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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: 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.

“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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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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Calling All Goalies: Florida Panthers Looking for Practice Goalie

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 10, 2015

On Thursday, March 5, the Florida Panthers announced that they will be holding open tryouts for any goalies or even fans to be hired as their practice goalie for one day. This whole experience is a contest proposed by the Panthers. The Panthers executive chairman Peter Luukko is hopeful the contest expects a great turnout for such an amazing ultimate fan experience. Successful applicants will invited to a tryout on March 16th. Two finalists will then go head-to-head during an intermission of Florida’s game against Montreal on March 17th. The winner will then get a contract.

This is a dream come true for any aspiring goalie that never got the opportunity to make it to the big leagues or even a fan whose dream is to experience what it’s like to play in the NHL. So what inspired this somewhat unusual contest? If you weren’t watching the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs game, you might have some insight on what inspired the contest.

During the game, both Panthers’ goalies – Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya – suffered injuries. Not having another backup goalie, the goalie coach for the Panthers had to quickly suit up to serve as the backup. Robert Tallas last played against the New York Rangers in 2001.

In the first period, Luongo was injured by a shot from Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov. He stayed in a game till the end of the period. Then he was replaced by Al Montoya. Early on in the second, Montoya gets injured as well. This meant that the Panthers were without a healthy goalie.

It was believed that Derek MacKenzie and Scottie Upshall might dress as emergency goalies as they both went down the tunnel to the locker room while Montoya was struggling on the ice. Luongo was also seen in the tunnel in street clothes as they were trying to figure out who was going to be put in. However, the person who ended up suiting up was Tallas. Two years prior he was put in the same situation so it was not too unusual to ask of him.

At the end of the day, Montoya attempted to play through his injury until Luongo suited up again to finish the game. The team was trying to get Tallas cleared by the NHL to play in the game but during this process, they realized that Luongo would just have to finish off the game.

It’s unfortunate that a hectic and panic-inducing event had to occur for the Panthers, especially since they ended up losing 3-2 in spite of the situation. In the end, they got a great promotional deal out of the event. So I guess it’s about looking at the glass half full, right?

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Does the Crime Fit the Punishment?

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By Ellen Chlumecky

February 23, 2015

Star player for the Dallas Stars, Tyler Seguin was hit on February 13th. The results for the Tyler Seguin hit came out on Monday, February 16th. Dmitry Kulikov is suspended for four games and in accordance with that will forfeit more than $93,000 in salary. While on the other hand, Seguin has a lower-body injury and could miss up to three to six weeks. Seems fair, right? It does not exactly add up in my mind, but maybe that’s just a personal opinion.

While I know it’s completely unrealistic to award Kulikov a three to six-week suspension, it also doesn’t seem fair taking into the account the brutality of the hit. A knee injury is a very detrimental to a hockey player’s game. Their knees help them skate fast, use the force from them to hit other players, and are needed for the general premise of practicing and improving themselves on the ice. They’re pretty important if that wasn’t already obvious.

The Miami Herald seemed to describe the incident as an “accident.” They stated the “Kulikov appeared to mis-time his hip check and took out Seguin at the knees with his upper body. They did point out that Seguin did not see Kulikov coming. I just find it difficult to believe that you can make that kind of hit on someone without an intention of hurting them seriously.

Patrick Burke, an NHL player-safety director, said, “It’s illegal to throw a body check below the knees. Kulikov delivered a dangerous hit that is excessively low leaving the opposing player no way to defend or brace for the contact.” I completely agree with him. A hockey player cannot brace themselves when a player comes at their knees especially when they don’t see the player coming. Which is why I’m personally surprised that there wasn’t a bigger penalty given to Kulikov when he could’ve very well done permanent damage to Seguin.

I am not the biggest fan of Tyler Seguin. I am not oblivious either, though. He is a talented and tough hockey player. The Dallas Stars losing him for three to six weeks is a huge detriment to their game. Yes, they have Jamie Benn, Jason Spezza, Antoine Roussel, John Lingberg, Erik Cole, but at the end of the day Tyler Seguin helps pull that dynamic together. While Jamie Benn will probably try to take the lead while Seguin is out, it’s going to be a huge setback for the Dallas Stars.

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Super “Star” Fallen: Tyler Seguin

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By Ellen Chlumecky

February 16, 2015

I have said it once and I will say it again, hockey players don’t understand how to hit people without permanently injuring other players. There is a difference between a clean hit and a cheap shot. Hockey players start to practice hitting other players as soon as they are out of squirts and pee wees. Hitting is a part of the game, there is no way to get rid of hitting in the game of hockey. There also seems to be no way of convincing bull-headed players to stop making these kinds of moves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V46mXRsmkA

This cheap shot placed Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars on injured reserve on Friday night. On Saturday the 14th, Coach Lindy Ruff stated that Seguin had a knee injury and could miss two to four weeks. The Stars officially announced on Sunday, February 15th that Seguin has a lower-body injury and now could miss up to three to six weeks.

Seguin was hit by Dmitry Kulikov of the Florida Panthers and had to be helped off the ice. As you can see in the video, Kulikov went low and hit Seguin on his right knee right after he made a pass. Kulikov was ejected from the game. While it’s not official, it looks like Kulikov will be suspended indefinitely pending the hearing but could be suspended for more than five games.

Coach Ruff and players were irate with the whole situation. Teammate Vernon Fiddler described the play as “gutless.” Coach Ruff said it’s a play that “I don’t like” and, “It’s a dirty low play that the league doesn’t like, and I want to see the league deal with it.” I completely agree.

I don’t know how many times a player has to get injured the way Seguin currently is before players get it through their heads that they can’t keep making hits like this. Hitting is one of the entertainment factors for many fans of hockey. I would never say to remove hitting from the game. I would enjoy seeing players hitting people smarter than they currently are hitting fellow players.

The NHL Department of Player Safety needs to review these tapes further in-depth, consider the injury and the length of the time the injured player with be out. Then they need to assess the injury accordingly. Clipping is a type of hitting that could permanently end a player’s career. It is not something they should take lightly. Players need to be smarter about hitting or abstain from it if they can’t learn the correct way to do it.

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Hockey: A Numbers Game?

By Savannah Malnar

February 2, 2015

Statistics play a large role in sports. People are hired just to analyze stats and make team and player predictions based on simply numbers. For a long time, baseball has been the frontrunner in using more advanced statistics as a part of the game. Whenever a player is up to bat, dozens of numbers appear on your television screen; combinations and decimals all formed from a few swings of a bat. While baseball has embraced this sort of statistical nature, other sports have been slow to adopt it. One of these sports is hockey.

When it comes to hockey, most fans have only wanted to know three things on a player-to-player basis: goals, assists, and penalty minutes. As for teams, they just want the points and maybe some fact mentioned by their Fox Sports announcer about a winning or losing streak. But that has been slowly changing over the past few years.

Analysts have emerged themselves in the sport of hockey taking advantage of and perfecting some of the more “fancy” stats that have always existed. The most predominant being corsi and its variations. For being an advanced stat, corsi is extremely simple (and maybe that’s why it’s become attractive to the hockey community): blocked shots + missed shots + shots on goal. Usually shown as a percentage or a decimal compared to total shots in a game and is the best available statistic to measure puck possession. Mess around with the numbers a little and you can calculate individual corsi, team corsi, and see how it changes in different stages of the game.

Now with that sliver of context, it’s time to ask: why does it matter? And the answer is an honest one, it hasn’t, at least to the league. Until now, these stats have been calculated and distributed by fans. Some coaches and players have said they pay attention and use them, some had no idea what they meant. But fans have a growing desire of a better understanding of the game past the “score goals and maim the other team” mentality, and the NHL has decided to cater to that. The league has promised a revamp to their website’s stat page, and it will include corsi and many other statistics that seem ridiculous to the casual fan but craved by the diehard fan.

This news isn’t getting much coverage. Yahoo! Sports and NBC Sports both featured a short article about it, but that was it. No local media from any team picked up on the fact that the NHL is finally accepting that the game is moving towards a more statistical standpoint thanks to a fan-based push for it. This should be a much bigger deal, it shows just how powerful the fans of any sport can be in determining how it is analyzed and, eventually, coached and played across professional leagues.

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