Category Archives: NHL

The Legacy of “The Great One”

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By Alexis Shuttleworth

Alexis Shuttleworth is a freshman Sport Management major. Her main interests are in College and Professional Football, Hockey, and Motorsports.

January 1, 2025

What does it take to be called “The Great One”? For Wayne Gretzky, it meant not only shattering records but also transforming hockey and leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports. Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian-born hockey player who is widely considered the greatest player in the history of the sport. Many even argue that he is one of the best athletes of all time. With such fame and popularity, he has impacted others, including fellow players, teams, coaches, aspiring hockey players, and the sport as a whole. Gretzky’s remarkable achievements on the ice, his impact on the NHL’s growth, and his role as a positive role model for athletes have solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in sports history.

What makes a person influential? What defines a pop icon? There isn’t a straightforward answer to these questions; it often depends on individual interpretation. I want to break it down into five different categories: 1. star power and/or talent, 2. personality, 3. the ability to break social norms and 4. showmanship, and 5. the impact an individual leaves behind. Although Wayne Gretzky is neither a pop star nor an award-winning actor, I believe he embodies all the qualities necessary to be considered a pop icon. Not only is he a pop icon, but he is also someone that people look up to which I believe is the most important aspect of being a famous sports player and is the proper way to use your fame. As Gretzky himself explains, “behind every big play, there’s another guy who grew up dreaming of making that play. He’s got a story, and he was inspired by someone else’s story” (Gretzky & McClellan Day, 2016, p. ix). The beauty of being a popular icon in sports is inspiring the ones after them to be just as great, or even greater.

Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26th, 1961, In Brantford Ontario, Canada. His deep love for hockey sprouted from his father Walter Gretzky who is often referred to as “Canada’s Hockey Dad”. Walter had even built a skating rink in the family backyard and named it “Wally’s Coliseum”. This is the place where Wayne would spend countless hours perfecting his craft. It was known at a young age Wayne would be something great. As Felix writes on International Hockey Net, “by the age of 5, Wayne was already demonstrating remarkable prowess on the ice, skating circles around older kids and displaying uncanny ability to handle the puck with finesse” (para. 4). Felix writes that in the early years what set Wayne apart from the rest was not just his skill but his dedication to the game. This is something that would follow him into his later years of life as well.

After many years of hard work, Gretzky started his career in junior hockey, and this is when it became clear that he would be something great. “In the world of junior hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s star shone brightly. He first gained widespread attention while playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). It was during this time that he amassed a staggering 70 goals and 112 assists in a single season” (Felix, 2016, para. 10). This is when heads began to turn and many eyes in the NHL were watching. At the age of 17, he finally made his NHL debut with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA) after NHL scouts could no longer ignore his excellence. However, his true career in the NHL wouldn’t begin until he was 20 years old, and he started playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

Before exploring Wayne Gretzky’s career and how he became a popular household name, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to him achieving greatness in this sport. To grasp how an average kid from Brantford, Canada, transformed into a well-known figure celebrated for his remarkable accomplishments and dedication to hockey, we must first examine his upbringing. The young Gretzky had an icon whom he always admired – i.e., Gordie Howe, and he is not shy to make it known that Howe was the reason he started his career in hockey. Even the iconic number he wore, 99 (The only number retired across the NHL) (Jackson, 2000), is due to Howe. “It’s special not because I wore it. It’s special because someone who came before me wore the number 9. All I wanted to be when I was growing up was Gordie Howe.” (Gretzky & McClellan, 2016, p. xiv). Gretzky transformed from being a 6-year-old boy learning the sport of hockey from his dad, inspired by a dream of becoming like the great Gordie Howe, to ultimately being recognized as the greatest player ever to step onto the ice. Having role models in life is one of the most important aspects of sports and is how many of the “Greats,” as we know them, are as good as they are.

Wayne Gretzky stands out among the hockey legends primarily because of the remarkable records he set in the NHL and his dominance. “He is simply, ‘The Great One,’ a player of unsurpassed skills who dominated hockey as no other single player has ever dominated a team sport” (Hickok, 1995, p. 305). Even 25 years after his retirement in 1999, he still holds most of these records. During his career, Gretzky set a total of 61 records, and as of today, he retains 57 of them (Jackson, 2000). Instead of listing all the records, which could possibly exceed my page limit, I will highlight some key records that truly illustrate Gretzky’s dominance as a player.

In the regular NHL season, players earn points by scoring goals or providing assists to other players’ goals. Gretzky still holds the record for the most points scored in a single season. Incredibly, he also ranks 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th places for this record, meaning he has beaten his own record a total of ten times. Also, there is a 54-point difference between Gretzky, in first place, and Mario Lemieux, who is in 11th place. There have also been three players in NHL history to have 100+ assists in a single season: Mario Lemieux (1 time), Bobby Orr (1 time), and Wayne Gretzky who did it in 11 consecutive seasons. This demonstrates just how exceptional Wayne Gretzky truly was during his time on the ice. There are many different aspects that contribute to being an influential figure, especially in the field of sports, and excelling in sports is just one of those aspects.

An often-overlooked factor in the realm of sports pop icons is their personality outside of their fame. While impressive statistics in the league are important, they lose significance if an athlete is perceived in a negative light off the field. Such individuals may be labeled as “privileged” or “changed by fame.” This perception can influence how younger audiences look up to these athletes. For instance, parents may be reluctant for their children to look up to someone like Deshaun Watson, despite his football prowess, due to his negative actions and off-field image.

In contrast, Wayne Gretzky exemplifies admirable behavior both on and off the ice. He is widely regarded as one of the kindest and humblest athletes in history. To prepare for this essay, I read his autobiography, 99 Stories of The Game (Gretzky & McClellan Day, 2016), which provided deeper insights into his thoughts and mindset after retirement. Interestingly, I found that the book focused more on his teammates and coaches than on Gretzky’s own NHL career, highlighting the type of person he is. He believes that the stories generated throughout a player’s journey are what truly define them and shape the NHL, rather than statistics or wins and losses. As Gretzky states, “The fact is greatness is not captured in statistics. It’s captured in stories” (Gretzky & McClellan Day, 2016, p. xi). He further explains, “Without these stories, I would not have been the player I was, and the NHL wouldn’t be the league it is today” (Gretzky & McClellan Day, 2016, p. xiv). This perspective is essential for a true sports icon.

In the book Outtakes: Dan Patrick, American sportscaster and radio personality Dan Patrick interviews Gretzky. He shares that Gretzky expressed a desire not to be number one on the SportsCentury list, saying he simply didn’t want the pressure and attention. Instead, Gretzky preferred to be ranked second, fourth, or ninth. He said he would be fine with being recognized as the second-best athlete of the century or being in the top five or ten. He was comfortable knowing his place was near the top but didn’t want to occupy the top spot. It is hard to argue with that sentiment (Patrick & Sampras, 2000). Few athletes share such a perspective, as, for many, being number one is the goal. For Gretzky, however, the priority was to play the game he loved and inspire others to do the same.

Wayne Gretzky exemplifies what it means to be a popular icon, due to his ability to break social norms in hockey and embrace showmanship during his playing career. To achieve true popularity, one must endure and stand out. If you are an average hockey player stuck on the fourth line with a few points, your name is unlikely to be remembered. In contrast, Gretzky possessed exceptional talent and skill that will be talked about for generations to come.

Interestingly enough, Gretzky was never technically drafted into the NHL because of the NHL-WHA merger in 1979. This circumstance made a need for him to make a name for himself from the start. His first taste of the NHL was at age 17, when “Wayne Gretzky made his NHL debut with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association (WHA), a rival league to the NHL. However, it was his subsequent move to the Edmonton Oilers, then an NHL team, that would mark the beginning of an era (Felix, 2023, para. 13). This small taste of the pro league before being thrown onto the NHL permanently may have been crucial for his stardom in the future.

During his rookie year, Gretzky made an impressive entry into the league, scoring 51 goals and providing 86 assists (“Wayne Gretzky,” 2024). Without this standout performance, he likely would have gone unnoticed, just another player in the 107 years of NHL history. Establishing visibility early in your career is crucial for becoming a pop icon in the future.

The final and, in my opinion, most crucial aspect of being a beloved public figure is the impact you leave behind. Many pop icons that come to mind are still being discussed today because of the influence they had on their communities. For instance, Elvis Presley has been gone for 47 years, yet he is still regularly mentioned with great admiration and continues to be a household name. Why is that? It’s because of the significant impact he has had on the music scene. He is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll.” The influence individuals have on their communities is what keeps their legacies alive for many years to come.

Wayne Gretzky exemplifies greatness in numerous ways, especially through his impressive records and statistics. Although he last played in the NHL in 1999, he still holds an astounding 57 records. It’s likely that many of these records will remain unbroken for years to come, and some may continue long after he has passed away. Gretzky’s name will persist in record books and graphics for many years, ensuring that his legacy will be prominent in the NHL for generations.

Another reason Wayne Gretzky has had a significant impact on the hockey world is his ongoing support even after retiring. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, “Following his retirement, Gretzky became a minority owner and alternate governor for the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. He later became the team’s head coach in August 2005 and signed a lucrative five-year contract extension in May 2006. In his four seasons with the club, he coached the team to a record of 143 wins, 161 losses, and 24 overtime losses” (“Wayne Gretzky,” 2025, para. 14). Even after his playing career, Gretzky continued to be an influence in the NHL, and by coaching others, he continued his dream of impacting players in the sport.

Not only did he have an impact on the hockey world he also had an impact globally and he illuminated Canada’s identity crisis at one point. For example, Steve Jackson (2000) reflected “upon the 1988 crisis of Canadian identity by tracing the discourses that linked the fate of one sports star, Wayne Gretzky, to the fate of the nation within the context of an impending threat of ‘“’Americanization’” (p. 166). When Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers in Canada to the Los Angeles Kings in America it was articulated as a crisis in Canadian identity. Many believed this would ruin the star’s fame and that he would no longer be considered a “Canadian Star.” This did not happen, however. It proves though how much of a popular figure Wayne Gretzky was at the time to cause this much discourse between countries.

One final reason, among many, that Wayne Gretzky impacted the sport of hockey is through his influence on how the game is played and his ability to inspire a new generation of hockey players. It is well-known that many athletes admired Wayne Gretzky while growing up. He transformed the public’s perception of the sport and motivated numerous players currently in the NHL to pursue their dreams.

The International Hockey Net explains this quite well: “Wayne Gretzky’s journey to the NHL wasn’t just a path to professional success; it was a transformative force in the world of hockey. He changed the way the game was played, emphasizing finesse, creativity, and teamwork over brute force. Gretzky’s impact was not limited to the ice; it extended to inspiring generations of young players who aspired to follow in his footsteps” (para. 15). His influence continues to reach across generations, and I believe it will never stop. People will always look up to “The Great One,” and I believe that is what makes him a pop icon.

While many may have differing opinions on what defines a popular icon and who deserves that title, I will always view Wayne Gretzky as the perfect figure who embodies the essence of hockey. He exemplifies this through his remarkable dominance on the ice, his incredible personality, the transformative changes he brought to sport, and, most importantly, the lasting impact he has made. Gretzky is the reason for my passion for hockey, and I know that many others share this same feeling as well. His legacy will continue to thrive as long the sport of hockey is played, and this is what makes him a pop icon.

References

Felix. (2023, September 26). “The Great One: Unraveling the legend of Wayne Gretzky.” International Hockey Net. https://internationalhockey.net/the-great-one-unraveling-the-legend-of-wayne-gretzky/#:~:text=Wayne%20Gretzky%E2%80%99s%20journey%20to%20the%20NHL%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20just,emphasizing%20finesse%2C%20creativity%2C%20and%20teamwork%20over%20brute%20force.

Gretzky, W. & McClellan Day, K. (2016). 99: Stories of the Game. New York, NY: Penguin.

Hickok, R. (1995). A Who’s Who of Sports Champions. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.

Jackson, S.J. (2000). Gretzky nation: Canada, crisis, and Americanization. In D.L. Andrews, & S.J. Jackson (Eds.). Sport Stars: The cultural politics of sporting celebrity (pp. 164-186). New York, NY: Routledge.

Patrick, D, & Sampras, P. (2000). Outtakes: Dan Patrick. New York, NY: ESPN Books.

Wayne Gretzky. (2024). Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/wayne-gretzky

NHL Prospect Update: Western Hockey League

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By: Elise Williams

Elise Williams is a sophomore Sport Management major from Dublin, Ohio. She loves anything hockey and is incredibly passionate about the Canadian Hockey League. In her free time, she can be found searching for trinkets, eating sand, or staring at a life-sized pillow of her dog.

November 12, 2024

Continuing on from my previous post about the Ontario Hockey League, the Western league is up next. Plenty of talent has been sweeping through both leagues. The WHL is known for having some of the most elite hockey games in junior leagues. That being said, it has produced some amazing NHL talent, like Leon Draisaitl, Chandler Stephenson, and plenty of other talent.

(Quick note, Connor Bedard, the WHL phenom, will not be included in this list. He is such an icon in the hockey sphere that a single Google search would do him more justice than I could. He is also currently in the NHL, so I wouldn’t call him a ‘prospect’ anymore.)

Caedan Bankier keeps the puck away from the opposing team.

Caedan Bankier (#86 in 2021, Minnesota Wild)

Bankier was a key part of the Kamloops Blazers lineup for the past few years, rotating from second-line center to first-line winger regularly. However, his talent and potential were often overshadowed by one of his friends, Logan Stankoven. Bankier’s backcheck and tough, defensive forward play was exactly what helped Canada win a gold medal at the World Juniors (the big hockey tournament around Christmas, where 10* nations face off with players under 20). Having a point total of 85 points in 57 games with the Blazers, Bankier proved to be a force with whom to be reckoned. His skills are now with the Iowa Wild, Minnesota’s AHL team. Bankier was hurt for a good chunk of last season, and because of that, he has not had ample time to adjust to the quicker game of the American Hockey League. With his skillset, I think that Bankier has the ability to adjust pretty quickly. Wild fans can expect Bankier to make the jump within a few years.

Zach Benson hustling for his current team, the Buffalo Sabres.

Zach Benson (#13 in 2023, Buffalo Sabres)

Benson, going later in the draft than originally planned, has shown his amazing work ethic, especially in the National league. The Sabres opted to play Benson in the NHL now, instead of letting him develop within the Rochester Americans’ team to hone his skills. Because of this, someone (me) could say that Benson has not had the opportunity to really develop like some of the other guys in his draft. His skills are still incredible, his playmaking, hockey IQ, and skating are unmatched in his age group, but if he had the time to perfect those skills before being thrown to the wolves, I think he would be even better than he already is. Anyway, getting off my soapbox, Benson was a powerhouse with the Winnipeg Ice, tallying a shocking 98 points in 60 games in the 2022-23 season. That scoring has yet to transfer to the NHL level, but Sabres fans should sleep well at night knowing that Benson has the potential to be a top forward in the league.

Berkly Catton rushing up ice for the Spokane Chiefs.

Berkly Catton (#8 in 2024, Seattle Kraken)

Catton, the star forward for the Spokane Chiefs this year, is off to a staggering start. After being designated as the captain of the Chiefs, Catton has put up 26 points in 16 games, and is on pace to have 83 points this season (as of November 6th, 2024). However, his numbers last year were astronomical. Catton charted a shocking 116 points in 68 games. That was almost 2 points per game. His speed and ability to score points is impressive, especially for someone of his age (on the younger side of the draft class, but barely). His ability to make passes at the right time and place is fantastic as well, leading to more assists than goals. Overall, Catton was an amazing selection at #8. Kraken fans should see Catton within the next couple years, once he has aged out of the WHL. However, I think he’ll go earlier than that because of his point scoring, but also because he developed so quickly with the Spokane Chiefs and has proven to be at the NHL level.

Cristall suiting up for his current team, the Kelowna Rockets.

Andrew Cristall (#40 in 2023, Washington Capitals)

Cristall is a player that many had going in the early first round. However, many were then shocked to watch him fall as far down as he did. His creativity with the puck is great, along with his playmaking ability. I can still see why he fell so far down in the draft, as his defensive skills still need polishing, but that will eventually come with time and good development in the Caps system. With the Rockets last year, Cristall scored a shocking 111 points in 62 games, putting him 5th in the scoring race in the WHL, putting him just behind Berkly Catton (#4 in the scoring race, #3 in this article). These great point scores have one key difference: defense. Catton has developed his defensive skills, while Cristall is still working on perfecting his already-pretty-good defense. Also, Cristall is on the smaller side of prospects, setting him at a disadvantage from the jump. Still, if developed correctly, Cristall has the opportunity to take the NHL by storm and create his own league of talent.

Colton Dach keeping the puck away from a Portland Winterhawks forward.

Colton Dach (#62 in 2021, Chicago Blackhawks)

Colton Dach, not to be confused with older brother Kirby Dach, has had some unfortunate years after his draft in 2021. Riddled with injury, it is hard to see a great deal of development. However, he has come a long way in his recovery. He had gotten hurt in the World Juniors, where he played 4 games before going down with a shoulder injury. It took him quite a bit of time to recover, and once he came back to the game, he got injured again. This time, it was an ankle injury. He cannot really catch a break. However, he still has a place within the Blackhawks system, with the Rockford IceHogs. There, he is playing a game of ‘catch up’ to be with his prospect pool. Still, his scoring and physicality are something the Blackhawks need if they are to be real contenders this season. In 2023-24 with Rockford, Dach put up 27 points in 48 games. While not astounding numbers, he plays his role as a 3rd or 4th line guy. Most of the time they act as an insurance policy for some of the top-line guys (e.g., Connor Bedard). Let’s hope Dach can stay off the IR this year and develop.

Kevin Korchinski all smiles at Blackhawks camp.

Kevin Korchinski (#7 in 2022, Chicago Blackhawks)

Hailing from Saskatoon, Korchinski has a very bright future ahead of him with the Blackhawks. However, many seemed to pass on Korchinski initially, because there were still plenty of other defenseman who have been in the public eye. Still, his skill as a defensive defenseman landed him in the top 10 of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Blackhawks knew Korchinski would be amazing for their blue line, coming to their organization with great puck handling, and skating. I believe that many were skeptical of Korchinski at first because he didn’t seem to measure up to the other defenseman in his draft class, as mentioned earlier. However, the Seattle Thunderbirds did an excellent job of developing Korchinski into being an NHL-caliber defenseman what seemed like overnight after he was drafted. His point totals for 2022-23 (The year after his draft) were great, totaling 73 points in 54 games. Currently, he is with the Rockford IceHogs after spending almost all of last year with the Blackhawks. I can only assume it is to develop his defensive zone skills even more. He will be back soon.

Thomas Milic saluting the crowd in Seattle.

Thomas Milic (#151 in 2023, Winnipeg Jets)

Thomas Milic is the blueprint for a lot of young goaltenders. Putting up rockstar numbers when (what feels like) the fate of the world is on your shoulders, staying relaxed in the face of defeat, anything. It takes so much mental toughness to be a goaltender, I do not think many fans realize that. Sorry, I need to get off my soapbox once again when writing about Thomas Milic. He originally went undrafted in 2021, and came back with probably one of the biggest “You Guys Missed Out” seasons I have ever seen. In the World Juniors he put up a .932 save percentage, and went undefeated in the tournament. In the WHL, he was consistently shutting teams down, and eventually won the WHL ‘Goaltender of the Year’ in 2022-23. He also won Championship MVP in the same year. The decorated goaltender proved himself in more ways than one, which lead to him being drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, alongside OHL goaltender, Dom Divincentiis, whom I discussed in my previous article. This goaltending tandem is going to be unstoppable in a few years with the Jets.

Fraser Minten suits up for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Fraser Minten (#38 in 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs)

Minten has always been an interesting player to me. Especially when he was given the captaincy of the Kamloops Blazers… only to be traded away within the month. Still, I think Minten’s development between the Blazers (then the Saskatoon Blades) is notable. While not projected in the first round, many teams were clamoring to get Minten into their system. His amazing two-way game sense is unmatched, along with his skill to know when and where to be on the ice. The Maple Leafs needed that consistent piece to hopefully get them out of the first round, and they got that in both Minten and Cowan, as well as their other draft picks. Minten’s point totals across teams were also great, while trying to stand out on a team full of greats in Kamloops. He tallied 67 points in 57 games with Kamloops in 2022-23, and then 10 points in 7 games before being traded to the Blades. While Minten has already played a few games with the Leafs, I think that Minten needs a few more years of development before he can break out as a great forward for the team.

Tanner Molendyk makes a pass for the Saskatoon Blades.

Tanner Molendyk (#24 in 2023, Nashville Predators)

I feel like the whole hockey world forgot about Tanner Molendyk. Probably because they did. Molendyk was supposed to play in the World Juniors in 2024, but unfortunately got injured during the pre-tournament games against Switzerland, only a few days before the tournament. This sidelined him for the entire tournament, and even some of his junior season. After that, he slotted right back into his role as a top pair defenseman with the Blades. His puck control and absolute speed/skating is amazing, which is what allowed him to go in the first round in 2023. Still, I think many forgot about Molendyk simply because he was hurt. On top of that, not many articles were posted about Molendyk, but he was still putting in great work behind the scenes. His development is going very well within the Blades organization, and Predators fans can be excited to have Molendyk on their team shortly.

Olen Zellweger on the blue line for the Ducks.

Olen Zellweger (#34 in 2021, Anaheim Ducks)

Zellweger, coached by BGSU’s own head coach Dennis Williams for many years with the Silvertips, is doing Olen Zellweger things. Zellweger was doing great things for years with the Silvertips, but many were waiting for his draft year to see where he would land. Many had originally predicted that he would go later in the draft, since he wasn’t really putting up NHL-caliber numbers. He was also 16-17 trying to get his bearings in the WHL. After being drafted pretty high, Zellweger really started to ramp up in all facets. He developed keen offensive awareness, as well as sheer speed and played all 200 feet. The only issue? He’s on the shorter side. Many NHL teams are looking for the whole package and tend to pass up on great talent for size instead because they want that physicality, and to not have a player blow away with the wind or a slight check to the shoulder. Zellweger has come to play around his size, and has developed into a top four defenseman for the Ducks, in one of the best prospect pools I’ve ever seen for any team.

With all that being said, all junior leagues are getting more and more talented as years pass. The game of hockey is growing steadily, whether that be because of fans or simply because of how the NHL is set up with farm teams. I think that the future of the NHL rests in the hands of these 16, 17, and 18-year-olds who want to experience the rush of being on an NHL team. Once again, watch junior leagues. They’re the future of hockey.

NHL Prospect Update: Ontario Hockey League

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By Elise Williams

Elise Williams is a sophomore Sport Management major from Dublin, Ohio. She loves anything hockey and is incredibly passionate about the Canadian Hockey League. In her free time, she can be found curled up with a good book, asleep, or eating shredded cheese right out of the bag.

October 23rd, 2024

It’s been a few months since the 2024 NHL Entry Draft took place in The Sphere. An interesting experience for all. And since many NHL rosters are filling with rarely heard names for the beginning of the season, I figured now would be the best time to give a prospect update. More specifically, with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) guys, and how they have developed since their draft years.

Denver Barkey celebrating after a goal.

Denver Barkey (#95 in 2023, Philadelphia Flyers)

During his time with the Knights in London, Barkey has shown incredible tenacity and growth. Throughout his tenure, he has continued to provide scoring for the entire Knights roster and while not necessarily putting up superstar, godly numbers, his scoring is consistent and increasing. He signed with the Flyers back in March of 2024, a three-year deal that begins in the 2024-25 season. Flyers fans can expect him to be a great 3rd or 4th line guy, as his size is generally not ideal (5’8). However, Barkey continues to put in the work to become a top line player for both the Knights and the Flyers. Recently, he attended Flyers NHL camp with Knights teammate Oliver Bonk, but Barkey didn’t skate, as he is recovering from illness. Also, if any of you happen to care, I’ve talked to him a bit, and he is a really nice guy. He signed a drawing I gave him two years ago, and we occasionally talk through Instagram DMs.

Hunter Brzustewicz circling around the net. 

Hunter Brzustewicz (#75 in 2023, Vancouver Canucks/Calgary Flames)

Hunter Brzustewicz (pronounced, broo-STEV-itch, crazy I know), not to be confused with younger brother Henry Brzustewicz, is a new acquisition for the Calgary Flames. Hunter was involved in the Elias Lindholm trade with Andrei Kuzmenko and a few first-rounders. As an offensive defenseman, Brzustewicz‘s speed and skill are two massive factors in his play. He signed with the Flames back in mid-March, securing his spot within the Flames’ system. Brzustewicz, being US-born, went through the AAA system in Michigan. His point totals from 2023-24 were insane (especially for a defenseman), putting up a total of 92 points in 67 games. Currently, he is playing with the Calgary Wranglers, and within two games has put up an assist. Still, Flames fans can look forward to having a skilled defenseman in the near future in Brzustewicz (which is really hard to spell 7 times).

Easton Cowan suiting up for the Knights. 

Easton Cowan (#28 in 2023, Toronto Maple Leafs)

“Cowboy”, as many call him, is the future of the Leafs organization. Going later in the first round after being projected late fourth round, his come-up is well-documented by many different sources. Throughout his tenure with the Knights, Cowan has put up great numbers, tallying 96 points in just 54 games last year. In the playoffs, he put up 34 points in 18 games. These numbers got him signed with the Leafs as well, a 3-year deal that ends in 2026-27. Leafs’ fans can expect a sharp-shooting winger with great speed to join their lineup within the next year or so. Even though many are still skeptical about Cowan jumping so high in the draft, Brad Treliving (generally) does know what he’s doing when it comes to prospects. There are plenty of other great prospects coming through the Leafs farm system that will be touched on in the WHL portion of the NHL prospect update.

Dom DiVincentiis preparing to stop a puck.

Dom DiVincentiis (#207 in 2022, Winnipeg Jets)

As the only goaltender on this list, DiVincentiis stands out. He also stands out on the stat sheet, putting a save percentage of .919 in 48 games. That is almost unheard of in junior leagues. On top of that, he was the OHL ‘Goaltender of the Year’ in 2022-23. His skills made the Jets decision to draft him all the more worth it. Generally speaking, goalies never crack NHL rosters right out of junior hockey. It’s very rare to see an 18 or 19-year-old goalie in the National league because of the development and skill it takes to perfect being a goalie. You don’t just come out of Junior with the skills to stop a puck flying at you at 120 mph. So, giving a goaltender the time to adjust to the elite skill and speed of the National league, most hang out in the ECHL (which no longer stands for anything), or the American Hockey League (AHL). So Jets fans can expect DiVincentiis in the next 5 or so years, just so he can develop into the best goaltender he can be.

Sam Dickinson warming up for the London Knights.

Sam Dickinson (#11 in 2024, San Jose Sharks)

Full of personality and skill, Dickinson has a long NHL career ahead of him. He joined the Knights early in his career, a clear sign that he was the real deal. A genuine two-way defenseman, Dickinson has amazing puck control and hockey IQ, knowing what plays will create the best opportunity for a goal. His skills got him on the OHL First All-Rookie team in the 2022-23 season. On top of that, he was on Team Canada for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (which is like the hockey Olympics for under 18’s, in which 8 nations face off). His point production is increasing exponentially as well, putting up 70 points in 68 games as a defenseman (2023-24), as opposed to his 23 points in 62 games (2022-23). Sharks fans have plenty to look forward to in Dickinson, and can expect him as soon as the 2025-26 NHL season. He signed with the Sharks in July of 2024, so maybe that will expedite the process of him going to The Show.

Dalibor Dvorsky waiting to make a play for the Sudbury Wolves.

Dalibor Dvorsky (#10 in 2023, St. Louis Blues)

Coming to the OHL from the Swiss league Hockey Allsvenskan, Dvorsky brought his intense gameplay with him. His speed combined with his skill made him an amazing prospect for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. His puck-handling, passing, and offensive read are all lethal for the opposing team. He played for Team Slovakia at the World Juniors (the big hockey tournament around Christmas, where 8 nations face off with players under 20. This tournament is more popular than Hlinka Gretzky because the players promise to be in the NHL sooner – that is my guess), as well as Hlinka Gretzky, notching 13 points in 7 games in the younger tournament, and 3 points in 5 games at the World Juniors. Still, his intense game and ability to make difficult passes got him drafted by the St. Louis Blues. He signed with them in July of 2023, and many had mixed feelings. Those feelings should subside though, as Dvorsky is barreling through the AHL system in hopes of cracking an NHL roster either this year or the next.

Jett Luchanko turning to make a play at Flyers Development Camp.

Jett Luchanko (#13 in 2024, Philadelphia Flyers)

Luchanko (which, c’mon, what a name) shot up the NHL Draft rankings before the draft actually started. His work ethic is a massive part of that. Not only does he want to learn, but he also wants to be competitive. While his shot may not be the best on the team, his puck control and ability to make passes is on another level (Similar to Dvorsky above). He puts in the work to constantly be better than the competition, and feels the need to prove to many why the Flyers selected him. He flew under the radar at first, but his performance at the NHL Combine showed his strength to many that may have doubted him. His point totals throughout the years have steadily increased, starting at 14 points in 46 games, then shooting up to 74 points in 68 games. He signed with the Flyers in July of 2024, and began training to be an all-star. The amazing skills he has and the others he continues to polish will be an amazing asset for the Flyers in the near future.

Zayne Parekh looks towards fans in Saginaw.

Zayne Parekh (#9 in 2024, Calgary Flames)

Starting his junior career earlier than others, Parekh hadn’t always been on everyone’s radar. Whispers of his name had only just started at the beginning of his draft year, and then his talent exploded. His ability to make plays quickly and with such a strong hockey IQ was what drew in plenty of NHL teams. Winning the 2024 Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit only further drew in talent-hungry teams. Parekh was a massive asset to Saginaw during the entire tournament (I would know, I was there). His point totals weren’t astronomical, but that’s common for defensemen. At the Memorial Cup, he scored 5 points in 5 games, but anyone could notice his presence on the ice. In the regular season of his draft year, he scored an insane 96 points in 66 games. He signed with the Flames barely a week after the draft, and has been training to crack an NHL roster ever since. The Flames can expect a playmaking defenseman with great skating ability within a few years, possibly even sooner.

Beckett Sennecke with his current team, the Oshawa Generals.

Beckett Sennecke (#3 in 2024, Anaheim Ducks)

Going semi-viral for his dazed reaction to being drafted third overall, Sennecke has the skills to back up his draft spot. While he may not be putting up monstrous points like the other guys on this list, he still is a force to be reckoned with on the ice. The skills Sennecke brings to the Generals forward core are incredible. His puck handling, size, and skating led him to be a high draft pick. While many saw the pick as a throwaway (especially since it was a top 3 pick), others saw it as high-risk high-reward. If developed well within the Ducks’ system, Sennecke has the potential to be a first line winger for the Ducks, alongside an amazing prospect pool for Anaheim (truly one of the best prospect pools I’ve ever seen). Like many of the other guys on this list, Sennecke signed with the Ducks right out of the draft. Ducks fans (if there are any out there) can expect a highly-skilled winger with great size to add to the arsenal of incredible talent in the coming years.

Florian Xhekaj suiting up for the Brantford Bulldogs.

Florian Xhekaj (#101 in 2023, Montreal Canadians)

Florian Xhekaj (pronounced JACK-eye, I think? I’ve heard 12 different ways to say it, but this one is most agreed on), takes after his brother, Arber. That being said, the penalty minutes are high with these two brothers. Opting to protect his teammates rather than put up impressive numbers, Xhekaj isn’t always at the top of the score sheet. In the 2023-24 season, Xhekaj put up 25 points in 68 games, and had 18 penalty minutes (which makes me wonder how the OHL calculates penalty minutes, since I can count on my fingers and toes the number of fights Xhekaj got into, and I would still need more fingers). Still, sometimes a team needs a good enforcer. His aggression on the ice is what got him recognized by the Canadians, but also because his brother also plays in Montreal. The Canadians can expect a Bash-Bro’s type deal once Florian develops through the Canadiens farm system.

The NHL has such a bright future. Plenty of incredible prospects are making their way through the farm systems. As the NHL becomes more and more talented, it becomes more entertaining to watch. There is still plenty of talent left to be drafted as well, which is even better for the NHL as a whole. In conclusion, watch junior leagues. They’re the future of hockey.

What to Watch During (and after*) Quarantine

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By Griffin Olah

Submitted: April 16, 2020/Published: June 2, 2020

Griffin is a second-year undergraduate BGSU student from North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is a Sport Management major and a Journalism minor. His primary sports interests are baseball and football, both collegiate and professional, but he is also interested in basketball, MMA, boxing and hockey.

[*Editor’s Note: With apologies to Griffin Olah and readers of Maxwell Media Watch, this insightful entry was submitted during a semester when everything suddenly went online. I should have published it earlier, but hopefully it still provides useful tips for media alternatives to live sporting events in the meantime. N. Spencer].

If you’re anything like me, you miss sports. With COVID-19 shutting down every sports league (we’ll ignore Dana White’s “fighting island”), I need something to quench my thirst for more sports. Luckily, there are quite a few alternatives that can get us all through quarantine while not spending a fortune.

One of the first things I discovered, with the help of Twitter, was the massive MLB library on YouTube. That’s right, Major League Baseball stores broadcasts on both its own YouTube channel, MLB, and on another, the MLB Vault (Langs et. al, 2020). This allows you to go back to see any memorable game in MLB history that has aired on television. Personally, I’ve enjoyed myself watching Game 7 of the 2016 World Series (the game ended with the rain delay), the 2017 Indians winning streak and the wildly entertaining 2019 Home Run Derby match-up between Joc Pederson and Vlad Guerrero Jr. There’s enough there to spend entire days watching baseball, and maybe you’ll even find some hidden gems that you forgot happened.

The NFL has a similar vault of games, but they house it in its own website, NFL Game Pass. Although it usually requires a subscription, the NFL made Game Pass free to all users through May 31, 2020 (NFL.com, 2020). Game Pass has an archive of all games played since the 2009 season, from preseason all the way through the playoffs and the Super Bowl. It also has access to many of NFL Network’s series, including A Football Life, America’s Game, SoundFX and more. I’ve spent a lot of time watching old Browns replays, including the 2018 game against the New York Jets that debuted Baker Mayfield, the 2009 game against the Chiefs that Jerome Harrison played out of his mind, and the America’s Game episode of the 2009 Saints. 

If you aren’t against spending money, however, the ever-popular ESPN+ might be for you. For only $5 a month, you can have access to a massive library of ESPN shows, replays and films. ESPN has streaming deals with many collegiate sports conferences, the NHL, UFC and boxing organizations, allowing many past games and competitions on their platform. I’ve spent hours in the 30 for 30 library and watching old UFC fights featuring Stipe Miocic. If you’re still bored and you want some non-sport action to watch, ESPN+ also can be bundled with Disney Plus and Hulu for $12.99 a month. 

If live action is what you’re craving, however, then eSports might fill that void for you. At the forefront of eSports is NASCAR, with its iRacing Pro Invitational Series. Using real drivers on iRacing, a platform most already use for practice, NASCAR is simulating the missed events of their season (Nicholson, 2020). The simulated races are also aired on Fox, so NASCAR fans can watch just like any other race.

Going along with eSports, the MLB has taken initiative with its MLB The Show Player’s League. Each team has selected one player to represent them through a series of three-inning games on the popular video game franchise (Toribio, 2020). Each player streams their games on their own Twitch page, which works similar to YouTube, so you can hear their commentary in real time. Cincinnati Red pitcher Amir Garrett and Texas Rangers slugger Joey Gallo have already proven to be both wildly entertaining to watch and incredibly good at the game. I’ve watched some highlights, and I’ll be tuning in whenever Garrett and Gallo take the virtual field again.

Finally, the NBA has attempted to offer another alternative with live action- a HORSE tournament. Current and former NBA and WNBA stars are pitted against each other in the classic basketball game in each of their home gyms (Gartland, 2020). While reception has mostly been negative, with many people claiming the games are too boring or citing internet problems, basketball fans may still be enjoyed. I haven’t tuned into any of the matchups, but if you’re starved for some basketball, it might be right for you. The competitions do air live on ESPN, so anyone interested in watching will have to tune in in real time.

Obviously, there is no true alternative to live sports action, but we can come close. Whether replays are your thing or not, there are tons of options to watch until we get sports back, whenever that may be. Until then, take a look through all of these services and find your favorite, or maybe find something new that’s not discussed here. Either way, good luck with filling your sports void and I hope these can get us all through until the return of sports.

References

Gartland, D. (2020, April 13). ESPN’s NBA HORSE competition was tough to watch. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from: https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/04/13/espn-nba-horse-tournament-highlights

Langs, S., Simon, A., Randhawa, M., & Catania, J. (2020, March 14). One classic game to watch online from each MLB team. MLB.com. Retrieved from: https://www.mlb.com/news/classic-mlb-games-to-watch-online

NFL.com. (2020, March 18). NFL offers fans free access to NFL Game Pass. NFL.com. Retrieved from: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001106855/article/nfl-offers-fans-free-access-to-nfl-game-pass

Nicholson, J. (2020, March 18). NASCAR launches eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series. eSports Insider. Retrieved from: https://esportsinsider.com/2020/03/enascar-iracing-pro-invitational-series/

Toribio, J. (2020, April 10). 30 stars to compete in ‘MLB The Show’ league. MLB.com. Retrieved from: https://www.mlb.com/news/30-stars-compete-in-mlb-the-show-players-league

NHL: Same Game, Different Season

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by Brandon Busuttil

With the NHL season underway, a lot happened this off-season but all teams have the same goal: make the playoffs and win the almighty Stanley Cup. So, how have all those off-season moves and predictions been looking after the first few games into this NHL season.

I think it is important to start with the new overtime format. Instead of the 4-on-4 overtime format, that resulted in only 35% of games tied after regulation ending in overtime, and the rest of the 65% of tied games ending in a shootout; the NHL has decided to move to a 3-on-3, 5-minute overtime format followed by a shootout. Overtime periods just got a lot more exciting. With a lot of ice and some of the most talented NHL players in that open space, you can expect a lot more overtime goals, and that is exactly what happened. The excitement about a game going into overtime has gone way up, and now has fans watching with large rushes of adrenaline. The NHL definitely got it right with this overtime format change.

Mike Babcock has moved on from the Detroit Red Wings to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It can easily be determined Babcock gave up success with the Red Wings for a lot more money and a much bigger challenge. The Detroit Red Wings is one of the most renowned teams in the NHL making the playoffs 24 years in a row. Now with a rookie head coach, Jeff Blashill, can the Red Wings keep it up or will they crumble? With the amount of talent Detroit has, along with the fact Blashill coached the AHL affiliate team of the Red Wings the Grand Rapids Griffins to a Calder Cup trophy (much of those players he coached are now playing for the Red Wings), I think the team will be in good hands. Blashill follows a system very similar to Babcock, and if it is truly similar to Babcocks, that means the team will stay successful. So far into the season it has been proven that the Red Wings are exactly where they left off with Babcock, continuing to be successful with two goaltenders whom are good enough to both be starting.

The Toronto Maple Leafs on the other hand, are still struggling. To put this team in perspective, their first line players would be on a third line at any decent NHL team. It will be interesting to see what Mike Babcock can do with this team, but I would not expect a quick fix. Babcock has been signed to a 8 year deal to see if he can be the magician to change this Leafs team around, and it is predicted that it will take a long two or possibly three seasons until we hear of the Maple Leafs making noise in the NHL. This has proven true because the Leafs have continued their losing woes in this 2015-2016 NHL season.

The last big story-line that is looked at is: what is the deal with the Chicago Blackhawks? Coming off of a Stanley Cup championship, can Chicago do it again? Unlikely. They lost some key players due to free agency and trades, but they will still be a force to be reckoned with considering their star players that have stayed are going to make up for the lack of those whom left.

Overall, it should be a great and interesting season this year, filled with some great goaltenders all looking to make a name for themselves and some trying to keep their name as one of the best in the game right now. We have top-notch rookies such as Connor McDavid, whom is compared to Sidney Crosby when he entered the league. Lastly, we have teams that could make a push to be a force this year such as the Florida Panthers, whom have come out this year with a lot of determination and force.

Look for an exciting year of hockey, and one that will probably be filled with the unexpected.

 

“No Wusses Play Hockey”

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By Ellen Chlumecky

April 6, 2015

Football, rugby, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing, field hockey, and of course hockey are all very rough, high contact sports. There is always debate on what the roughest sport is and most importantly what sport has the toughest athletes. I’m sure there’s cases for all the above but most recently hockey has proven it’s worthiness for the toughest sport overall. This recent prestigious honor is due to Drew Miller of the Detroit Red Wings.

Drew Miller is the most recent example of the toughness that is demonstrated daily by hockey players. This incident was so fatal that Miller and his teammates feared he’d lose his right eye. On Tuesday, March 31st, the Red Wings played against Ottawa. Miller was standing behind Mark Stone and took a skate to the face, because Miller wears a visor it cut up the majority of his face pretty bad. Miller needed 50 to 60 stitches to close up the gash on his face. While Miller initially thought that he had lost his eye, the doctors cleared him and mentioned that his vision is fine. Miller wanted to go back in for the third period against the Senators but the doctors and his wife advised against the decision because of the fear of ripping the stitches.

Miller is now sporting a deep scar from his right eyebrow across his cheekbone. The whole cut was very deep especially in the cheek area. The eye itself is fine. Doctors have enforced him to wear a protective cage for a while, but he is convinced that he can still perform his duties on the ice.

If that wasn’t enough, Drew Miller suited up to play for the Red Wings in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Boston at Joe Louis Arena. The day he decided to suit up for the game was only just two days after a skate to his face. While this may seem absurd to most, it would be more painful for most hockey players not to play than to sit out with an injury. That’s how badly they want to play and help their teammates.

Hockey players push the boundaries beyond belief. Their passion to their craft is unmatched by any other sport. While I’m sure other athletes have shown just as much dedication, there is a unique aspect to hockey players’ dedication. Coach of the Red Wings, Mike Babcock, called the incident the definition of team building. While fellow teammate of Miller, Brendan Smith, stated, “I’m not sure how to say this, but no wusses play. It’s a tough sport and I think that’s why it’s ingrained at a young age. If you don’t want to play a tough game, you go play tennis or golf.”

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The King is Back in his Throne: Henrik Lundqvist

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By Ellen Chlumecky

April 1, 2015

You may remember that the king of goalies, Henrik Lundqvist, has been out since February 2. Lundqvist missed 25 games due to a serious vascular injury. A great loss for the entire New York Rangers organizations and their fans. Not that they are without their star players: Martin St. Louis, Rick Nash, Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, and Derek Stephan. However without a solid goaltender, we know that you’re as good as gone in the NHL. Thankfully for the Rangers, Lundqvist is back in action. On March 28th, Lundqvist was able to make his return back to his kingdom in the net. They played the Bruins at TD Garden and even though the energy was thrilling, the results weren’t exactly what the Rangers were looking for in return.

http://www.blueshirtsunited.com/video/rangers-fall-beantown-highlights-analysis

Lundqvist and the New York Rangers fell to 25-12-3 with a 4-2 loss to the Bruins. Lundqvist finished with 26 saves against the Bruins. He faced 14 shots in the first period and allowed three goals. The first came only 1:41 into the game when Milan Lucic of the Bruins was credited with a goal after the pick was redirected in with his skate to give Boston a 1-0 lead. The play was reviewed but it was confirmed that the goal was allowed because it was determined not to be a distinct kicking motion.

The second goal of the game was at 9:26 of the first. It was also scored by Lucic. The Bruins took a clean breakout and a series of quick and crisp passes through the neutral zone before Lucic finished with his second goal of the night and 17th goal of the season. The third goal of the game by the Bruins was also scored in the first period and was scored by Carl Soderberg. The fourth goal of the game by the Bruins was scored by Reilly Smith early in the second period.

Lundqvist was obviously not happy with his performance but looks at this game as a chance for improvement. It didn’t help that the first period was clearly dominated by the Bruins and was a tough place for the Rangers. Lundqvist thought he did well in the second and third but will obviously learn from what went wrong in the first. First game back in 25 games would be hard for anyone in the game.

The Rangers have eight games left in their regular season. Lundqvist should be receiving a few more starts to try to regain his strength to the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. We wish Henrik Lundqvist in his return back to Madison Square Garden. If anyone deserves a win, it’s him, with hard work and a massive amount of will power he will be as good as new.

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Mike Richards Returns Home to the LA Kings

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 24, 2015

On March 22, the Los Angeles Kings made a decision to recall Mike Richards from their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs. The Kings recently added the veteran back on to its low-scoring lineup before opening a five game road trip against the New Jersey Devils on Monday night with their playoff dreams looming in the near future. After three losses in their past four games, the Kings sit two points behind Calgary for third place in the Pacific Division.

Richards was waived and immediately sent to the minors in January when the Kings lost their patience with several seasons of his poor performance on the offensive production. Once Richards cleared waivers, he accept the minor league assignment. He gained 14 points in 16 games for Manchester. He is currently in the middle of a 12 year contract through 2020 that carries an annual cap hit of $5.75 million. General manager of the Kings, Dean Lombardi, had said that Richards had been sent to the AHL reluctantly because of his efforts. They made a statement saying that they would recall the veteran for the playoff push if his replacements didn’t excel. His replacements didn’t succeed, so here Richards is now.

Mike Richards is no stranger to being a strong player. In fact, he’s gotten in trouble for it several times. He’s a hard-hitting player who a multitude of players have to frequently look out for on the ice. He tends to dominate physically and is more than often called a bully on the ice. Before he was on the Los Angeles Kings, he was previously the captain of the Philadelphia Flyers. he was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers and 24th overall. He has been the member of two Stanley Cup winning teams with the Los Angeles Kings. He has also been on numerous championship teams, including: the Memorial Cup, World Juniors, Calder Cup, and Olympic Gold.

The Kings have been having a rough year. A player who has consistently been a goal producer for the team wasn’t performing so they thought it was the best idea to send Richards back down to the AHL. Maybe they thought that sending Richards down to the AHL would light a fire under him. It’s really crunch time for the Kings right now so calling Richards back up might be a good option for them right now. The Kings really need to light a fire underneath their players right now.

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From BGSU to the NHL: Andrew Hammond

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 19, 2015

The Bowling Green State University hockey program is no stranger to exceptional alumni. We have the notable Dan Bylsma who is a former professional hockey player and the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Two of their alumni, Rob Blake and Ken Morrow were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. George McPhee received the Hobey Baker Award when he was a hockey player here at Bowling Green. Gino Cavallini scored the winning overtime goal for the Falcons in the NCAA National Championship game. Most recently we gained an alumnus who is quickly making a name for himself on the Ottawa Senators. That rookie hockey player is Andrew Hammond.

Or one might know him as Hammy, Ham, Hammer, Hamsie, or the Hambone. More recently he might be referred to as “The Hamburglar” to his teammates and NHL and Ottawa Senators’ Twitter followers. You might know him as this because the National Post did a whole story on the development of his name and how he’s been having a breakout season as a rookie. Now like I said, the Bowling Green State University hockey program is no stranger to standout rookies and players who numerous accolades.

However, it’s especially exciting for someone who went to Bowling Green State University while he was playing, even if some of us only got to see him play when he was a senior. Besides the attention he’s been receiving on Twitter and his article in the National Post and one in Sports Illustrated, he’s having a great year for himself. Hammond’s current record in the goal right now is 9-0-1 including his win against the New York Islanders, only letting one goal in during the game. He is now only the third goaltender since 1928 to allow two or fewer goals in his first ten NHL starts, an incredible feat in and of itself.

Andrew Hammond has remained incredibly humble in all of his post-game interviews. His respectability not only on the ice but off the ice is another truly great feat for the Bowling Green State University hockey program. It makes me proud to go to a university that not only tries to raise tremendous athletes but athletes who go off and try to make respectable careers for themselves whether they continue to pursue their chosen sport or not. I wish Andrew Hammond luck in the rest of his hockey career and I know that he will continue to make his alma mater proud of his accomplishments.

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Patrick Kane’s Recovery Coming Along

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 16, 2015

I do not need to reiterate the struggle that Chicago sports have faced this year. The Bears have been going through a new structuring system with a new coach and new staffing decisions. The Bulls have been through some major injuries. Specifically the stars of the team, forcing other teammates to step up in a big way. The Blackhawks have been having a pretty good year. They were definitely headed for the playoffs. All seemed well for this one Chicago sports team.

Now, here’s where that Chicago curse hit home. Patrick Kane had a freak accident on the ice where a combination of a little shove and he seemed to trip on his skate and fall straight into the boards. While this may have seemed like any ordinary hit in hockey. Unfortunately, Patrick Kane ended up hitting the boards with his shoulder. Which resulted in him fracturing clavicle. I do not need to talk about how important one’s shoulder is to someone much less a hockey player.

Chicago Blackhawks fans cringed in horror when they realized that one of their star point scorers was going to be out for several weeks. Patrick Kane has been vital in the past two Stanley Cup championships and the past few playoff runs. The majority of the fans and Blackhawks’ analysts believe that his injury will be a negative impact on Chicago’s chances of winning another championship.

However, there is one person who is truly positive that his recovery from the fractured clavicle won’t count him out of the season completely. That person is number 88 himself. He’s hopeful because there is still some time left in the season. He truly is aiming to play in the playoffs, while he is not positive what his plans will be for playoffs. However, he personally is optimistic about the success of his team without him.

Kane underwent surgery on February 25th and was put on a twelve week time-table to return. He told ESPN he is still on that time-table as of this week. He has been going to rehabilitation training every day and actively working out his lower body. It seems as if he is doing every thing he can in his power to be back at 100%. You can tell that he hates being injured. He is one of those players that wants to be playing and wants to be trying to help his team in every way he can.

In recent years, Patrick Kane has endured criticisms and has made his fair share of mistakes. Most young hockey players are susceptible to this but he was under the spotlight because of his tremendous talent and rookie status. I believe this personal excerpt shows that he’s actively trying to change this unpopular opinion of him. He has matured as a player and wants to bring home another Stanley Cup for his team.

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