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Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
The New York Islanders have the top pick in the NHL draft: Who will they choose?
The two-day NHL draft will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles this weekend, with the first round held on Friday night. The New York Islanders have the No. 1 pick after winning the draft lottery in May. The San Jose Sharks, who finished last in the overall standings, pick second followed by Chicago and Utah. Six of the top prospects: Matthew Schaefer, defenseman, OHL Erie Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 183 pounds. Turns 18 on Sept. 5. Expected to be selected: No. 1 by the New York Islanders. Accomplishments/background: Schaefer maintained the top spot in NHL Central Scouting rankings despite missing start of the season with mononucleosis and the final three months after breaking his collarbone. Scouts believe he did enough to show off his offensive flair with 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) in 17 games. That's a jump from the his rookie season (seven goals and 17 points in 56 games). Schaefer also had two goals and four assists in captaining Canada to win the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in August. Schaefer has shown poise and maturity in dealing with tragedy. His mother died of cancer in February 2024. Two months earlier, the mother of his billet family was struck and killed by a train and last December Otters owner and Schaefer's mentor, Jim Waters, died of a heart attack. Would become first OHL player to go No. 1 since Erie star Connor McDavid went first in 2015. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He does it all on the ice — defends well as an elite skater with good gap control and has the ability and smarts to consistently produce offensively. … A special talent.' Michael Misa, center, OHL Saginaw Hometown: Oakville, Ontario. Measurables: 6-foot-1, 184 pounds. Turned 18 in February. Expected to be selected: No. 2 to San Jose, and shouldn't fall any lower than No. 4. Accomplishments/background: Misa led the CHL in scoring last season with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists), matching the most by an under-18 OHL player since 2009 No. 1 selection John Tavares in 2006-07. He was the eighth player granted CHL exceptional status, allowing him to play at 15. He was the OHL's rookie of the year in 2022 and helped Saginaw win the Memorial Cup championship the following year. After playing wing his first two seasons, he seamlessly made the switch to center this season. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's bigger, stronger and faster than previous seasons. … A clever play-maker who makes plays at speed and knows how to put the puck in the net. … His quickness, creativity and hockey sense are off the charts.' Anton Frondell, center, Djurgarden, Sweden (Tier 2) Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden. Measurables: 6-feet, 198 pounds. Turned 18 in May. Expected to be selected: Could go No. 2 to San Jose. Shouldn't drop lower than No. 5 (Nashville). Accomplishments/background: Frondell finished the season as central scouting's top-ranked international skater. He's a puck-possession forward, with an outgoing personality. He joked about how much his English improved during team interviews at the draft combine. After playing 10 games in Sweden's junior league, he made the jump to the second division, where he had 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games. In 2023-24, Frondell led his junior team and finished tied for sixth in the league with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has perfect balance in his skating and makes it difficult for opponents to catch him. Wins most of the one-on-one battles.' James Hagens, center, Boston College Hometown: Hauppauge, New York. Measurables: 5-foot-11, 177 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Expected to be selected: A top-10 selection, who could prompt teams to trade up should he fall to No. 9 (Buffalo). Accomplishments/background: Hagens is the top-ranked American-born player at No. 3 on central scouting's list. A high-scoring playmaker who grew up an Islanders fan on Long Island. With 11 goals and 26 assists, he finished fourth in points among college freshmen. He scored five goals for America's gold medal-winning team at the world juniors. A year earlier, Hagens earned world junior tournament MVP honors with nine goals and 22 points. In two years on the U.S. national development team, he finished fifth on the career list with 187 points and 115 assists. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Always a scoring threat off the rush and can set up his teammates from anywhere. … He wants the puck on his stick and has game-changer ability. The complete offensive package.' Caleb Desnoyers, center, QMJHL Moncton Hometown: Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Measurables: 6-foot-2, 178 pounds. Turned 18 in April. Expected to be selected: Chance to go 4th (Utah). Accomplishments/background: Though ranked seventh on the central scouting list of North American skaters, Desnoyers has risen up the charts after leading Moncton to a Memorial Cup berth. He finished fifth in the Q with 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) in 56 games. He followed up in earning QMJHL playoff MVP honors with nine goals and 30 points in 19 games. He's a three-time gold medalist in winning at the Under-17, Under-18 championship and the 2024 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. NHL Central Scouting report: 'He's willing to do most of the dirty work to retrieve 50-50 pucks, and will play a physical style when needed. His skating is good and will continue to get more powerful as he matures physically. … Prospect who has lots of transferable pro elements in his game.' Joshua Ravensbergen, goalie, WHL Prince George Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia. Measurables: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds. Turned 18 in November. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Expected to be selected: Has opportunity to be the ninth goalie taken in the first round since 2011. Both Philadelphia (No. 6, 22, 31) and Nashville (5, 23, 26) are potential landing spots, with each having three first-round selections. Accomplishments/background: Ravensbergen is central scouting's top-ranked North American goalie and went 33-13-4, finishing tied for the WHL's second-most wins. He went 26-4-1 last year, with a rookie league record-tying six shutouts. In two WHL seasons, he has a 2.78 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. NHL Central Scouting report: 'Has a huge pro presence and plays big even when down in the butterfly with excellent low-net coverage. … A combination of size and ability, he has a good chance to become an NHL starter.' ___ AP NHL:
Time Out
22-05-2025
- Time Out
Is it safe to travel to Crete? Latest advice following 6.1 earthquake
It was only a week ago that we reported Crete and parts of Greece had been struck by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. At 6.19 am local time today, the popular summer holiday destination was hit again, this time by a 6.1 magnitude tremor. The country's position on the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates means it is prone to seismic activity, but the quick succession of these quakes is understandably concerning if you have a trip booked soon. So, read on for all the latest information on whether it is safe to travel to Crete right now. Where was the earthquake? According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the quake was in the Aegean Sea, 58 kilometres northeast of Elounda (a town in Crete). It had a significant depth of 69 kilometres. Residents in Crete reported to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre's website that they were awoken by shaking in their homes. The tremor was also reportedly felt by residents in Athens, and even as far as Israel, Türkiye, Egypt and Libya. Is it safe to travel to Crete? Thankfully, it seems the situation in Crete is not severe. A national directive issued by Greek authorities has urged people to reach 'higher places' and move 'away from the coast' as a precaution, and the island's fire brigade said all its forces were on high alert. However, no calls for assistance have been received so far, and there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage. Some of the provincial road network has experienced landslides, and some buildings in Heraklion have been damaged. Also, the Imbros Gorge, which is a popular hiking route in Sfakia, has been closed as a precaution. There's also a focus on ensuring school buildings are safe for students to attend. Has a tsunami warning been issued? Yes, the EMSC issued a tsunami warning and referred people in Greece, as well as Türkiye, Italy, France and Portugal, to closely monitor local news and follow the advice of authorities. However, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation, Efthimios Lekkas, said that thankfully, the earthquake's depth means that chances of a tsunami are low, according to the Independent. What is the advice from the UK Foreign Office? The Foreign Office has not published any advice recommending against travel to Greece, but its webpage does have a safety and security section which reads: 'The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, experienced increased earthquake activity in early 2025. This increase has since subsided and the tourist season is expected to continue as usual. There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should: familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake follow advice given by the local authorities call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit (map with text in Greek).' When was the last earthquake in the region?
Western Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Net migration halves as fewer people come to UK for work and study
The figure stood at an estimated 431,000 in the year ending December 2024, down 49.9% from 860,000 a year earlier, the Office for National Statistics said. This is the biggest calendar-year drop since the early stages of the pandemic when net migration fell from 184,000 in the year ending December 2019 to 93,000 in the year ending December 2020. More Stories The latest decrease is the largest numerical drop for any 12-month period and the ONS said the decline has been driven by falling numbers of people coming to work and study in the UK. Long-term immigration fell below one million for the first time in around three years. That was estimated to be 948,000 in the year ending December 2024, down by almost a third from 1,326,000 in the previous 12 months and below a million for the first time since the 12 months to March 2022. Emigration rose by around 11% to an estimated 517,000 for the year to December, up from 466,000 in the previous year. People leaving the UK has returned to a similar level to the year ending June 2017. The new estimates follow the introduction in early 2024 by the previous Conservative government of restrictions on people eligible to travel to the UK on work or study visas. Director of population statistics at the ONS Mary Gregory said: 'Our provisional estimates show net migration has almost halved compared with the previous year, driven by falling numbers of people coming to work and study, particularly student dependants. This follows policy changes brought in restricting visa applications. 'There has also been an increase in emigration over the 12 months to December 2024, especially people leaving who originally came on study visas once pandemic travel restrictions to the UK were eased.' The biggest drop in terms of numbers was seen in non-EU nationals coming to the UK for work – this fell by 108,000 which was a 49% fall in the year ending December 2024. People coming for study purposes declined by 17% in the same period. But there were larger falls in dependants coming to the UK, with study dependants down by 86% (105,000 people) and work dependants dropping by 35% (81,000 people). Last year, emigration levels were similar for non-EU nationals – who accounted for 43% or 222,000 of those leaving the UK – and EU nationals, who made up 42% or 218,000 of people moving from the country. Some 77,000 British nationals emigrated, making up the other 15%. The latest figures come less than a fortnight after Sir Keir Starmer said high net migration had caused 'incalculable' damage to British society, as he set out a series of measures aimed at reducing further the number of people moving long term to the UK. The Prime Minister, who said the country risks becoming an 'island of strangers' without better integration, said he wanted net migration to have fallen 'significantly' by the next general election – but refused to set a target number. Sir Keir's plan includes reforming work and study visas and requiring a higher level of English across all immigration routes, and is expected to reduce the number of people coming to the UK by up to 100,000 per year. Sir Keir's reference to strangers faced criticism – including from Labour backbenchers – as it was said by some to have echoes of Enoch Powell's infamous 'rivers of blood' speech. But Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the Prime Minister, insisting the tone of his plan was 'completely different' from the 1968 anti-immigration speech. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his immigration reform plans earlier this month (Ian Vogler/PA) The Prime Minister's spokesman later confirmed Sir Keir stood by the words he used and rejected 'absolutely' the Powell comparisons. For many years, the level of immigration – people coming to the UK – has been higher than the level of emigration – people leaving – meaning more people are coming to settle in the UK than are leaving to settle in another country. The Government's promise to 'take back control of our borders' comes as Labour battles a surge in support for Reform UK, which won a by-election and council seats across England earlier this month, with policies including a 'freeze' on immigration.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
From Adelaide 2014 heroics to mammoth Mumbai double-ton: Revisiting Virat Kohli's five best Test knocks
After more than a decade of making the Test arena his playground, Virat Kohli called a day on his career in the whites, after 123 matches and 9230 runs. Not all of those runs were created equal: some came in situations where his teammates couldn't buy them, some came with a special message attached. The myth of King Kohli was born with performances that often couldn't be explained, as he showed skill and mentality that is one-in-a-million even in the elite levels of sport. There are countless Virat Kohli innings that deserve books unto themselves — but here are five of the best, five that will long live in memory. Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel. A seaming first day pitch at Wanderers. His first innings stepping into Sachin Tendulkar's shoes at number four after the legend's retirement a month prior. And in the face of all these challenges, an innings of great maturity and control, in an innings where the second-highest score was 47. Kohli saw out SA's three-headed pace dragon and attacked the spinners, a century which carried the innings, and proved that Kohli was ready to be the leader of this batting unit in transition. An innings that took Virat Kohli from talented star to a future legend. The kind of knock that will echo for decades to come, Kohli's second-innings century at the Adelaide Oval in 2014 showed all of the spirit, confidence, and quality that would come to define his next decade in cricket. Already having scored a century in the first innings, Kohli came in with India needing 364 on a pitch that was ragging and turning every which way. What followed was a showcase in temperament and skill with wickets falling all around him. He couldn't pull off the win on that day, but a legend was born. This was Virat Kohli the batter in concert with Virat Kohli the captain. It cannot be overlooked how special it was to see Kohli hit the levels he did with the bat while overseeing India becoming an unbeatable force at home. India hadn't beaten England in a Test series since 2008 at this point, and leading 2-0 heading into the 4th Test at the Wankhede, Kohli brought that streak to an end with an exclamation mark. His highest Test score at the time, Kohli's 235 in Mumbai ensured that India won the match by an innings despite England scoring 400 in their first digs. For pure dominance and mastery, an innings which shattered the English team, his best Test innings in home conditions. No scores of substance in England, a fiery ODI series leading up to it, a notorious send-off to Joe Root in the first innings. With a chorus of boos from the Birmingham crowd, the question was whether Virat Kohli could walk the talk. It was an innings of two halves, one with its fair share of luck, as Kohli survived a long Jimmy Anderson spell before showing off all the shots in his book. Moreover, a masterpiece in batting with the tail: India were trailing by 105 when the eighth wicket fell, but Kohli's attacking play ensured his first Test century on English soil brought his team within fighting distance. It was animosity that welcomed him, but applause and appreciation that saw him off. The innings that made Justin Langer admit 'Virat Kohli is the best player I have seen in my life.' Coming in at 8-2 after Starc and Hazlewood had made a mess of both openers' stumps, a knock that came on a true nightmare surface for batting against the fired-up post-Sandpapergate Aussies. With the pitch at the WACA acting up just as India were sent in to bat, it felt for all money as if Australia had all the advantage in this game — but Kohli, their perennial thorn in the side from years past, reminded them why he belonged in the conversation of the best batters of his generation. He celebrated his ton in iconic style, telling the millions watching: I let my bat do the talking.
