Best Jersey Advertisement Fits For Each NHL Team

    

 

    If you have watched any NBA basketball game over the past two seasons, you have probably noticed company logos on the jersey of each team. These advertisements have helped the NBA generate more revenue; and, in turn, each company would get huge recognition from a huge NBA fanbase. We all know that the NHL is not one of the top sports league finance-wise, and there have been speculations over the years that the league will follow in the NBA's footsteps and put advertisements on their jerseys as well. As much as I hate that idea, I have to wonder, what company would be the best for each National Hockey League team? So, because I was so curious, I decided to go through every NHL team and give them a company that I think best meshes with each organization.

Anaheim Ducks - Disney

I think this is a pretty obvious choice. First of all, Disney used to own the Ducks when they were first established in 1993. Secondly, Disney Land can be found in Anaheim, so it sort of makes sense location-wise as well.

Arizona Coyotes - Warner Bros.

The Coyotes remind me of Wile E Coyote of The Looney Tunes. I know its not that original, but Warner Bros. created The Looney Tunes so what the heck.

Boston Bruins - Dunkin'

You get it, Brew-Ins? Yeah, yeah, don't make fun; it's been a long day for me okay? Anyways, not only does this fit because of the pun, but Dunkin' has been a substantial part of the New England/Boston lifestyle, so why not let them have this coffee and donut chain on their jersey, just like the Providence Bruins (AHL) did a few years back.

Buffalo Sabres - Buffalo Wild Wings

Come on, how can I not give a Buffalo franchise a chicken wing company; and on top of that BUFFALO is in the name.

Calgary Flames - Frank's Red Hot

Yes, the same Frank's Red Hot where the commercial shows an elderly lady saying that she puts that (Beep) on everything. I think it's kind of funny, and the brand really matches up well with the fire type style of the Calgary Flames.

Carolina Hurricanes - Checkers and Rally's

I know that the Charlotte Checkers are now the affiliate team of the Florida Panthers, but this brand matches up so well with the Hurricanes. They have the same color scheme and the fact that the Checkers were an affiliate with Carolina for the past several years does help the case.

Chicago Blackhawks - Uno Pizzeria

I had a lot of trouble with this one, but I thought that since Chicago is known so well for their deep dish pizza than why not go with the only chain that I know of.

Colorado Avalanche - The North Face

Plain and simple, this is just a winter apparel company. Colorado gets very cold in the winter and if you are going to be in an avalanche, you will probably want the best equipment possible.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Tommy Hilfiger

It's a jacket company... for the Blue JACKETS.

Dallas Stars - Stetson

Stetson is a famous cowboy hat company, so that should fit well with a team based in Texas.

Detroit Red Wings - Little Caesars

Besides for it being the name of their stadium, the Red Wings have had a close relationship with the big pizza chain. The founder of Little Caesars was the founder of the Detroit Red Wings, and they even have a youth development team over their called the Little Caesars. 

Edmonton Oilers - CanOils

They are the Oilers, so a Canadian oil company fits in the best. As much as I am against huge oil and gas corporations, I couldn't really find any other good fit.

Florida Panthers - Fancy Feast

What does a cat love more than cat food?

Los Angeles Kings - Burger King

Not only did I partner up these two brands because of the name, but the Kings have actually used a jersey where its primary logo looks a lot like the Burger King mascot.

Minnesota Wild - Bass Pro Shop

The Wild would fit well with a nature brand, and that is why I picked Bass Pro Shop. They don't just sell fishing equipment, but they also sell all sorts of items that help get you closer to nature.

Montreal Canadiens - Smoke's Poutinerie

I am not too knowledgeable on what Montreal is known for, but I know Canadiens love poutine. So I just gave the Habs the first poutine chain that I could find.

Nashville Predators - Predator Camo

The Predators would pair well with a hunting company, and you use camouflage for hunting. Also predator is in the name, so its an obvious choice.

New Jersey Devils - Drake's

Drake's sells one item that instantly reminds me of this New Jersey based hockey franchise: Devil Dogs.

New York Islanders - Gorton's

This is the obvious choice for the Islanders. The fisherman on the packages looks exactly like the one on the Isles old jerseys.

New York Rangers - Liberty Mutual Insurance

I think this one is pretty obvious. Liberty Mutual has the Statue of Liberty in their logo and the Rangers have used that landmark on their jerseys.

Ottawa Senators - Canadien Tire

Like the Canadiens, I was struggling to find a good match. However, the Canadien Tire logo can probably go well with the Senators new jerseys, so that would be interesting to see.

Philadelphia Flyers - Philadelphia Cream Cheese

There would not be any other company I would pair with this team. Philadelphia is in the name; and just like the cream cheese, the Flyers play is nice and smooth.

Pittsburgh Penguins - Penguin Books

Penguin Books is a book publishing agency. I chose this company because it was basically the first one that came into my mind that had a penguin in the logo.

San Jose Sharks - Shark Vacuum

Besides for the word shark in the name, San Jose likes to swallow up the competition, pun intended.

Seattle Kraken - Kraken Rum

Yes, I am including the Kraken; and they have an obvious choice. Not only does this rum have kraken in the name, but they are also a sponsor of the Seattle team.

St. Louis Blues - House of Blues

I don't think I even have to explain this one.

Tampa Bay Lightning - FPL (Florida Power and Light)

What causes electricity, voltage. What has voltage, Lightning. Extra plus for it being a Florida company.

Toronto Maple Leafs - Escuminac

What brand can be a better pair for the Maple Leafs than a Canadian award-winning maple syrup brand.

Vancouver Canucks - Pacific Life

Pacific Life has a lot of similarities to the Vancouver Canucks. They both have a whale in the logo and Vancouver is a city on the Pacific coast.

Vegas Golden Knights - White Castle

Their colors may be different, but the medieval themes of both brands truly shine through.

Washington Capitals - Capital One

What other company can you find with capital in the name. Also, Capital One is a proud partner of the NHL, so this is a perfect fit.

Winnipeg Jets - Air Canada

If your name is the Jets, you need to be paired with an airline company, and the perfect match is Canada's most notable one.

What Will the 2020-21 NHL Season Look Like?

    

    We are now closing in on the final stages of the 2020 NHL Playoffs. With two heated conference finals, the bubble games in Edmonton are nothing short of entertaining. As fun as it is to live in the moment and bask in the light of playoff hockey, you have to wonder, what is the NHL's plan for next season? Ever since the playoffs have started, it seems as though fans have turned their attention away from the pandemic and onto the ice; but Covid-19 is still around and will certainly have a big impact on the upcoming regular season.

    

    I was reminded of the upcoming dilemma when I read a tweet from Elliotte Friedman saying that the NHL Entry Draft start date would be moved from October 9th to October 6th, with free agency staring on that coming Friday. At first I thought this could mean an earlier initial start date for the NHL, but after further research it does not seem like the case. According to NHL Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly, "[It is] probably less likely than more likely we would start on December 1st." which is the initial targeted start date for the 2020-21 NHL regular season.

    Another question surrounding the next regular season is how many games each team will actually play. The apparent goal is to have 82 games, but in a more condensed schedule. That would mean a lot more back-to-back games and it would increase the need for each team to acquire good backup goaltending. This scenario is most likely not going to happen. One NHL executive anticipates that there would be 60 to 65 regular season games.

    One other important dilemma is if there will be fans. It is important for any sports league to have fans in the stands, but for the NHL it is even more crucial. The league obtains most of there revenue from ticket sales, as opposed to TV and advertising. There are multiple options on the table for the league to consider. Just like the bubble, the NHL can prohibit fans from coming and only allow necessary personal. However, now that a lot of leagues are starting to let limited amounts of fans into their stadiums, I would not be surprised to see spectators at the games. Some scenarios would be a progression from zero fans, transitioning to fans at 50% capacity, and then allowing fans at a 90% capacity. Another optioned I heard of was starting at zero, then move to 50%, after that progressing to 75%, and finally ending off the season with fans at 90% capacity. One out-of-the box idea that I heard of was from San Jose Sharks president, Jonathan Becker. He says that since the box suits are enclosed by glass, teams can sell them to groups or families for them to use.

    However, if the NHL is using a bubble system now, can there also be one next year? If there is, do not expect the same type as the one in this years playoffs. Rumors have been floating of a four city bubble system. Each of the 31 teams will go around each bubble and play in eight game increments. The details are not specific, but at the end of the day a bubble seams unlikely. The cost of the hotels, restaurants, travel, and entertainment is very high; and if the NHL is trying to regain some profit from last year, they need to be as cost efficient as possible. The only upside I see to this system is travel, and it would also be a great way to push in all 82 games without so much fatigue on the players.

    Hey, and what about the All-Star Game? As a South Floridian, I was so excited at the announcement of the All-Star Game in Sunrise, but how can they ever play something so unnecessary if the NHL has a strict time constraint? So far I have not seen any word on the matter by the NHL, but I would not be surprised if the All-Star Game was canceled. If they do decide to have an All-Star Game I would expect it to be after the 2021 postseason. The reason is because the NHL would not have to deal with finishing the season on time and I feel that the players would be fine with it because there is no playoff pressure and Florida is a great vacation spot.

    The trade deadline is also an interesting piece. Its scheduled date is obviously to be determined but I would not expect them to move it that far from the usual date. It will obviously be a bit harder for teams to scout out other players, assuming scouts are not aloud at the games, and I would expect the NHL would want to limit trades as much as possible if they do not make a bubble system.

    All of these factors are very important, but what is most important is the health and safety of the NHL players and staff. The coronavirus is very serious, and it would be a huge shame if a player, or a players family, gets sick. The NHL would need to take a lot of expensive procedures in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Items include: air filtration systems, plexiglass, sanitization, face masks, testing, and much more. 

    There is no doubt that there will be a 2020-21 NHL season, the question is how will it look like. Based on the job Gary Bettman and the NHL did on the Toronto and Edmonton bubbles I have pretty good confidence that the league will make the right decisions. Hopefully the NHL will keep the same level of fan experience, and, when the opportunity arises, will be ready to host fans back in arenas.

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Best Fits For The Top 2020 Free Agents

 This years free agent pool has a ton of talent at every position; definitely a lot more than usual free agencies. It will be interesting to see where each player lands, especially with this years flat cap hit due to the NHL’s loss in revenue from the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Hockey News ranked the top 30 unrestricted free agents of the 2020 offseason. So based on that, which teams do I see being the best fits for each of the top ten players on that list?

10. T.J. Brodie – D – 30 Years Old

Brodie is not putting up a lot of the numbers that he used to, but he is still a very stable and skilled puck moving defenseman. This year, he had nineteen points in 64 games and also putting up a +7 plus/minus. In ten playoff games with the Calgary Flames, he put up four points and was even on the plus/minus. My best fit for T.J. Brodie is with the Detroit Red Wings. They may not be the best team in the NHL, but Brodie would have a top pair role in Detroit. Plus, the Red Wings can really use a good Veteran defenseman to help mentor their younger prospects coming in.

9. Jacob Markstrom – G – 30 Years Old

Markstrom had an amazing breakout season this year and proved that he is a real starting goaltender in the NHL. He came up with a record of 23-16-4, a 2.75 goals against average, and a .918 save percentage. His great performance also traveled with him to the playoffs for the first two series; where he put up a record of 7-3-0, a 2.44 goals against average, and a .929 save percentage. Although it seems as though he, and the Canucks, will get kicked out of the Bubble by the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver will still need Markstrom for a bit longer, until Thatcher Demko fully progresses into a full fledged starter. That is why the best fit for the Swedish goaltender is right where he is, Vancouver.

8. Tyler Toffoli – RW – 28 Years Old

Toffoli’s numbers look a lot lower than years past, but that was because he was on the Los Angeles Kings during the beginning of the season. Once he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, he instantly soared, recording a point per game during his tenure in the regular season with the Canucks. In total, Tyler Toffoli accumulated 44 points in 68 games this season. This season has shown that Toffoli obviously thrives with a competitive team, and that is why the Boston Bruins are his best fit. They already have a high powered offense that just needs one more piece to tie it all together; and if Krug decides to test the Free Agent waters, Boston will have no trouble picking up the talented winger.

7. Tyson Barrie – D – 29 Years Old

It really looked like Tyson Barrie was given too much responsibility in Toronto; and he did not look comfortable at all. However, 39 points in 70 games is not bad for a defenseman, and Barrie still has a lot in him. The best fit for him would be the Florida Panthers, assuming they are willing to spend more than they would like. The Cats are in desperate need for another top four defenseman, and maybe he would help step up Mike Matheson’s play if they were paired up together.

6. Evgenii Dadonov – RW – 31 Years Old

Photo By Getty Images

The Russian winger has done very well in the Panthers organization. This year, he had 47 points in 69 games; 25 of those points were goals. The veteran goal scorer would fit in splendidly with the Minnesota Wild. A line with both him and, future superstar, Kirill Kaprizov, would put up significant point totals.

5. Robin Lehner – G – 29 Years Old

Photo By Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images

After spending some time struggling on an aging Blackhawks team, Robin Lehner finally put up great numbers when he was traded to a competitive Vegas team. Lehner finished off the season with a record of 19-10-5, a 2.89 goals against average, and a .920 save percentage. However, what is most impressive are his playoff stats. So far, Lehner is 6-1-0 in the Bubble. He has a 2.10 goals against average and a .910 save percentage. It seems like the Golden Knights are losing favor in Marc-Andre Fleury; and the feeling may be mutual to both parties, if you have seen the twitter post by Fleury’s agent. If it is certain that Vegas wants Lehner as their permanent starter, than that is the place he deserves to be.

4. Mike Hoffman – LW – 31 Years Old

Photo By Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Hoffman had an elite season with the Panthers this year, with 59 points and 29 goals in only 69 games. Although his team did not fair well in the qualifying round, he still had five points in only four games. Hoffman is a great sniper with a deadly one-timer and the Panthers are extremely unlucky to have to let this man go. However, the Blue Jackets will be ecstatic once free agency comes around, because I think they are Hoffman’s best fit. They have a great young core and I think that will complement well with Hoffman’s experience mixed with his offensive upside.

3. Torey Krug – D – 29 Years Old

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Krug had a great run with Boston, after they took a chance on the undrafted defenseman in 2011. He had another solid season this year, with 49 points in 61 regular season games and four points in nine playoff games. There still might be a chance that the Bruins keep the American defenseman, but look at Montreal to maybe make a swing at acquiring his talents. Montreal, in my opinion, would be the best fit; they have a young core all around and they have great defenseman to complement Krug’s game. You can also say Detroit is a good fit as well, being that it is Torey Krug’s former stomping grounds; but I do not think Krug will want to join a team that is currently in a deep rebuild.

2. Taylor Hall – LW – 29 Years Old

Photo By Christian Petersen / Getty Images

It is rare for a former Hart Trophy winner under the age of 30 to be a pending free agent; but this is not like any other free agency, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic. No one is exactly sure if Hall wants to resign with Arizona or not, but wherever he goes he will have a big impact. He did not have as great of a season as he usually has, but his performance will surely skyrocket once he is on a team that is a lot more competitive; and that team is the New York Islanders. The Isles already have the shut down defense, and all they need is some firepower on offense to take them to the next level.

1. Alex Pietrangelo – D – 30 Years Old

Photo By Jeff Roberson/AP

The Blues would love to bring back there captain; and after getting knocked out of this years playoffs in round one, he would be a big key to bringing St. Louis back to glory next season. However, Pietrangelo’s asking price will be really high; and chances are the Blues will not have enough room in the cap. Any other fits? Yes! The Winnipeg Jets would love to grab this asset, especially after losing Dustin Byfuglien this season. If the offense holds up, Pietrangelo can get another chance at a Cup with a team on the rise.

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The Next NHL Dynasty

 

    When you think of a dynasty in the NHL, your mind might instantly think of Denis Potvin and the New York Islanders, Guy Lafleur and the Montreal Canadiens, Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers, and you can possibly stick in the Chicago Blackhawk and Pittsburgh Penguin teams of the 2010’s. However, we have finally reached the 2020’s, and we will soon figure out who will be the team of the decade, and the obvious choice is the New York Rangers.

First of all, the New York Rangers have one of the best prospect pools in the NHL; the second best according to The Hockey News. The Hockey News, in their Top 100 Prospects lists, has four Rangers listed.

At third overall they put, goaltender, Igor Shesterkin. The Russian stud had been an absolute beast in the KHL, and has continued his success in North America. He started out this season playing with the Hartford Wolf Pack, of the AHL, and in 25 games put up a 1.90 goals against average and a .934 save percentage. He was later called up the the New York Rangers, where, in 12 games, he put up a 2.52 goals against average and a .932 save percentage.

Next, at 23rd overall, The Hockey News put in Vitali Kravstov. Although he has not made the greatest first impression on North American ice, he has all the talent and tools to adjust a lot better in the years to come. He spent most of his time with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he put up fifteen points in 59 games. He was then loaned to his home country of Russia, where he played with both Traktor Chelyabinsk, of the KHL, and Chelmet Chelyabinsk, of the VHL, where he played a total of fourteen games.

Skip to number 52 and you have, Swedish defenseman, Nils Lundkvist. The 20 year old played in the SHL this year and put of a total of 31 points in 45 games for Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League. He also played in the World Junior Championship for Team Sweden; and although he only played seven games, he still put up an impressive eight points.

Lastly, on the Top 100 Prospects list, you will find, American defenseman, K’Andre Miller at the 57th spot. The 20 year old played for the University of Wisconsin, and although he had a bit of a down year in points, with 22 in 26 games, he still has a lot of potential and great upside. He also only put up two points in the World Junior Championships, but again, he still has a lot of development to take on, and will be a superstar when all is said and done.

Their prospect pool isnt the only thing to look forward too, dont forget that the Rangers won the first overall pick in this years draft, and are able to select, forward, Alexis Lafreniere.

Lafreniere is one of the best potential 1st overall picks since Connor McDavid, and can instantly be a game changer for any team he joins. This year, for Rimouski Oceanic, he had 112 points in only 52 games, as the captain for his squad. Internationally he was insane as well. Even though he was limited to only five games for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship, after suffering what seemed to be a scary looking injury, he still ended up accumulating ten points and was the MVP of the tournament. This is a guy who is expected to put up over 60 points this year, in the NHL, and the Rangers are lucky their ball was selected in the phase two draft lottery.

With all these young stars to look forward to, it is easy to forget about the talented roster that they already have in place. Their roster is stacked with highly talented forwards. Look at Artemi Panarin, who put up 95 points in just under 70 games. The Russian left winger is also a Hart Trophy finalist; and he is playing at a level way past his twelve million dollar a year pay grade. They also have stars like Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome, and recent 2nd overall pick, Kaapo Kakko.

Their defense is looking sharp as well. Tony DeAngelo is having an amazing break out season. He totaled 53 points in just under 70 games. Rookie, Adam Fox, is also playing like a superstar as well. He accumulated 42 points in 70 games; and it is surprising as to why he is not a Calder Trophy finalist.

In my mind, the Rangers could easily win a Cup in at least a year; and once they do, it wont stop their. This team can easily win two, three, or maybe even four Stanley Cups in a row. That is why I think the New York Rangers are the next NHL dynasty.

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Calgary Flames All Time Starting Lineup

 

    The Flames have been a fairly successful team over their 40 years in existence (48 if you count their predecessor, the Atlanta Flames). They only won a lone Stanley Cup, but as of this years playoffs, they have made it to the post-season 24 times. Along their over four decade journey, the Flames have created some phenomenal talent, and they are still doing so today. So let’s look into Calgary’s most valuable treasures in each position.

Center: Joe Nieuwendyk

The Hall of Fame center played in the NHL for just over two decades. During that span, he has accumulated 1,126 points in 1,257 games. Nieuwendyk also acquired a lot of hardware throughout his 20 seasons in the league. He was a Calder winner, a King Clancy winner, and won the Stanley Cup three times with three different franchises.

Honorable Mentions: Kent Nilsson, Doug Gilmour, Sean Monahan

Right Wing: Jarome Iginla

How can I not add one of the most recent Hockey Hall of Fame additions onto this All Time Lineup. Iginla has been a cornerstone for the Flames organization for years. He is the all time leader in points for the team, his jersey number hangs in the Flames rafters, and he was a six time All Star in Calgary. Iginla won multiple awards in his time in the NHL, including; two Maurice Richards, an Art Ross, a Ted Lindsay, a King Clancy, and so much more. And who can forget his international achievements. Everywhere he went he was bound to get a gold medal. He won two Olympic golds, two World Championship golds, and an Under 20 World junior Championship gold medal. Number Twelve definitely goes down as my favorite Flame of All Time.

Honorable Mentions: Theoren Fleury, Lanny McDonald, Joe Mullen

Left Wing: Johnny Gaudreau

Many might argue that Gary Roberts should be here, but I think “Johnny Hockey” is the best Calgary Flames left winger of all time. In only seven NHL seasons, Gaudreau has accumulated 464 points. He is a five time All Star, a Lady Byng winner, and won a World Championship bronze medal for team USA; and all of this as a 26 year old. The young stud still has a lot to accomplish, but the success he has already given his team shows why some fans call this era in Flames history The Gaudreau Era.

Honorable Mentions: Gary Roberts, Eric Vail, Alex Tanguay

Defenseman (1): Al MacInnis

Any time you think of a Calgary Flames defenseman, your mind instantly thinks of this twelve time All Star. With over 23 seasons under his belt and over 1,200 points scored, MacInnis is an easy choice for the best Flames blueliner of all time. The Hockey Hall of Famer helped Calgary capture their only Stanley Cup and was the playoff MVP that same year; and in 1999 he finally won his first, and only, Norris trophy.

Defenseman (2): Mark Giordano

The current captain has made a huge impact on the Flames organization. The 14 year veteran has come up with over 480 points so far in his career, in 893 games. He is a three time All Star, a Norris winner, and a World Championship silver medalist. He also won the the NHL Foundation Award in 2016, showing just how great he is on and off the ice.

Honorable Mentions: Gary Suter, Robyn Regehr, Paul Reinhart

Goaltender: Miikka Kiprusoff

“Kipper” is said to be one of the best goaltenders of the Dead Puck Era. In his 12 NHL seasons, he has recorded a 2.49 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. The Finnish goaltender has won multiple international medals and won a Vezina and Jennings trophy in the same year (2006). His hockey career was so good, that Finland decided to induct him into their hockey hall of fame.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Vernon, Dan Bouchard, Reggie Lemelin

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Buffalo Sabres All Time Starting Lineup

 The Buffalo Sabres have had a very bumpy history. Although making the playoffs 29 times, since their establishment in 1970, they have never won the Stanley Cup. Sabres fans have been left disappointed for five decades, and the future seems uncertain as to when they will make the playoffs again or if they will ever get their hands on hockey’s most coveted prize. However, although they have never won the Cup, the Buffalo Sabres have bread some of the most talented hockey players of all time.

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Center: Gilbert Perrault

photo courtesy of NHL.com

Throughout his seventeen year NHL career, Gilbert Perreault accumulated over 1,300 points in just under 1,200 games. His accolades are not as deep as some of the others coming up on the lineup, but he still won a Calder Trophy and a Lady Byng Trophy. His play was so good, that in the year 1990, Gilbert Perreault was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame; and in 1991, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions: Jack Eichel, Dale Hawerchuk, Don Luce

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Right Wing: Alexander Mogilny

Alexander Mogilny, who was completely snubbed from the Hockey Hall of Fame, had an incredible career. Being the first Soviet defector to play in the NHL puts a lot of pressure on oneself, but he did it with poise and excellence. As soon as he made it to North America, he made a big impact. Throughout his 16 NHL seasons, he recorded over 1,000 points and over a point per game average. He made it to the All Star Game five times, won a Stanley Cup in 2000 with the New Jersey Devils, and won multiple international gold medals.

Honorable Mentions: Danny Gare, Rene Robert, Mike Foligno

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Left Wing: Rick Martin

Photo Courtesy of NHL.com

The late Rick Martin had a spectacular NHL career. In eleven seasons, he scored 701 points in 685 games. Although he has not played in as lengthy of a career as any of the other players in this lineup, he has sure made the most of it. In his first seven seasons in the NHL, he was selected into the All Star Game every single year. This gave Martin huge recognition throughout the league and ultimately lead to his induction into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions: Craig Ramsay, Dave Andreychuk, Thomas Vanek

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Defenseman (1): Phil Housley

Photo Courtesy of NHL.com

When you think of the Buffalo Sabres, you have got to think about Phil Housley. Housley made an amazing career for himself from 1982 to 2003. In 1,495 career regular season games, he put up a whopping 1,232 points. The defenseman was a seven time All Star; won multiple international medals; and was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres, IIHF, Hockey, and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fames.

Defenseman (2): Mike Ramsey

Although not as much of an offensive producer as ,fellow defenseman, Phil Housley, Mike Ramsey was still a dominant player nonetheless. Ramsey played in 18 seasons in the NHL, and put up 345 points in 1,070 games. In the year 1980, Ramsey was part of the Miracle U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal and upset the Soviet Union in gold medal game qualifier. In 2002, Ramsey was inducted into both the Buffalo Sabres and U.S. Hockey Hall of Fames.

Honorable Mentions: Jim Schoenfeld, Bill Hajt, Alexei Zhitnik

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Goaltender: Dominic Hasek

Photo Courtesy of NHL.com

The Czech stud is arguably the best goaltender of all time. In his 16 year career, he finished with an outstanding 2.20 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. Hasek won multiple bronze, silver, and gold medals in numerous international feats. He is a six time Vezina Trophy winner; a three time Jennings Trophy winner (Lowest goals against in the league); and won the Hart Trophy, Tedd Lindsay Award, and the Stanley Cup two times each (Both Stanley Cups being won with the Detroit Red Wings). After he retired, Hasek was nominated into both the IIHF and Hockey Hall of Fames in the year 2015.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Miller, Tom Barrasso, Don Edwards

Meet the NWHL

 For over a century, the NHL has dominated the professional male hockey market. Now, having 31 teams, they make billions of dollars every year. We see the huge success that the NHL is having, but where can we find a league where women can play ice hockey professionally. Former collegiate ice hockey player and entrepreneur, Dani Rylan, saw the need for a stable league that women can play for, so she created the National Women’s Hockey League in March of 2015. So far, the NWHL has six hockey teams. Although that is fairly small, this is just the beginning for this small league, and there is no telling how far they can go. Let us now take a look at these six franchises to get a good glimpse into their players and systems.

Buffalo Beauts

The Buffalo Beauts were established in 2015, as one of the original four NWHL franchises. At first, the Beauts were owned by Pegula Sports and Entertainment, the same company that owns the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, however, they gave up control of the team and it is now owned by the National Women’s Hockey League.

The Beauts entered the Isobel Cup- the NWHL championship- four times, but only won the title once in 2017. Although they have done fairly well in its first four years, the Beauts had a bit of a down season this year, with a record of 8-15-1, totaling only 17 points. Forward, Taylor Accursi lead the team in scoring, with 25 points in 24 games. Their goaltending had some issues this season, with both Kelsey Newman and Mariah Fujimagari only having 3 wins each.

Buffalo is lead by head coach Pete Perram, a former Team Switzerland assistant coach, who most recently coached his second NWHL season. The Beauts are captained by American forward Corinne Buie, who had 13 points in 24 games this season. The 28 year old has played in all five NWHL seasons.

Boston Pride

The Boston Pride are another original four franchise whom, like the Buffalo Beauts, have only one Isobel Cup win. The Pride are one of only two NWHL teams who are owned by an outside owner. They are owned by Miles Arone, a partner at Cannon Capital.

The Pride had a fantastic season, putting up the best record in the league. Leading the charge was captain Jillian Dempsy. The American forward had 40 points in 24 games, in her fifth season in the NWHL. Their goaltending was strong as well. Swedish netminder, Lovisa Selander, had a record of 17-1-0, a .941 save percentage, and a 1.71 goals against average in her first NWHL season. The team is coached by Paul Mara; a former NHLer who has coached in his second year as of this past season.

Metropolitan Riveters

The Monmouth Junction, New Jersey based Riveters are also one of the first four NWHL teams. They have won one Isobel Cup, in 2018, in their first and only appearance. Like most of the franchises, they are also owned by the NWHL.

The team has placed third in the standings this year, putting up a 10-11-3 record, for a total of 23 points. 29 year old American forward, Madison Packer, lead the team in points, with 34 in 24 games. She is also the Riveters team captain. Hamilton College alum, Sam Walther, lead their goaltenders with 8 wins. She also put up a .892 save percentage and a 3.79 goals against average. The head coach of this team is 32 year old first timer, Ivo Mocek. He came over here from the Czech Republic, and will hopefully have a successful coaching career in the near future.

Toronto Six

The Six, like its name, are the sixth NWHL franchise, and the first one from Canada, as the most recent league expansion team. Toronto is owned by Johanna Neilson Boynton; a former collegiate female hockey player and the CEO and co-founder of Boynton Brennan Builders. As of right now, we do not know how well the Six will be in the upcoming season, but they have some players who may do well in their franchise; either right away or in the near future. Some skaters who caught my eye were women like Mikayla Grant-Mentis, who put up 33 points in 33 games for Merrimack College, and Sarah-Eve Coutu-Godbout, who scored 26 points in 36 games for Quinnipiac University. Forward, Brooke Boquist, looks great as well. She played for Leksand IF, over in Sweden this year, putting up 29 points in 24 games. The Six also have a great young goaltender, Samantha Ridgewell. The 23 year old Canadian recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.03 goals against average for Djurgardens IF of the SDHL, which is Sweden’s premier women’s hockey league.

Connecticut Whale

The last original four team is the Connecticut Whale. The Whale have not won any Isobel Cups, nor have they even appeared in the final. Although they have not had much success, the league is still fairly young, and they can take a huge step forward at any time. However, that time was definitely not this season. Connecticut had a record of 2-20-2 over this past season. They had two team point leaders, Kaycie Anderson and captain Shannon Doyle, but they only managed to put up 11 points each. Brooks Wolejko was the goaltender to put up the Whale’s loan two wins, but came up with 8 regulation losses and an over time loss. Former NHLer, Colton Orr, is the Whale head coach. Although he lead his team to the leagues lowest record this year, it is only his first season coaching in the NWHL, and will surely learn from his mistakes if he comes back next year.

Minnesota Whitecaps

The last team in the NWHL is the Minnesota Whitecaps. They entered the league in 2018, but they originally played, in the now defunct, Western Women’s Hockey League, where they were established in 2004. The Whitecaps had instant success in the National Women’s Hockey League, coming up with their first Isobel Cup title in their first season. Their success is still lasting today. They were second in the league this season, with a record of 17-5-2. They have two point leaders, with 36 points each; the first one being 32 year old Boston College alum, Allie Thunstrom, and the second being American forward, Jonna Curtis. Four year NWHL goaltender, Amanda Leveille, lead the way in between the pipes. She had a record of 16-5-2, a .935 save percentage, and a 2.08 goals against average.

What is most interesting about this team is its leadership. First of all, their captain is 42 year old University of Minnesota alum, Winny Brodt-Brown. She has been with the team since its WWHL days, since 2004, and has come up with 5 points in 20 games this season. To top it all off, the Whitecaps have two co-head coaches. The first one being 76 year old general manager, Jack Brott; however it does look like he will stick to his loan general manager duties next season. The other coach is Ronda Engelhardt, a 34 year old American, who has just finished her second year of coaching in the league.