Latest news with #FrozenFour
Forbes
4 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Rob Higgins' Leadership Drives Tampa Bay Sports Commission To Set The Pace
Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director, Rob Higgins, at Amalie Arena prior to the 2023 ... More Frozen Four. Rob Higgins was attending College Football Playoff meetings in Atlanta earlier this year when he shoehorned a side trip into his itinerary. He boarded a 6 a.m. flight Saturday, two days before the national championship game, and flew to Vegas for that evening's preseason soccer match between Messi and Inter Miami against Club America. Higgins flew back after the game and, with the time change, landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International at 6 a.m. Sunday. He attended the championship game between Ohio State and Oregon the following evening. 'It was not the brightest thing,' he said. 'It was a brutal trip that took a toll, but I was so glad because I did it.' It was a trip he took less than one month after completing treatment for colorectal cancer. 'While I didn't do anything without my doctor's permission, I also did not let it affect the things I love such as my family and the opportunity to showcase our hometown,' he said. It is that drive and determination that serves as the bedrock of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, of which Higgins has been executive director since 2004 when he joined the private non-profit entity. Sporting events flock to Tampa Among other events, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission has brought five Super Bowls, four women's Final Fours and three Frozen Fours to Tampa. Higgins and his team are in discussion with the College Football Playoff committee about hosting the 2029 championship game at the end of the 2028 season. It would be Tampa's second CFP championship joining the memorable 2017 clash between Clemson and Alabama. 'I would categorize us as being in the red zone and we are making sure we dot all of the i's and cross all of the t's," he said. 'This is a community that loves college football, and it is something we have been anxious and eager to host again. We are doing everything we can to punch it across the goal line.' Such events could not continue to take place in Tampa if the commission was busy highlighting what it did yesterday. Indeed, there is something that has not and will take place as long as Higgins is at the helm: patting oneself on the back. To that extent, Higgins credits the late Leonard Levy, a titan when it came to getting Tampa Bay included on the major-league sporting landscape, for imparting lessons on how impetrative it is to improve a product so that it grows into something more and more appealing. Certainly, you will not succeed all of the time, but one should operate with that mindset. 'He would always say, 'If they like us, they will leave us, but if they love us, they will come back,'' said Higgins. 'We don't ever deem an event successful unless it decides to return. We have to continue to make sure that we are executing with excellence and not resting on our laurels.' Hence, Higgins felt the need to squeeze Messi into his schedule so that he could get a feel for the mega-watt spectacle that would surround the mega-watt star when Inter Miami played a preseason game in Tampa in a matter of weeks. 'With our resume of hosting, I think a lot of times we feel fearless when it comes to having seen a lot of different events,' said Higgins, whose first day on the job was June 7, 2004, the day the Tampa Bay Lightning won their first Stanley Cup. 'With Messi, that was an event we truly had not seen and I was glad that we went through the due diligence of it all, no matter how hard it was. In the lead-up to the event, I could tell our community stakeholders that this is a different deal. I know we have hosted five Super Bowls and a variety of college championships, but Messi has a magnetic draw that we have to prepare for in a different way.' Having traveled so soon after an appointment that concluded a six-week string of daily treatments, the whirlwind of activity served to supply Higgins' sails with bursts of fresh air that guided him and his staff through a packed calendar. It was a stretch that included Messi's appearance at Raymond James Stadium, the Savanah Bananas for two games at the sold-out venue in March and the women's hoops Final Four in April at Amalie Arena, which is a centerpiece of activity in a downtown that has flourished post-pandemic with its Water Street development. 'To have the greatest soccer player of all-time playing here in February, the Bananas playing in an NFL stadium for the first time in March, and then our fourth women's Final Four in April, those are all things that communities would give anything to host once in five years and we had all three in 50 days,' said the 46-year-old Tampa native and University of South Florida grad, whose experience at the school ranges from being an eight-year-old ball boy with the men's basketball team to event management responsibilities under the late, great Lee Roy Selmon, the university's athletic director from 2001 to 2004. While it has been par for the course for the commission to attract major professional and collegiate events, not to mention a bevy of other sporting interests such as club soccer and travel softball that do not attract billboard-type promotion, but are vital to a community's vibrancy, perhaps the course would be more challenging to traverse if not for a staff that has a combined 90 years with the commission. National champ UConn, Baylor, South Carolina and UCLA participated in the 2025 Women's basketball ... More Final Four. It was the fourth women's hoops Final Four at Tampa's Amalie Arena. After all, it helps to know what others on a team are thinking and neither player is bashful about promoting ideas and the like especially as Tampa, and the aforementioned downtown community in particular, continues to evolve into a top-shelf destination. 'When I think about how much continuity plays a role in this, I mean, we took lessons from the 2008 women's Final Four and made the 2015 women's Final Four even better,' said Higgins. 'From there, we rolled those lessons into the 2019 women's Final Four, and then 2025. It is all on a parallel path with the growth and transformation of our community. You have the acquired knowledge, thought process and innovation that we can continue to snowball while working consistently side by side with a transforming community. It has been a perfect combination that helps elevate our game.' Dream Team Higgins was recently inducted into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame. He saw the achievement as a nod to the lean, mean, machine of a team he works with each day. 'It is incredible recognition for our team,' he said. 'We are so fortunate to have seven individuals on our staff that pour their heart, soul and time into this to bring as many events of all shapes and sizes to our community.' One of those individuals, Claire Lessinger, overlapped with Higgins in the USF athletic department where she spent 16 years as a volleyball coach, the last eight as head coach. It was during her time leading the Bulls that Lessinger served as a member of the host committee for the 2009 NCAA volleyball championship in Tampa. It was in that role that she worked side by side with the commission and caught Higgins' attention for 'how dynamic she was as an administrator.' He brought her on board in 2012. Being part of a tight-knit team that will go above and beyond to accomplish its goals, or at least put forth its best effort, is the cloth from which the commission has been cut on Higgins' watch. It is also what appealed to Lessinger. 'It's a direct reflection of Rob's leadership and the culture he creates,' said the Clearwater native, who played volleyball at the University of Florida. 'All of us bring a different skill set to the table and he provides opportunities for us to grow. We joke that we can throw our titles out the door because we do whatever is needed to get the job done and make sure that we are elevating on every opportunity we get. It's the mission that we are all so passionate about.' Continuity allows for a firm grasp of an evolving sporting and community landscapes. It helps when the NCAA, the NFL and other entities deal with familiar faces who have provided a winning formula for a number of years. 'I am biased, but I feel we have the best person in their respective positions anywhere in the country working for us,' said Higgins. Major events will continue to make their way to Tampa. The lineup includes NCAA tournament first- and second-round men's basketball games at Amalie Arena next year, which will be played less than two months after Raymond James Stadium hosts an NHL Stadium Series game between the host Lightning and Boston Bruins. 'We have a pretty good recipe for success, so we do not necessarily change the way we do business,' said Lessinger. 'What we do is that we are always making sure we are elevating and raising the bar, thinking creatively and outside the box. That allows us to continue to grow and continue to attract major events to our community.' TAMPA: Rob Higgins of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and his father, Jack, on Hockey Fights Cancer ... More evening prior to a game between Victor Hedman's Tampa Bay Lightning against Nathan MacKinnon's Colorado Avalanche at Amalie Arena on November 25, 2024. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images) Health scare provides priceless lessons Incredibly, Higgins' cancer diagnosis was five weeks after his father, Jack, learned he had a form of cancer. "I never thought I would be in the scenario where I go in for treatment, then walk back into the waiting room and my dad would be sitting there waiting for his treatment,' he said, noting Jack is doing well. 'It was a surreal father-and-son journey that I don't think any of us could have ever imagined.' It was a time that provided Higgins an opportunity to take inventory and learn from what he had not done, but needed start doing. Immediately. 'Listen, everybody is really busy and certainly I stay ultra-busy when it comes to what we have an opportunity to do for our hometown while being committed to my wife and kids,' said the husband of Casey and father of Lainey and Landon. 'If you have a health challenge, it is too easy to want to fight through it. I wore the never-going-to-the-doctor as a badge of courage whereas it was a badge of stupidity. Now that I am in the clear, I feel I am stronger and better because I have learned a lot from my mistakes. I now have the opportunity to share those lessons with others.' What Higgins has shared and will continue to share, in part, is the simple things may prove to be not so simple, as he can attest. Sure, a cough or headache may dissipate, and rather quickly. But is there something much larger at work? There is one way to find out, and it is not complicated. 'There is a smart way to approach it and that is to prioritize your mental and personal health,' he said.
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Jay Pandolfo signs multiyear extension to remain men's hockey coach at Boston University
'I've said that choosing to play at Boston University was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and the same is true about coming back here to coach,' Pandolfo said in a statement released by the school. 'It's been an absolute honor to be the head coach at BU and I'm excited for the future of our program.' Advertisement BU has gone 81-35-4 in three seasons under Pandolfo, advancing to the Frozen Four each time, including this past spring, when the Terriers reached the national championship game before The Terriers figure to be back in the mix in 2025-26 as well, with the return of Cole Hutson and Cole Eiserman, among others. Pandolfo thanked associate head coach Joe Pereira, assistant coach Kim Brandvold, and the team's support staff in his statement. 'Finally, I want to thank all the players I've been fortunate to coach during my time here,' said Pandolfo. 'They represent the university with tremendous pride and that has translated into success on the ice and in the classroom. Working with them every day has been such a joy.' Advertisement Pandolfo led BU to its 32nd Beanpot title in February and was named Hockey East Coach of the Year in 2023 after he led the Terriers to the regular-season and tournament championships during his first season behind the bench. He is the only active head coach to win an NCAA Tournament game in each of the last three years. 'We're committed to the continued and sustained success of Boston University men's ice hockey, and that commitment starts with ensuring that Jay remains home as our head coach,' said athletic director Drew Marrochello. 'It's hard to think of anyone who is prouder to be a Terrier than Jay. His passion and dedication are contagious, and he has established not just a winning culture but one that values family and a love for the university. We're thrilled that he will be our leader for years to come.' Follow Andrew Mahoney
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Charlie Cerrato's decision to play ice hockey instead of football results in NHL dream with Carolina Hurricanes
Charlie Cerrato (via Getty Images) Fallston native Charlie Cerrato gave up a traditional route in football to pursue his destiny on ice—one that has now put him with the Carolina Hurricanes as the 49th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. That decision culminated in a defining moment when the Carolina Hurricanes called his name during the second round of the NHL Draft. Charlie Cerrato fulfilled his NHL ambitions with Carolina Hurricanes For Charlie Cerrato, the son of longtime NFL executive Vinny Cerrato, it meant trading football cleats for skates. 'It was a funny coincidence because the 49ers are all over our house, like all of his stuff,' Charlie Cerrato said. 'I mean, 49 is a number we use a lot. So it was definitely funny seeing that.' Charlie Cerrato's hockey journey began early—at age three, arriving on the ice in Northern Virginia after pancakes with Dad. Once Vinny's NFL days were over and the family had moved to Fallston, Maryland, hockey was still the focus. Long daily drives to top club teams in Pennsylvania and New Jersey became the routine, a sacrifice Charlie welcomed. Later, Cerrato moved from Fallston High after his first year, living with a host family in Michigan, to continue working on his game. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo That alone taught him more about hockey than he ever could have learned back home: how to live, train, and mature—several years before his peers. 2025 NHL Draft : Charlie Cerrato - 24-25 Highlights Cerrato had initially committed to Michigan, but staff changes resulted in him opting for Penn State, where he immediately made an impact. He recorded 42 points during his freshman season, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and assisted in leading the Nittany Lions to the Frozen Four. His faceoff success rate exceeded 57%, and his play piqued the interest of almost every NHL club. Even after sitting down with 27 NHL teams, Cerrato interviewed with the Hurricanes only once, making their selection all the more shocking. Also read: NHL's new rule could let Canadiens fast-track a 19-year-old prospect to AHL Charlie Cerrato didn't do things the easy way or the family script, and that's what paid off. From endless road trips and early wake-ups to a breakout collegiate season and second-round NHL draft choice, his journey has been far from the norm. Now, with his eyes on the NHL, he's demonstrating that betting on yourself can result in the ultimate dividend. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Canada Standard
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada Standard
17-year-old hockey phenom Gavin McKenna commits to Penn State
(Photo credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images) Gavin McKenna just accelerated the growth and relevance of NCAA men's ice hockey. The 17-year-old phenom and consensus No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft committed to play collegiately at Penn State, he announced Tuesday on ESPN. 'It was a super tough decision,' McKenna said. 'Obviously there's a lot of great options out there, but me and my family and everyone who is part of my circle, we all decided the best spot for me next year will be Penn State University. I think Penn State is a great spot for me.' McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, is a member of the Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation of the Han people. He was the first Yukon-born player to be selected in the Western Hockey League, when the Medicine Hat Tigers tabbed him in the 2022 bantam draft. At age 16, he recorded 34 goals and 97 points for Medicine Hat, then amassed 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 contests this past season. He earned 2024 Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year honors -- becoming the third-youngest play to win the award, behind NHL superstars Sidney Crosby and John Tavares -- and led Medicine Hat to their first WHL title since 2007. McKenna chose Penn State over Michigan State after visiting both campuses last weekend. The growth of the college game has been further propelled by a November 2024 rule change, which allows CHL players to compete in the NCAA for the first time. Alberta native Jackson Smith, 18, a 2025 first round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, also committed to Penn State for the 2025-26 academic year. Penn State reached the Frozen Four for the first time in its program's history this past spring. 'I think it honestly it just makes the jump easier, going against older, heavier stronger guys (in the NCAA). It really prepares you,' McKenna said. 'Even in the locker room, hanging around older guys and being around more mature guys, I think that will help me a lot. ... Going to college and being in such a great conference, it will really challenge and prepare me.' --Field Level Media
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Gavin McKenna, projected 2026 No. 1 NHL draft pick, officially commits to Penn State
Gavin McKenna's next trip is to the Big Ten. To State College, Pennsylvania, to be exact. The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft has committed to Penn State after deciding between the Nittany Lions and Michigan State. After the news was reported Monday that the 17-year-old was likely going to don the blue and white, McKenna made it official on Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN's 'SportsCenter.' The 2024 CHL Player of the Year said he's excited to make the leap from major junior hockey to the stateside NCAA game, which is allowed under a game-changing November decision that will now let players from the OHL, WHL and QMJHL go to college hockey if they so desire. ESPN reported that McKenna was offered a six-figure NIL deal by Penn State during his recruitment, which is thought to be the highest total for a college hockey player. Gavin McKenna of Team Canada celebrates his empty net goal during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. AP 'I feel this is the next step in my development to reach my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL and I am excited to get to Happy Valley,' McKenna said. 'I'm very appreciative for all the support I've received so far, especially to my family who has been with me through it all.' McKenna spent the last two-plus seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, tallying an absurd 41 goals and 88 assists this past season to finish second in the league with 129 points. Landing McKenna is a huge boon for Penn State, which fell to Boston University in the national semifinal — the first time in the program's history it had reached the Frozen Four. Canada's Gavin McKenna skates with the puck as United States' Drew Fortescue (5) defends during the second period of the USA's 4-1 victory in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship final on Dec. 31, 2024. AP McKenna will be joining another WHL star in defenseman Jackson Smith, who was drafted No. 14 overall by the Blue Jackets after a season on the blue line of the Tri-City Americans.
