adversity strive for a better life, not just for themselves, but for others, too.

Jonathan Pitre, of course, understood this better than anyone. When asked if he thought about the future and the reality that EB sufferers often don’t live past thirty, Jonathan replied that he had, but he pushed it aside.

“Yes, I thought about it for sure,” he said. “I mean, how can’t you? It’s a reality. I’m here. I’m going to go step by step, day by day. You never know what’s going to happen. I could live to be one hundred. You can’t know. But I know I’m not going to stop anytime soon. I’m going to keep going.”

It’s amazing to me that at the age of fourteen, Jonathan was as wise as the great philosophers and emperors of ancient Greece and Rome.

I often think of the Latin phrase memento mori, which translates to “Remember you must die.” Far from being morbid, memento mori is the practice of taking the time to reflect on your own mortality so that you live life to the fullest. The great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose meditations are the foundation of Stoic philosophy, simply put it this way: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” Modern-day Stoics say, “Death doesn’t make life pointless but rather purposeful.”

We see this all the time when tragedy strikes. What starts as darkness, ends as light.

"Humboldt Strong. We Are All Broncos."

After the initial shock, horror, and grief of the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash, came an outpouring of care, generosity, and a truer sense of community. From the first responders, the passersby, and the hospital staff, who did whatever possible to help, to the grief-stricken families, who told the stories of their departed children, paying tribute to their lives, not their deaths, we saw strength and courage everywhere. We tried to do the same, as best we could. In the first week after the accident, upwards of $11 million were earmarked for Humboldt and the Broncos. A simple symbolic gesture of leaving a hockey stick out at the front door and the porch light on—Sticks Out for Humboldt—went viral. From throughout NHL to the little hamlets across the country and beyond, all these individual acknowledgments created an enormous swell of compassion and hope.

Humboldt Strong.

We Are All Broncos.

We were two years ago; we are now; we will be always.

TSN.CA LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182427 Websites there and hanging out with the kids and just kind of feeling like really we were a part of the family.”

“I always had a good time, and mini sticks got intense,” added Matthews. TSN.CA / Chemistry endures for Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and "The Apple watches were broken. It was always a good time.” Patrick Marleau 3. Who knows best?

On the call, several questions were posed to the players by a moderator Kristen Shilton about one another and they were made to answer, Newlywed Game- style, with written answers revealed all at once. And nearly all of them were unanimously correct.

It was just like old times for Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and Marleau’s wife, Christina, also popped in with a few questions of her own Mitch Marner on Monday, sitting down to chat with their close friend and for the group, including who was most likely to binge-watch the Netflix former teammate, Patrick Marleau. series Love is Blind (answer: Matthews).

Only this time, the conversation was happening over a Zoom conference Some of the other revelations: call set up by the NHL, as the league begins its fourth week on pause in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Marner’s favourite ice cream flavour is chocolate cookie dough, and he’s the most likely to be surviving on pizza. Matthews was deemed most The technological barrier didn’t do much to diminish the trio’s chemistry likely to run out of clean clothes the quickest with no help and who takes though, forged as it was over the two seasons they played together for the longest to get ready for dinner. Marleau was credited with most often the Leafs. paying for dinner on the road.

Checking in from their homes in San Jose (Marleau), Phoenix (Matthews) Generally, it’s the loser of the “credit card game” who gets stuck with the and Toronto (Marner), the three had plenty of fun tackling several rounds bill (that’s where all diners put their credit cards on the table and of the Newlywed Game and revealing how they’ve stayed busy since the whichever one is randomly selected gets the cheque), but to help stymie NHL’s stoppage. Marleau’s bad luck in that department, the trio devised another game, whereby whomever touched their phone to scroll through social media or 1. In good company text during dinner would be automatically saddled with payment Throughout the 30-minute video call, Marleau was joined in the frame at responsibilities. times by each of his four sons – Landon, Brody, Jagger and Caleb – as However, there still had to be another exception made to protect well as wife Christina. Marleau. “I'm not gonna lie, the homeschooling thing has been a little tough on “So we made a rule that the phone answer was allowed for Pat,” me,” Marleau said. “But it's been going good. This week they're off [for finished Marner. spring break], so it's a good week to take a break here and regroup for the next week of homeschooling.” 4. Blowing up with Bieber

Matthews, meanwhile, invited a friend to stay and isolate in Arizona at his Matthews’ burgeoning friendship with pop star Justin Bieber has off-season home. garnered plenty of headlines this last year, and did so again on Sunday when Matthews joined Bieber for an Instagram Live on how they’re “I'm in Phoenix right now, and [Leafs’ goaltender] Freddie Andersen's coping with self-isolation. here with me,” Matthews shared. “Just been kind of hanging out by the pool, just chilling and enjoying the sun for a bit.” “He just messaged me in the morning [on Sunday] and asked if I wanted to go on Instagram Live with him,” Matthews explained. “I don't have At Marner’s place in Toronto, he and his girlfriend are holed up with their much going on right now, so I was like, 'Yeah, no problem.' We talk every puppy, watching TV shows and taking walks along a pathway. once in a while, he's a pretty busy guy, so I try not to really bother him But it started getting a little chaotic there during the call, when Marner’s too much but obviously it's been pretty sweet to get to know him and dog needed some attention and, of all things, his landline phone started spend time, just kick it and have fun.” to ring in the middle of Marleau answering a question, forcing Matthews Asked how many goals he thinks Bieber could score on St. Louis Blues to playfully chastise him with a, “Mitch, please!” netminder Jordan Binnington, who he is expected to face in a shooting “I've been here for like three weeks, I've never heard that once,” Marner contest for charity at some point, Matthews is optimistic about his new pleaded. “I thought it was one (of) you guys. I don't know what that was. pal’s chances. Sorry, Pat.” “I think he gets at least one,” Matthews said. “Like I think he can score “It was gonna be an epic answer, but it's totally gone now,” Marleau one.” replied. “I don't even know what I was talking about.” 5. Ready for a return 2. Playing the hits While Matthews and Marner are both in their fourth season with the By now, the story of how Marleau bonded so tightly with two players half Leafs, Marleau was barely getting used to playing for the Pittsburgh his age has become part of recent Leafs’ lore. And the three of them Penguins when the NHL went on pause. were happy to hash out the feel-good tale one more time. Marleau was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Penguins at “[Marleau] was pretty quiet the first couple weeks [he was a Leaf], he February’s trade deadline, and is eager to get back to work with his new didn't really talk to me at all, he was avoiding me,” Matthews recalled. club. “And then on one of our first road trips, I don't even know who I went to “The short amount of time I spent there was great,” Marleau said. “The dinner with, but then when I got back [to my hotel room], [Marleau] was in guys were great, and it was just a great opportunity for myself to get Mitch's bed with Mitch and waiting for me and we were gonna watch a another shot at winning a Stanley Cup with the Penguins. Everything’s movie and it was Cars 3. And then it became like a tradition, every road been great with the organization, they've been helpful every step of the trip we'd put on a movie and order dessert.” way. Looking forward to getting out of the house and getting back to The relationship would eventually come to include many visits to the normal and get out there and start playing again.” Marleau homestead in Toronto, where his four boys gave Marner and Marner echoed that sentiment, and said the Leafs should be using this Matthews all they could handle in mini stick battles. time to reflect on their own play before the NHL’s stoppage. Like the “Every time we went after [the first time], we brought an extra pair of Penguins, Toronto sits third in its division, with a chance still ahead to clothes and some shorts and T-shirts because we knew we were going to participate in whatever form of playoffs the league may be able to get all sweaty playing mini sticks for hours,” Marner said. “So, I think orchestrate this summer. that's where the relationship really started is when we started going over “[Frustration] is high, but there's bigger things than hockey and that's people's lives…staying safe,” Marner said. “I think [the Leafs] were in a little bit of an up- and-down roller coaster ride there for the last couple of weeks [of the season], so I think this is a good time for us to settle down, realize that we had the potential and the team that could do some great things. Our team has been talking a lot. It’s a frustrating time to have this break but I think everyone's just trying to stay ready for that playoff push.”

TSN.CA LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182428 Websites Brons and Chris Joseph, the ex-NHLer who lost his son, Jaxon, in the crash, are members of the organization’s board. Safer Roads made headway last year in the form of a petition for federally mandated minimum training. It was set to be read in the House of Commons, but TSN.CA / Humboldt Broncos’ families continue work for positive change the session in Parliament closed in May, 2019 and the initiative hasn’t been taken up again in Ottawa.

“We’re trying to get something passed across Canada, where truck driver Frank Seravalli is a profession, a certification,” Brons said. “You shouldn’t get to start out in a flat bed. How is it possible that being a truck driver has less training required than a hairdresser?” At approximately 4:50 p.m. on Monday, the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Humboldt, Sask., will toll its bells to mark the second The driver of the semi that slammed into the Broncos’ bus, Jaskirat Singh anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Sidhu, said the crash “happened because of my lack of experience” on the day he was sentenced to eight years in prison for killing 16 and A small gathering was planned, but during this time of self-isolation and injuring 13 others. social distancing, Humboldt has encouraged all citizens to observe a moment of silence at the same time, no matter where they may be. Brons said the Broncos’ accident has opened up her eyes to “loopholes” in Canada’s transport laws. Not only are records not kept at the federal “It’s been two years,” said Carol Brons, who lost her daughter, Dayna, level, Brons said, but the standards set by the government are up to each the Broncos’ athletic therapist, in the accident. “Some days it feels like province to enact and enforce, which is far from uniform. yesterday, some days it feels like 10 years ago. Our lives have changed so dramatically.” “We’ve become complacent. Too much of this is reactive, not a lot of it is proactive,” Brons said. “We have people’s attention because of the Two years later, the hearts of the Broncos’ families still ache with a pain magnitude of the Broncos’ crash, but the sad part is this happens every that will never subside. But this second anniversary is also a reminder of day across Canada.” the incredible work they do, focusing their powerful voices to make positive change out of the tragedy. Green Shirt Day: The Logan Boulet Effect

“We have been overwhelmed, time and time again, that the world has Two years after Logan Boulet heroically saved six lives, the Logan Boulet really come to our doorstep,” said Celeste Leray-Leicht, whose son, Effect is working to save potentially thousands more. Jacob, died in the accident. “We would just like to pay it forward.” The third Green Shirt Day will be held on Tuesday, a day that Here are three initiatives, led by the Broncos’ families, born out of the encourages people around the continent to wear a green shirt – any April 6, 2018 crash: shade of green – for organ donor awareness and registration. Logan, then 21, signed his organ donor card just weeks before the accident. Northern Lights Movement For Kids “This has exploded. It’s become way bigger than we ever thought it Two days after the crash, on the morning Leray-Leicht was gathering her would be,” said Bernie Boulet, Logan’s mother. “Green Shirt Day has family to drive to Saskatoon to visit Jacob’s body at the morgue, the idea blossomed in a short period of time.” became clear to her. The exact statistics are difficult to pinpoint, but Bernie said that since the “We were in complete shock. I had been praying to God, looking for crash, more than 300,000 Canadians have registered to become organ some purpose,” Leray-Leicht said Sunday. “It became quite clear to me, donors. That increase included a dramatic spike in April last year around [Northern Lights] is where we’ll focus.” Green Shirt Day.

Leray-Leicht is a teacher in Humboldt. Two months before the crash, she “It’s about having people register, but it’s really about what I call the had begun attempting to connect her students with First Nations youth in ‘kitchen table talk,’ and that is to find out your loved one’s wishes,” Bernie northern Saskatchewan, an idea that sprung from another tragedy, a said. “It’s one less thing to worry about in a time of tragedy. Tell your shooting spree in La Loche, Sask. family, be inspired. Every person who registers and talks about it, something like four more people register. It spreads like a ripple across a When support poured in from across the country – especially from First lake.” Nations communities – it cemented the idea for Northern Lights Movement for Kids, an initiative to encourage indigenous and non- Bernie said it would have been easy for the Boulets to “shut our doors, indigenous youth to connect with each other. close our blinds, do nothing and be introverted.” But Logan’s incredible legacy, living on in others, has given the Boulet family a purpose to keep “There are lots of indigenous people who are grief stricken often,” Leray- sharing his story. Leicht said. “I hate the idea of others suffering. I was really personally moved by the 2016 shooting [in La Loche] and I have faith and hope in “We have a voice and we want to use this situation to find positives,” kids that we can do really good things to build from so many negatives.” Bernie said. “This has helped honour him, and it’s been very helpful in our whole grieving process. More than 4,000 people in Canada are From Celeste Leray-Leicht (momlerayleicht) on Instagram. Captioned: waiting for organs, and each person that registers represents hope.” "Thank you NLSD#113 and GSCS for helping our students build relationships, make connections and serve others so students can be the TSN.CA LOADED: 04.07.2020 leaders they’re meant to be!"

Leray-Leicht said Northern Lights was originally designed to have students trade letters or postcards like pen pals, but during this time of physical distancing, the goal is to connect youth of all ages on social media.

“I’m here to learn. This has gotten me into a better headspace, out of my comfort zone,” Leray-Leicht said. “I know that Jacob’s wings are giving me strength.”

Safer Roads Canada

A number of Broncos families – including the Brons, Joseph, Hunter and Thomas families – have banded together as part of Safer Roads Canada to advocate for change in licensing and training in the country’s commercial trucking industry.

“We needed to put our energy somewhere,” Carol Brons said. “This seemed to be a good fit. This gives us focus.” 1182429 Websites see should have a corresponding long-term reduction in starting goaltender pay. (Alternatively, teams with space may choose less proportional investment in their skater group.)

TSN.CA / Yost: The shift away from workhorse goaltenders continues All of this is worth keeping in mind as we prepare for an off-season where goaltenders will be available in spades.

TSN.CA LOADED: 04.07.2020 Travis Yost

Here is a number that might surprise you: across the entire National Hockey League, only two goaltenders have played in 75 per cent or more of their team’s games during the 2019-20 season. That list includes Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck – the presumptive Vezina Trophy favourite after another Herculean season – and Montreal’s Carey Price.

It has been a quiet evolution, but teams continue to shy away from workhorse goaltenders, and that trend furthered itself this season. It’s not for the lack of investment – NHL teams committed $240 million to goaltenders playing at least one game this season, or just under $8- million per team.

So, what has changed? We looked at this a year ago and the prevailing theories were relatively straightforward: teams are more cognizant about the value of rest (or, to borrow from the National Basketball Association, “load management”) for starting goaltenders, and are certainly more aware about the adverse role fatigue and workload can play when it comes to injuries.

Combine that with an influx of talent – the European system has continued to produce NHL-calibre goaltenders in swathes – and you have the foundation for a strategic long-term shift.

I mentioned that this trend has strengthened over the past few years. If we assume that the 2019-20 regular season is complete, then we have our first non-lockout season in which starting goaltenders around the league played less than 60 per cent of total minutes league-wide. (The second table shows each team by year, and yes, that is Martin Brodeur playing 93 per cent of New Jersey’s minutes during the 2007-08 season.)

That is a meaningful shift, and something that has ramifications well beyond simple game-to-game coaching strategy.

Some teams are still paying starting goaltenders handsomely – we aren’t a year removed from the Florida Panthers giving Sergei Bobrovsky a $70-million contract, as one example. But other teams have started to shift their investments, deprioritizing finding the next blue-chip goaltender and instead looking at ways to find multiple capable goaltenders at perhaps a fraction of the cost.

Let’s look at some of the teams who went into a heavy platoon this season. Five clubs – the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators – all saw heavily balanced usage at the goaltender position. Compare that to the teams a standard deviation above normal usage rate and compare the performance accordingly:

Teams that went into the season with an expectation of platooning a couple (or, in the Rangers’ case, three) spent about two per cent less against the salary cap than teams with the opposing strategy, and in the process stopped shots more effectively.

Save percentage isn’t a perfect unilateral measure of goaltender performance though, and some teams are obviously situated to make decisions that other clubs can’t – the Winnipeg Jets have the best goaltender in the league on a team-friendly contract, and maximizing his utilization is the best path to a postseason berth.

In this case, I suspect a second front office trend will follow the preceding coaching trend. As teams willingly play starting goaltenders less, premiums will rise for capable backups and platoon options.

Think about what happened in places like Toronto and Vegas this year – two preseason Stanley Cup favourites that were on shaky ground for stretches because the backup situation was miserable. Not surprisingly, both teams paid a mid-season premium to find capable backups in Jack Campbell and Robin Lehner respectively.

In other words: barring the obvious exceptions in cities like Winnipeg, teams are going to need to hold back a little more cap space than they historically would have for platoon/backup options. But pay is a zero-sum game in a hard-cap league, and the contractual bump these players will 1182430 Websites

USA TODAY / Predators coach John Hynes moves family, stays busy during NHL 'pause'

Paul Skrbina, Published 7:18 p.m. CT April 6, 2020

No play hasn't meant no work for Predators coach John Hynes.

He's has had plenty of things other than work to keep him busy during the NHL's "pause" of the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He's closed on a house in the Nashville area. Moved his wife and three daughters from New Jersey.

But he hasn't spent the last three-plus weeks only unloading his life from boxes and avoiding appearing in his teenage daughters' TikTok videos.

He's also used the downtime to study his new team. To talk with general manager David Poile on a near-daily basis. To talk with his coaches twice a week via teleconference. To talk with fellow coaches from around the league three times a week. To work on preparing his team, from afar, for what he hopes is the resumption of the season.

The Predators are clinging to the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference as the season hangs in the balance. Hynes has been on the job just a few short months.

The time he's spent with his team has been valuable, he said.

But so, too, has the time away. He said the coaching staff communicates regularly with players.

"We have tried to give players some space, but we also want to keep in communication with them," Hynes said Monday during a video conference call with local media. "We've gone through a pretty thorough process with our coaching staff. We've gone through every single player on our team. We've got everyone's strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, what type of person they are, how they fit in our culture."

The Predators are 16-11-1 under Hynes. He constantly was preaching the importance of mental fortitude.

He said he thinks the Predators were "going in the right direction right before the pause."

They had won three in a row, tying their longest such streak this season.

Still, Hynes understands that instilling his style and system is going to take time. He's using this time to try to better understand his players, who haven't been on the ice much, if at all, since the pause.

"It was always going to be fairly difficult to get tactically exactly where you want to be when you come in midseason," he said. "A couple things that helped us get in the right direction ... was our mental toughness, our camaraderie. It grew over the course of time.

"The way we were trending and the way we were playing and the things inside the locker room ... there was some really strong cohesion starting to build. Unfortunately, we weren't able to finish it off yet."

Yet.

With the status of the season up in the air — and different scenarios, such as going straight to the playoffs if and when it does resume — Hynes said he trusts the NHL will do the right thing, what "makes the most sense for the league."

"I just know that for the Nashville Predators, if it does come back, we're going to play some high-stakes hockey. ... We just need to make sure we're prepared to get back — if it does get back."

USA TODAY LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182431 World Leagues News Formula 1 decided to postpone all the races until further notice and they have officially canceled the GP of China, Australia, Bahrain and Monaco. The decision was taken after a team member from McLaren tested positive for Covid-19. The International Day of Sport during the coronavirus pandemic Nascar

Nascar decided to postpone all races until May 3 of this year and decided Rodrigo Serrano to start the season by doing virtual races like many other sports have done during this pandemic. Estados Unidos Hockey Update: 07/04/2020 06:15 NHL decided to postpone all activities until further notice and it is one of

the few leagues that has not tested positive for Covid-19 according to the The International Day of Sport during the coronavirus pandemic commissioner Gary Betmann.

On April 6 everyone usually celebrates the International Day of Sport but LOADED: 04.07.2020 this year would be remembered forever because of the coronavirus pandemic every athlete remains in self-isolation and all sporting events have been postponed.

Health comes first and for now we have to wait when all sporting events on pause we will inform you when they could return once this pandemic is over.

Soccer

UEFA confirmed that all competitions under their organization will be postponed until further notice. The Euro Cup was going to be held this summer but was rescheduled for 2021. The Champions League and Europa League are expected to continue around June-July. Only Belarus decided not to suspend their league amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On the other side of the world, the Copa America that was going to be held this summer in Paraguay was postponed until further notice. The is also deciding what day they can return to continue their tournament as well as the Liga MX in Mexico. Also all the major leagues in South America have concluded so they don’t have a scheduling conflict.

Baseball

Major League Baseball decided to postpone the beginning of their season until further notice. The baseball league in Japan is expected to return at the end of April and the Mexican baseball league are planning to return as early as May 11.

NFL

The is one of the few sports that has not been affected by the coronavirus pandemic because they are currently in off- season. The league starts until September 5 and they should begin with no problems.

The only event in the NFL that might be affected by the pandemic is the 2020 draft that 's scheduled at the end of April in Las Vegas, Nevada so this year under special circumstances it might be done virtually.

On the other hand, the Mexican Football League had barely started their season but had to be postponed because Mexico is entering phase 3 of the coronavirus pandemic.

Basketball

The National Basketball League was in mid-season when they decided to suspend it due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was taken when Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for Covid-19 a day after being irresponsible with the virus and he licked the microphones on the table of the press conference.

Olympic Games

The Olympic Games were going to be held this summer in Tokyo but the committee decided to postpone them until next year due to the pandemic. This event already has a date schedule and should start on July 23, 2021.

Tennis

The ATP and the WTA suspended all masters and Grand Slams and are set to return on July 13, 2020. They also announced that Wimbledon was cancelled this year as well as the Indian Wells masters amongst others.

Formula 1 1182432 World Leagues News

MLB, MLBPA discuss starting 2020 season as soon as May with all games in Arizona, per reports

Dayn Perry

1 hr ago •

It's not certain when the 2020 MLB season will get underway because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although it remains possible that no 2020 season will be played, the hope remains that some kind of abbreviated campaign will be possible once we're past the peak of the virus in the U.S. and Canada.

It's a fluid situation, and as such MLB and the players' union (MLBPA) are remaining fluid in their discussions. According to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press, one idea that emerged in recent discussions is to play all games in Arizona -- the Phoenix area in particular -- at least for the start of the season. Blum writes: "Ideas are still in the early stage, and the Arizona option would have many obstacles to overcome," the people familiar with the discussions said.

In addition to having a number of major league spring training facilities in the area, Phoenix also has Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. So there's an abundance of usable facilities, all mostly within close proximity to each other. Several teams also have spring training in Florida, but the complexes are far more spread out than they are in Arizona.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports on several additional details. Most notably, sources tell Passan that the season could start as early as May -- but with a June return date perhaps being more practical -- and he confirms that all games would take place in the Phoenix area. More from Passan:

Players, coaching staffs and other essential personnel would be sequestered at local hotels, where they would live in relative isolation and travel only to and from the stadium, sources said. Federal officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institute of Health have been supportive of a plan that would adhere to strict isolation, promote social distancing and allow MLB to become the first professional sport to return.

According to Passan, use of an electronic strike zone may also be considered in order for the plate umpire to be able to maintain some semblance of "social distancing." Also, players could be asked to sit apart from each other in the stands as opposed to being confined together in dugouts. Passan's story has many more compelling details on the potential plan, so do give it a full read.

Among states, Arizona at this writing has the 22nd most confirmed cases of COVID-19, which means it's not presently a "hot spot." That status could of course change, but if it remains on the lower side of the spectrum then this idea could become more viable. Whatever the case, MLB and the MLBPA must first agree to such a framework and then proceed to determine that it's workable, all while having events and timelines dictated by the trends of the pandemic. Suffice it to say, much has to happen before this or any other plan can be put into action.

Although MLB and the MLBA, per their agreement, have a stated preference for playing games in front of fans and only after public health officials have approved such gatherings, those preconditions might not allow a season of any length to happen. That's why both sides have also agreed that playing games at neutral sites in front of no fans is a possibility, and that would be required in order to see the "Arizona plan" through.

Players and owners obviously have heavy financial incentives to play as much of a season as possible -- even if it means no gate receipts -- which explains the openness to unconventional arrangements. Playing every team's games in Arizona, at least for the early part of the schedule, certainly qualifies as unconventional.

CBS Sports LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182433 World Leagues News

Coronavirus closes casinos, but some sports books are still betting

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Nobody would have given odds on this.

Inside the glittering casinos that line the , the slot machines were turned off and the sportsbooks were dark. On what would have been the biggest Monday of the year for bookies, not a dollar changed hands.

No big national championship game bets, no wagers on Tiger Woods to win the Masters. No sports means no action, even for the most hardcore gamblers.

About the only thing degenerate sports bettors could do was go online and find a Russian table tennis match to put their money on.

“Russian ping-pong has stolen the show,” said Nick Bogdanovich of the William Hill betting chain. “You can’t even find it streaming anywhere to watch, but people are betting on it.”

It was only weeks ago that sportsbooks were looking forward to their biggest March Madness ever. With sports betting exploding across the country, records would likely have been set at the betting windows and Monday’s scheduled title game would have drawn tens of millions of dollars on both sides, no matter which teams were playing.

Oddsmaker Jay Kornegay would be in the middle of it all at the Westgate Las Vegas, one of the most popular sportsbooks to watch March Madness. But the massive hotel, like all others in Las Vegas, is closed because of the new coronavirus and the huge televisions in the sportsbook are dark.

“It’s very eerie, something you would never think you would see in your lifetime,” Kornegay said. “Sometimes it hits you real hard when you’re walking through the hotel and you don’t see a soul. I can walk through the entire property and not see one human being.”

Just how much is bet on the NCAA Tournament is not clear because Nevada gambling authorities don’t break the figure out. But bettors wagered $495 million on basketball in March last year in Nevada alone, and the Final Four weekend itself draws big action.

“The Super Bowl is the biggest single-day event we have, but March Madness is the biggest using different measuring sticks,” Kornegay said. “We handle more people, we handle more tickets. The money, if you take the first four days of the tournament, will surpass the handle on the Super Bowl.”

While all the city’s sportsbooks are closed, a few like William Hill are still taking bets online. That means searching for sports that are still going on and might tempt bettors to make a wager or two.

Russian table tennis is the surprise hit, but sumo wrestling has been getting some action, too. There’s also virtual NASCAR racing, with William Hill taking about 400 bets on Sunday’s race at virtual Bristol Motor Speedway, won by William Byron.

“We lost a little on that, but at least we wrote some tickets,” Bogdanovich said. “It helped me get through an hour and a half of the day, for sure.”

At the South Point hotel, they’re not even bothering with that. Oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro said it didn’t make much sense to offer betting online when only obscure sports in faraway places are available to wager on.

Instead, Vaccaro is hunkering down at home, running an occasional errand, and waiting for the day when bettors with handfuls of cash stand in line again and debate with the person behind them on whether to lay the points in the national title game.

For now, though, there isn’t much to talk about, even for the normally voluble bookie.

“It’s no good,” Vaccaro said. “That’s all I can tell you.”

FOX News LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182434 World Leagues News Indeed, the governors of two of the country’s largest states — California and New York, which together host more than 20 teams in the five largest leagues — said they were skeptical of the president’s timeline.

Despite Trump’s Optimism, Lack of Sports Could Extend Into the Fall “I’m not anticipating that happening in this state,” Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said Saturday after the president spoke. “One has to be very cautious here, one has to be careful not to over promise.”

By Ken Belson and Marc Stein Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said he, too, will rely on guidance from medical experts. Published April 6, 2020 “I would love to see sports back, help with cabin fever,” he said on Updated April 7, 2020, 12:22 a.m. ET Sunday. “But this is not about hopes and dreams and aspirations and what you would like to see. None of us like being here. Follow the data, follow the science, let the professional doctors, health care professionals Although President Trump has expressed optimism that sports leagues tell you when it’s safe to reopen and that’s when you reopen.” could resume play “sooner than later,” sports leaders have been planning for a longer postponement of games and events, extending into the fall Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, whose family owns a minor-league baseball and possibly later. team, told 850 ESPN Cleveland radio that “we’ll be lucky” to have professional baseball games played by July. “What complicates it is that After meeting with the commissioners of several major sports leagues on every state is at a different phase of this,” he said. “To play a national Saturday, Mr. Trump discussed resuming sports in August, ESPN sport like baseball, you’re going to have to get out of this, I guess, about reported, though Mr. Trump later told reporters at the White House, “I everywhere.” can’t tell you a date, but I think it’s going to be sooner rather than later.” Epidemiologists have warned that even when the number of new cases “I want fans back in the arenas,” he said at the White House, adding, “As starts to fall, travel barriers and curbs on gatherings in many places could soon as we can, obviously.’’ persist until a vaccine or a treatment is found. The risk otherwise is a resurgence, given the prevalence of asymptomatic people who might Still, a range of sports leaders and public officials have cast doubt on unknowingly carry the virus. normalcy returning anytime soon, and even fall events face uncertainty over concerns that a renewal of mass gatherings could undermine any Amid the uncertainty about when it will be safe to resume play, leagues gains made in the fight against the pandemic by then. and tournaments continue to come up with contingencies. The N.F.L. could delay the start of training camp and eliminate some or all of its The N.F.L., which is scheduled to conduct its annual draft from April 23 to preseason games and bye weeks to hold the Super Bowl, as scheduled, 25 by videoconference, has said it is focused on not altering the regular on Feb. 7, 2021, one N.F.L. owner said. season, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10. But some team owners say there is a good chance the international games in London and In college sports, the Pac-12 Conference will be guided by two factors: Mexico City will be moved back to the United States, and one owner what public health and state officials say and what activities are allowed raised the possibility that the season could be reduced from 16 games to on campuses, a conference official said. For example, if students are not as few as 10. sitting in classrooms, players will not be sitting in meeting rooms.

An N.F.L. spokesman, Brian McCarthy, said the league’s decisions will Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour told reporters in a conference be “guided by the latest advice from medical and public health officials, call last week that she thought if players could safely return 60 days as well as current and future government regulations.” before the first game — essentially by around July 1 — then the season could proceed as scheduled. An N.C.A.A. spokesman declined to The N.F.L.’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, was more definitive. respond to Mr. Trump’s assertion that sports were likely to return this “As long as we’re still in a place where when a single individual tests summer. positive for the virus that you have to quarantine every single person who The N.B.A. has explored bringing all the teams to Las Vegas to play was in contact with them in any shape, form or fashion, then I don’t think games without fans, akin to the G League Showcase it stages there you can begin to think about reopening a team sport,” Sills told NFL.com every December or its Summer League model. last week. “Because we’re going to have positive cases for a very long time.” But there are doubts about how the league could oversee a safe and effective quarantine for the players, coaches and the dozens, and The N.B.A. and N.H.L., which were deep into their 2019-20 seasons perhaps hundreds, of other people needed to operate the games. The before they were suspended last month, may be unable to finish their players would also need at least a month to get into playing shape after seasons because the cities they play in have restrictions on nonessential such a sudden and long layoff. Josh Hart of the Pelicans travel and because of the difficulty of acquiring enough test kits to ensure said it was “just too hard” for the N.B.A. to resume operations “any time the safety of the players, team staffs and workers in arenas. Mike Bass, a in the next two, three, four months.” spokesman for the N.B.A., which would have started its postseason on April 18, said, “Any decision on a date to restart the season is likely The N.H.L., which also was close to finishing its regular season, is weeks away and will be made in consultation with public health experts checking with teams about the availability of arenas through August and and in line with governmental directives and guidance.” other logistics to see if there is a chance to reschedule games.

Major League Soccer, which had started its regular season, and Major Some organizations have already adjusted their calendars. On Monday, League Baseball, which had its spring training interrupted, are looking at golf’s governing bodies rescheduled the Masters tournament, the United truncated schedules. Both leagues have also contemplated playing States Open and the P.G.A. Championship and canceled a fourth men’s games in empty stadiums, though it is unclear how risky that might be to major championship, the British Open. And the W.N.B.A. had already players and to employees who produce the games. Officials in both postponed the start of its regular season, which was to begin on May 15. leagues said they prefer to play with fans in the seats. Three weeks ago, moving the major spring marathons to September and Navarro warned in January that a pandemic could imperil the lives of October seemed prudent. Now, a Sept. 14 date for the Boston Marathon millions of Americans. (normally held in April), and a Nov. 1 date for the Marathon look curious, though neither event has announced any change China reports no new virus deaths for the first time since January. from those dates. Either way, sports leagues and tournaments say they will let the advice of Chris Weiller, a spokesman for New York Road Runners, said, “It’s falling medical experts, not the president, guide their decisions on when to on the organizers to make decisions ahead of the direction of resume play. government.” “I hope so,” Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, said Major League Soccer, whose teams played two games before being shut Monday when asked about Trump’s “sooner rather than later” forecast. down on March 12, has flexibility to move the M.L.S. Cup final back to “But I won’t do anything that doesn’t put the safety of our employees and Dec. 19 because it reorganized its schedule last season to trim its playoff customers first. Nothing is more important than their health.” format and move up its championship by one month. The N.F.L. and M.L.S. are reluctant to play games in empty stadiums. But M.L.B., which was deep into spring training before it shut down, is willing to play without fans so games are at least televised.

Even without fans, the league would have to find enough coronavirus tests for the players, coaches, trainers, support staff, television production crews and other personnel. The league would need the approval of the players’ union if it chooses to play in empty stadiums.

The league has no plans to cancel big chunks of the season. Rather, it would cancel small pieces as it goes along. The league is also considering playing at neutral sites for regular season and postseason games.

New York Times LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182435 World Leagues News hope, serve to entertain and inspire golf fans around the world. We are grateful to our respective partners, sponsors and players, who have allowed us to make decisions – some of them, very tough decisions – in order to move the game and the industry forward. Revised golf schedule has no British Open, a November Masters and potential PGA Tour return in May “We want to reiterate that Augusta National Golf Club, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, The R&A and USGA collectively value the health and well-being of everyone, within the game of golf and beyond, above all else. We encourage everyone to follow all responsible Adam Schupak, Published 2:27 p.m. CT April 6, 2020 precautions and make effort to remain healthy and safe.”

Golfweek LOADED: 04.07.2020 In an attempt to salvage a season severely disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, golf’s leaders released details of a revised schedule Monday with the British Open being canceled altogether and a shift in dates for the remaining three majors.

The 84th Masters, which was supposed to be played this week at Augusta National Golf Club, has been re-scheduled for Nov. 9-15 in Augusta, Georgia.

“We hope the anticipation of staging the Masters Tournament in the fall brings a moment of joy to the Augusta community and all those who love the sport,” said Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley.

Instead, the PGA Championship will become the season’s first major. It is still expected to be contested at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco and has been pushed back to Aug. 6-9. The PGA had been played in mid- August for many years before relocating to May last year as part of a schedule change to finish the season before football began. To accommodate the PGA, the Wyndham Championship has shifted back one week to Aug 13-16, and the trio of FedEx Cup playoff events have also been delayed one week, with the Tour Championship in Atlanta now scheduled for Sept 4-7.

The U.S. Open, which was originally to be held at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York from June 15-18, will now be played Sept. 17- 20, the week before the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, which remains intact.

“We are hopeful that postponing the championship will offer us the opportunity to mitigate health and safety issues while still providing us with the best opportunity to conduct the U.S. Open this year,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA.

The USGA also announced that the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open have been canceled.

“It’s a crazy puzzle,” PGA Tour pro Graeme McDowell said in late March. “I can’t imagine how much time the tours have spent figuring out a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D.”

The R&A announced it has canceled the 149th British Open, scheduled for July 16-19 at Royal St. George’s in England. It will be played there the week of July 11-18, 2021. The 150th Open will be played at St Andrews from 10-17 July 2022.

“Like everybody I’m very sad and disappointed that the R&A has canceled The Open,” reigning champion Shane Lowry said in a video tweet. “You can trust me when I say the Claret Jug is going to be in safe hands for another year.”

The PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship after the opening round on March 12 and later canceled or postponed all tournaments through the PGA Championship, which originally was supposed to be played May 14-17.

The Tour did not confirm whether there would be any further postponements. As of now, the season is expected to resume with the Charles Schwab Championship, May 21-24, but it did state in the joint release that it will seek to reschedule tournaments into the weeks formerly occupied by the U.S. Open, The Open Championship and the Men’s Olympic golf competition in June and July.

The Tour will make further announcements about this potential, as well as its fall schedule, in the coming weeks.

“This is a difficult and challenging time for everyone coping with the effects of this pandemic. We remain very mindful of the obstacles ahead, and each organization will continue to follow the guidance of the leading public health authorities, conducting competitions only if it is safe and responsible to do so,” golf’s governing bodies and tours said in a joint statement. “In recent weeks, the global golf community has come together to collectively put forward a calendar of events that will, we 1182436 World Leagues News

Coronavirus: NBA partners with Knicks and Nets to contribute one million masks to New York's essential workers

Jasmyn Wimbish

Apr 6, 2020 at 12:08 pm ET

The NBA, like the rest of the country, is still at a standstill with the coronavirus continuously spreading across the United States. Major league sports commissioners spoke with President Donald Trump on a conference call Saturday afternoon, but it provided no real insight on when leagues can pick back up and start playing again. However, there are much bigger concerns right now than when professional basketball games can resume.

Healthcare workers and other people who have been deemed essential employees across the country are putting their lives on the line everyday by showing up to work without the proper personal protective equipment. Cities continue to fight for resources to combat the spread of COVID-19, and no place has felt the brunt of this pandemic more than New York. As of early Monday afternoon, New York has 130,689 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and hospitals are continuing to run low on supplies. In response to the growing need of equipment in New York, the NBA, in partnership with the Knicks and Nets, decided to donate one million surgical masks to first responders in the state. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo thanked the league on Twitter.

In addition to donating masks, Nets owner Joe Tsai was also part of a group that donated 1,000 ventilators to New York that arrived on Saturday. Throughout this pandemic, teams in the league has contributed in some way to help those who have been affected by COVID-19. Franchises have put plans in place to help pay for the salaries of the employees at their respective arenas, while players have chipped in by paying out of pocket for salaries, providing meals for hospital workers and donating supplies.

The NBA has stepped up in a significant way to help those in their communities, and right now, that's what's needed while millions of Americans wait to see when a sense of normalcy returns.

CBS Sports LOADED: 04.07.2020 1182437 World Leagues News Indeed, the logistics of simply holding a game would be staggering. And playing in one might be a risk that even NFL players won’t want to take.

Everyone from players to the ball boy in a locker room would have to be Dahlberg: Coronavirus will make the timeline for sports, too tested, that’s a given. But the tests would have to be plentiful and they would have to be instantaneous. Everyone would need to be tested at least once a week, at minimum, and even that might not be enough.

Tim Dahlberg And if someone tests positive, then what? Do you cancel the game? The season? Does an entire team go into quarantine just as the playoffs Apr 6, 2020 at 9:48a ET near?

And what if the governor of one state won’t allow games even as the The unthinkable, at least for sports fans, already has happened. governor of another does?

The games, as we know them, are shut down. We’ll never know if San There’s too much that isn’t known to even take the risk. And in California, Diego State was a Final Four contender or if Tiger Woods would have where three NFL teams play and a new $5 billion stadium is nearing defended his green jacket at the Masters. completion in Los Angeles, Gov. Gavin Newsom is already on the record as expressing skepticism the season will open on time. There was no Opening Day in baseball. The odds are increasingly good there will be no Stanley Cup Final or NBA champion in the year 2020. “I’m not anticipating that happening in this state,” Newsom said.

And now it’s time to consider the unimaginable, at least when it comes to A statement like that would have been unthinkable just a month or so fun and games as we once knew them: No college football this fall. No ago. But as the death count rises, the idea of an NFL season this year Super Bowl next February. No sports at all. will seem even more fanciful a month from now.

Not as long as the new coronavirus keeps killing people across the The virus will make the timeline, as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. country. government’s foremost infection disease expert, has been saying to anyone who will listen. Presumably, the commissioners of this country’s major sports leagues already know that. They understand the kind of things — immediate Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly possible that timeline won’t widespread testing tops the list — that would have to happen to allow include any more games this year. play to begin again. LOADED: 04.07.2020 If not, a brief review of what the chief medical officer of the NFL told Barry Wilner of The Associated Press is in order.

Read between the lines — actually, just read the lines — and the prospects of an NFL season later this year seem bleak, no matter how much the president of the United States would like to see sports come back quickly.

“We have got to get a much better handle on the actual spread of this virus and how many new cases there are,” said Dr. Allen Sills, a neurosurgeon who has been with the NFL since 2017. “How it is transmitted and how we can mitigate it. We have to get to the point that when someone is tested as positive to the virus that does not mean an immediate quarantine. If that is the case, you can’t think about opening up a team sport.”

That is not how President Donald Trump sees it. He convened a conference call of major sports leaders on Saturday to give them a pep talk on sports coming back and indicated he would like to see it happen by September which, not coincidentally, is the scheduled start of the NFL season.

“I want fans back in the arenas,” Trump said later in a briefing at the White House. “I think it’s … whenever we’re ready. As soon as we can, obviously. And the fans want to be back, too. They want to see basketball and baseball and football and hockey. They want to see their sports.”

On that, most everyone can agree, no matter their political persuasion. Sports offers a pleasant diversion in ordinary life, and it becomes even more important during a time of crisis.

It’s why baseball continued during World War II. It’s why the NFL played two days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and why both Major League Baseball and the NFL rushed to get back on the field in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

The new coronavirus, though, is as sneaky as it is deadly. Even experts have a hard time figuring out the different ways it spreads and how to protect against it.

And no amount of banging on the bully pulpit is going to stop it from coming to a stadium or arena near you.

Imagine going to an NFL game in September. Do they scan your forehead when they scan your ticket? Will you have to present evidence of a negative virus test? Do you really want to sit next to a stranger and worry for three hours about what he or she might be carrying?

The beer lines would be scary and waiting to use the urinal even more frightening. 1182438 World Leagues News Check out this subtweet to an MSN post about an anti-parasitic drug that has been found to kill covid-19 in the lab within 48 hours.

In lab in a Petri dish. Nothing shown in vivo (within the living) Tim Benz: Coronavirus may be ruining sports world. Does it have to ruin — chris (@rxmeds96) April 5, 2020 our hope? Here’s my suggestion to news organizations all over world. No more

stories about progress. Scrap any headline about science on the path to Tim Benz a cure. Cease answering questions about when normalcy may arrive.

Just give me the infection rates. Scare me silly with the death totals. Tell me how covid-19 is going to last so long it’s going to prevent us from I’m no longer simply bored with the coronavirus-induced sports desert of having Christmas trees. the moment. Yup, that’s the good stuff! That’s what everyone wants. I’m now in full-blown depression. We all need an attitude enema. Is that an elective procedure we can still My blues extend well beyond sports and into just about every avenue of get done somewhere? how people have politicized and polarized the pandemic. There’s #stayinghome because you have to do so. And it’s smart. Then It started with the chorus of people insisting sports “weren’t important” at there’s “#stayinghome” because you are content to just let days pass, get a time like this. Extend that trend to those grousing that NFL free agency beaten down by this thing, and assume the worst at all turns. shouldn’t be allowed to start amid the virus’ grip. Then it bled into the bleating from those such as Adam Schefter insisting the draft be Or there’s “#stayinghome” because your political leanings go toward the postponed. left. And since the president was careless enough to make it sound like we’d have quarantine rollbacks in our Easter baskets, you want to rail This past weekend, that sensation crested with the reaction to President against any sort of headline from him suggesting progress could be Donald Trump’s conference call with sports commissioners updating made any time over the next 18 months. them on the prospects of when they may be able to get their leagues back to action. Cuz, you know, winning the political war is what REALLY matters these days. Right? The headline grabber was that Trump said the NFL should start on time in September. We can all follow CDC guidelines yet still hope to get outta this mess ASAP, can’t we? Guess how a lot of folks on Twitter, in other political offices, and those in the sports media took that news. That’s not poor behavior or destructive thinking.

And yet this from NFL doc yesterday: In sports and beyond.

"We have to get to the point that when someone is tested as positive to Tribune-Review LOADED: 04.07.2020 the virus, that does not mean an immediate quarantine. If that is the case, you can’t think about opening up a team sport.”

Geez. I interpreted that as good news. At least Trump didn’t say, “Listen, fellas, shut it all down. Game off until 2021.”

But you know me. I’m nothing but zany, cockeyed optimist. That’s always been my reputation.

How about the reaction to what Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said on Friday?

Dabo says they’ve adopted an acronym: T.I.G.E.R.S.

Is he wrong? I don’t think so. I hope not. At least about the whole beating the virus thing, anyway.

Although, in similar fashion to the Trump quote, I give you USA Today baseball writer Gabe Lacques. Some, like Lacques, are jabbing Swinney for his comments.

I don’t get this mentality.

There’s nothing wrong with Swinney or anyone in the sports world praying and preparing for the best-case scenario, while bracing for the potential for a worst-case scenario.

I fail to grasp the need so many people these days seem to have to shame others for optimism or trying to maintain normalcy.

That’s not being tone deaf, or insensitive to the moment, or denying the severity of the pandemic.

That’s hope. Only Twitter in the covid-era could turn that into a bad quality.

Take a look at some non-sports examples. I’ll start with this response to a TribLive story on the potential vaccine being developed at the University of Pittsburgh.

I recalled this reaction to a TribLive thread that gave some positive early returns on how our region’s social distancing efforts were doing, relative to the big picture.

Was it? Or was that an indication that we were doing what was necessary to keep us on pace so as not to get overwhelmed by what was coming? 1182439 World Leagues News Sandford Loudon, a partner at Oakvale Capital, said the crisis could speed up the land-based sector’s transition to mobile sports betting and gaming. Specifically, that means brick-and-mortar giants could be looking to acquire digital assets with marketing expertise, technology or even just Analysis: Could Fallout Of Coronavirus Suspensions Spur Sports Betting talent. M&A? “It’s something they all have talked about doing for a long time, but they have been focused on their beautiful businesses that were just kicking off cash,” Loudon says. “With that now shown to be somewhat fragile, I think Brad Allen Posted on Apr 6, 2020 04:00 PDT we’ll see an acceleration of the digital revolution.”

It’s a view shared by Gideon Bierer, the co-founder of consultancy firm Editor’s note: The following article represents the analysis and views of Partis Solutions. Bierer also expects a shift from traditional land-based the author. companies into the online space – extending from sports into casino and lottery. The lack of sports during the coronavirus pandemic has frozen the sports betting sector like never before. Furloughs a reality of retail focus

Large chunks of revenues have been chopped off almost overnight, and The land-based gambling industry is worth more than $100 billion in sports betting legislation across the country has been cast aside. GGR and pays a sizable share in taxes, and 650,000 staff are affected.

However, the stasis extends beyond the games themselves to merger “Conversations are already starting about how to accelerate the use of and acquisition (M&A) activity, too. the online channel to maintain tax revenue, employment, and customer relationships,” Bierer says. “Ultimately, the industry needs another route Who has the heft to compete? to reach its players. It is likely that we will see new online gaming legislation introduced, albeit the timing and details are not yet known.” At the start of 2020, there was a feeling that more consolidation was on the way in the US sports betting sector. One M&A source speaking on background suggests a powerful US land- based firm is already considering a “hard pivot” to online gambling, which The market, to put it bluntly, is for big boys. The cost of market access, could see the acquisition of multiple assets to kick-start the transition. multiple tech stacks and the sheer level of red tape mean scale is an important driver of success. Watch out for private equity

Coronavirus, however, has put the M&A merry-go-round on hold for now. The sector is also open to external acquirers. In the ongoing crisis, cash After all, it’s hard to come to terms when neither the buyer nor the seller is king and one corner of Wall Street is sitting on more than most. knows what their business is worth. According to CNBC, private equity firms like Blackrock and KKR have $1.5 trillion in cash, ready to acquire struggling companies. The question is, what happens when sports resume? Will the developing financial crisis nix deals before they’ve even begun? Or will the hiatus Julian Buhagiar, an M&A broker at RB Capital, predicts a spate of reaffirm the importance of scale? acquisitions of European firms backed with PE cash.

A matter of time for sports betting M&A? “There’s an opportunity for US firms to capitalize on a weak share price and weak pound,” Buhagiar says. “I suspect it’s already happening as we “When we emerge from this, there will be a boom,” predicts one M&A speak.” banker, speaking to LSR on the background. PE has a pretty strong record in the sector with CVC making a flashy ROI “The transactions we’re working on are not going away; they’re all being on its investment in Sky Bet, for example. deferred. What this virus does show is the importance of diversification, scale and a strong balance sheet. So you can make a compelling case More media deals on the way that these smaller guys in the market need to come together.” The final area of potential interest could be sports properties, as Pure-play sports operators, like PointsBet and William Hill, could look to sportsbooks look for cheap customer acquisition channels. Potential tie up with casino operators, for instance, to ensure all key online targets include sports media or other sports entities such as teams, gambling verticals are covered in the future. The banker says tie-ups leagues, stadiums, and other types of sports retail venues. between smaller companies will be even more important once the Stars- Flutter deal is done and there are fewer whales that could feasibly snap “Most sportsbook operators still lack both a meaningful US brand and up small firms. critical mass with consumers, and there are dozens of scaled sports partners still available,” Bierer says. “Given the operational complexities “Execs and shareholders are right now having a wake-up call,” the of contracting with multiple marketing partners for each state, the banker adds. “They’re asking: ‘How can we make sure we’re never in this potential for strategic alliances is clear, whether M&A or commercial.” position again?’” Sooner rather than later? Buyers’ market on the horizon? And what’s the timeline on this presumed M&A mini-boom? It depends The relative dip in valuations across the sector could also grease the on the resumption of sports. A working estimate for that seems to be M&A wheels. Some firms will be running low on cash and looking for new September, when the NFL is aiming to begin its season roughly on time, funds. according to NBC’s Peter King.

So, who might be feasible candidates for a deal? “I’d keep an eye on the public markets,” the broker adds. “As share prices surge back up, likely as sports return, these talks accelerate and “Honestly, just about every name in the sector is attractive,” the banker the closer you get to people announcing these deals.” says. “Kindred, William Hill, GVC, Pointsbet, 888. All of these guys could do something and probably will do something.” Get checking those stock tickers.

It’s worth noting these companies are unlikely to be able to raise money Legal Sports Report LOADED: 04.07.2020 through traditional debt markets for buyouts, thanks to the ongoing liquidity crunch. Instead, companies with cash in the bank will have an advantage.

“The gambling sector will weather this storm better than most,” the banker adds. “Because very few companies have leverage, and as soon as the games start back up, they’ll have product again.”

Switch to mobile will drive deals