Latest news with #Gregor
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blackhawks Young Defender Gets Big Shout-Out
With the Chicago Blackhawks rebuilding, they have plenty of promising young players. One of them is defenseman Wyatt Kaiser, as the 22-year-old blueliner has the potential to become a nice piece for them as he continues to adjust to the NHL level. Due to this, during a recent episode of Daily Faceoff Rundown, Kaiser landed some serious praise from both Sports 1440's Jason Gregor and The Athletic's Michael Russo. "Kaiser is a hell of a player," Gregor said. "In the next few years, people are going to look and say, 'damn, who's this guy?' I look at Chicago, and they have a lot of youth on their back end, and I still think this is a season of transition for them, but watch their back end. I think in a few years, there are going to be three or four guys in Chicago that people are pretty high on, and don't sleep on Kaiser." Russo then agreed with Gregor's take and then also had some praise for the Blackhawks' 2020 third-round pick. "I like Kaiser a lot, especially as a guy," Russo said. "Wyatt is a quality, good skating defenseman that I think has the ability to, again, with coaching, be really, really good." The Blackhawks will certainly be hoping that Kaiser can become a key part of their defense as they look to take that next step. There is no question that they are in need of some serious help on their blueline, and it would be massive if Kaiser could develop into a legitimate top-four defenseman. Kaiser showed promise this past season with the Blackhawks, posting four goals, eight points, 54 hits, 93 blocks, and an even plus/minus rating in 57 games. Overall, he showed that he is ready for the NHL, and it will be fascinating to see if he hits a new level soon, as both Gregor and Russo believe he can. Blackhawks Young Goalie Continues To Get Praise The Chicago Blackhawks are hoping that goaltender Spencer Knight will become something special for them. The 2019 first-round pick undoubtedly has plenty of potential and has shown promise early on, but there is a real expectation that he has not hit his ceiling yet. Photo Credit: © Matt Marton-Imagn Images


Time of India
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL accused of sabotaging offense after shocking 90% drop in power play chances
The NHL is under fire as power-play chances plummet to a record low in the 2024-25 season (Image via Reuters) The NHL is facing scrutiny over a significant 90% decline in power-play chances, reaching a historic low in the 2024-25 season. This reduction impacts overall power-play goals and raises questions about officiating and evolving game strategies, as teams prioritize even-strength scoring and aggressive penalty kills. Jason Gregor blasts NHL officials for ignoring blatant penalties amid record-low power play stats A notable hockey commentator recently highlighted a sharp drop in NHL power-play opportunities. This significant decline naturally impacts how many goals teams can score with a man advantage, limiting offensive output even for skilled units. This reduction has not gone unheeded by seasoned observers. One particular analyst, Jason Gregor, articulated his strong disapproval on social media, highlighting the magnitude of the shift by remarking, 'A massive drop. Call the damn rulebook." The raw figures highlight this point: in 2023, the league saw 8,058 power-play instances, which dipped to 7,917 in 2024, and then plummeted further to just 7,101 in 2025. This latter figure represents an unprecedented low in the sport's history, averaging merely 5.41 power-play opportunities per contest. This trend coincides with a period where the league's offensive flair has increasingly focused on scoring during even-strength play, potentially minimising the dependence on power plays. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo Teams are also adapting with more assertive penalty-killing units and superior goaltending, which might either dissuade officials from issuing penalties or simply diminish the effectiveness of power plays when they do occur. Shifting focus, the same analyst, Jason Gregor, also shared his perspective on the considerable expectations facing the Edmonton Oilers. His insights came after the team's consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Finals to the Florida Panthers. League sees steepest decline in power play opportunities as fans and analysts demand accountability Discussing the situation on 'The Sheet,' Gregor conveyed, "I'm actually going to go off the board here. I think the Oilers' organization right now is a very serious group. You can't win the cup in October, you can't win it in December. You can lose it by having a terrible run. They're such a serious group, and I think there's so much internal pressure to win now, because they've lost twice." Avoiding Arbitration ft. Jason Gregor & David Pagnotta | The Sheet with Jeff Marek He further elaborated on their primary hurdle, phrasing, "I would say the biggest issue for them is being able to exhale a little bit, and enjoy the process, rather than always, every decision you make, thinking that it's all about June." The Oilers are set to commence their 2025-26 campaign with a highly slated 'Battle of Alberta' clash against the Calgary Flames, scheduled for October 8 at Rogers Place. These shifts underscore a transformative period for the NHL, as evolving strategies and officiating standards redefine the game, while teams like the Oilers navigate intense pressure in their quest for a championship. Also Read: 'Dumbest things': Matthew Tkachuk faces fan backlash after taking Stanley Cup to jail in latest celebration stunt FAQs Q1: Why are power play goals decreasing in the NHL? Fewer penalty calls have led to a historic drop in power play opportunities, limiting scoring chances. Q2: What did Jason Gregor say about the NHL's officiating? He criticized the league, saying 'Call the damn rulebook' in response to the sharp decline in power plays. Q3: Which team led the NHL in power play goals last season? The New Jersey Devils led with 30 power play goals, topping the league in 2024–25. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Livingston MP welcomes change in voting age for Westminster elections
The changes, published today in a new government strategy paper, will bring Westminster elections into line with Holyrood and local elections in Scotland, where 16 and 17-year-olds have had the vote since 2014. Livingston constituency MP Gregor Poynton has welcomed the announcement that 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK will be given the right to vote in UK general elections, as part of sweeping new reforms to modernise British democracy. The changes, published today in a new government strategy paper, will bring Westminster elections into line with Holyrood and local elections in Scotland, where young people have had the vote since 2014. The reforms are being hailed as the most significant democratic update in a generation. Gregor said: 'It's absolutely right that 16 and 17 year olds will now have a voice in UK elections. 'In Scotland, young people have been voting in Holyrood and council elections for over a decade and they've brought energy and ideas to our democracy. Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. 'They've got a stake in the future, so it's only right they should have a say in it.' Sixteen-year-olds were first allowed to vote in Scotland in the 2014 independence referendum. The normal voting age had been reduced from 18 just for the referendum. It had been a long-held policy from the SNP to reduce the voting age for all Scottish elections and was supported by Labour, the Lib Dems and the Greens In 2015, the voting age in Scottish Parliament and council elections was permanently lowered to 16. The bill passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament. This meant that 16 and 17-year-olds could vote in the 2016 Holyrood election. The lower voting age has stayed in place for all Scottish elections since. The Welsh Assembly then followed suit in 2020 and reduced the voting age to 16 in Wales. The changes are part of a wider Elections Bill, which will also introduce an expansion of accepted forms of voter ID to include UK bank cards and digital ID formats; tougher rules to block foreign interference in UK politics and close loopholes around political donations from 'shell companies' and stronger protections for candidates and campaigners, including action against harassment and abuse. UK Government minister and Rutherglen MP Michael Shanks said: 'This is great to see and absolutely right that 16 and 17 year olds have a chance to take part in our democratic processes. 'They've been able to vote in Scotland for more than a decade and it's only been a positive thing.' SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart added: 'We welcome this long-overdue change to the UK voting age, which comes more than a decade after the SNP lowered the voting age to 16 in Scotland - and follows years of campaigning by SNP MPs, activists and younger people. 'Thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds have voted in Scottish elections since the SNP changed the law in 2015. It is good to see the UK government finally following the SNP government's lead - so that younger people can have their say at the next UK election. 'Polling shows younger people agree with many of the SNP's key policies - including securing real change with Scottish independence, re-joining the EU, eradicating poverty, tackling the climate crisis, opposing Westminster austerity cuts - and helping young people with free tuition and bus travel. 'Regardless of how 16 and 17-year-olds vote at the next UK election - it can only be a good thing that they will finally have their voice heard.'


Glasgow Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Two Doors Down's shock comeback confirmed by the BBC
The multi-award-winning programme will return with a new Christmas special. The broadcaster said the residents of Latimer Crescent, where the show is based, will congregate at Beth's (Arabella Weir) and Eric's (Alex Norton) house to celebrate Xmas. The BBC also confirmed all the stars of the show will feature in the episode, including Christine (Elaine C Smith), Cathy (Doon Mackichan) and Colin (Jonathan Watson), Alan (Graeme Stevely) and Michelle (Joy McAvoy), plus Beth and Eric's son Ian (Jamie Quinn) and his fiancé Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). READ MORE: Two Doors Down star pictured filming new show at Glasgow pub READ MORE: Star of Two Doors Down confirms shows shock comeback Gregor Sharp, who has written the new Christmas special, said: 'It's really exciting to be revisiting Latimer Crescent with all the regular cast for this new episode. "Christmas is a time for getting together with friends and family, and then becoming low-level irritated by them, so it feels like they're the perfect group to celebrate the season with.' BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie said: 'There's something comforting about having the neighbours round for Christmas, even if they bring minor chaos. "Gregor and the gang bring the warm laughs, sly digs and brilliantly petty moments that make Two Doors Down such a cracking comedy. "Expect it to sparkle on BBC iPlayer and BBC One faster than Cathy can pop a prosecco.' Josh Cole, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios Productions, and Steven Canny, Executive Producer, added: 'We're so pleased to be returning to Latimer Crescent and can't wait for the audience to be back in Beth and Eric's for another torturous Christmas. "Gregor and Simon created a brilliantly funny show that has an outstanding cast of memorable and lovable characters, and we're hugely looking forward to seeing them torment each other again.' Louise Thornton, BBC Scotland's Head of Commissioning, said: 'I'm delighted to be working with our network comedy colleagues to bring Two Doors Down back to our screens for a festive special. "It holds a very special place in the heart of our audiences, and we're looking forward to seeing what Christmas treats will be unwrapped with our friends at Latimer Crescent.' READ MORE: Glasgow restaurants visited by popular Two Doors Down star Two Doors Down first hit TV screens in 2013 as a one-off special. After that, several series of the show were made. The comedy was written and created by Simon Carlyle and Gregor Sharp. Sadly, we reported how Simon passed away aged 48 in 2023. Following that, Gregor revealed he couldn't carry on the show without Simon. However, earlier this year, fans of the comedy were left buzzing when rumours previously emerged that Gregor had a 'change of heart' and was crafting an Xmas special. The new episode of the sitcom will be produced by BBC Studios Comedy Productions.


Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Transformation and Strategic Financing Expert, Gregor van Issum, Appointed Chief Financial Officer at Wolfspeed
BUSINESS WIRE)--Wolfspeed, Inc. (NYSE: WOLF) ('Wolfspeed' or the 'Company') today announced the appointment of Gregor van Issum as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective September 1, 2025, following a comprehensive review of internal and external candidates. Van Issum succeeds Kevin Speirits, who is serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer and will remain with Wolfspeed to support the Company and ensure a smooth transition. He will be relocating to North Carolina and be based at company headquarters in Durham, NC, reporting to Wolfspeed CEO, Robert Feurle. Van Issum brings more than 20 years of experience in transformational restructuring and strategic financing positions across the technology industry. Through senior roles at semiconductor manufacturers ams-OSRAM AG and NXP Semiconductors N.V., he gained an in-depth understanding of how to lead organizations through dynamic business cycles. Most recently, van Issum served as Executive Vice President, Group Controller at ams-OSRAM, where he was deeply involved in driving the financial performance of this multi-billion Euro revenue company. He also led ams-OSRAM's cost savings programs and sales initiatives in his dual role as the company's Chief Transformation and Performance Officer. 'We are excited to welcome Gregor to our team as Wolfspeed enters a new era,' said Robert Feurle, Chief Executive Officer. 'I witnessed Gregor's strong analytical and leadership skills firsthand during our time working together at ams-OSRAM. Gregor has helped lead large, multibillion euro businesses with complex manufacturing operations, which will be invaluable to Wolfspeed as we unlock the potential of our purpose-built 200mm platform. The Board and I look forward to collaborating with Gregor as we position Wolfspeed for long-term growth and profitability.' Van Issum gained valuable M&A and IT experience at ams-OSRAM, where he was responsible for executing and delivering on the business targets for the transactions and managing the strategic direction of the company's systems. He previously served as Vice President, Strategy of NXP Semiconductors' Secure Transactions and Identification Solutions segment and served as the CFO of the Secure Identification Solutions and Analog Mixed Signal units. 'In this new role, my priority will be providing Wolfspeed's investors with transparency and clarity, especially during this transformative period,' said van Issum. 'Building on recent steps to restructure Wolfspeed's balance sheet, I will draw on my experience navigating complex business cycles to help create a capital structure that offers agility to respond to rapid shifts in the market. My background in transformation and restructuring also positions me to support Wolfspeed's strategic focus on improving profitability. At this pivotal time in the Company's life cycle, I am honored to help guide Wolfspeed as it leverages its competitive advantages—world-class facilities, exceptional talent, and robust intellectual property—to advance the incredible progress that Robert and the Wolfspeed team have made in recent months and solidify its leadership in silicon carbide technology.' Van Issum's appointment follows the addition of Dr. David Emerson, who joined Wolfspeed in May in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. With a refreshed leadership team, Wolfspeed is well positioned to navigate near-term market dynamics and seize opportunities to expand its leadership in silicon carbide technologies. About Wolfspeed, Inc. Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) leads the market in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide technologies that power the world's most disruptive innovations. As the pioneers of silicon carbide, and creators of the most advanced semiconductor technology on earth, we are committed to powering a better world for everyone. Through silicon carbide material, Power Modules, Discrete Power Devices and Power Die Products targeted for various applications, we will bring you The Power to Make It Real. TM Learn more at Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, that may cause Wolfspeed's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, including estimates, forecasts, and projections about possible or assumed future results of Wolfspeed's business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives and Wolfspeed's industry and market growth. Words such as 'could,' 'will,' 'may,' 'assume,' 'forecast,' 'position,' 'predict,' 'strategy,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'estimate,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'project,' 'budget,' 'potential,' 'forward' or 'continue' and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Wolfspeed's restructuring and the potential for its profitability and growth. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with voluntary petitions filed by Wolfspeed under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the 'Chapter 11 Cases') in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (the 'Court'); the effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on Wolfspeed and Wolfspeed's relationship with its various stakeholders, including vendors and customers; Wolfspeed's ability to develop and implement the transactions contemplated by Wolfspeed's chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the 'Plan') and whether the Plan will be approved by the Court and the ultimate outcome of the Chapter 11 Cases in general; the length of time Wolfspeed will operate under the Chapter 11 Cases; the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 Cases on Wolfspeed's liquidity and results of operations; Wolfspeed's ability to confirm and consummate the Plan; the timing or amount of recovery, if any, to Wolfspeed's stakeholders; uncertainty regarding Wolfspeed's ability to retain key personnel; the diversion of management's attention as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases; increased administrative and legal costs related to the Chapter 11 Cases; changes in Wolfspeed's ability to meet its financial obligations during the Chapter 11 Cases and to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the effectiveness of the overall restructuring activities pursuant to the Chapter 11 Cases and any additional strategies that Wolfspeed may employ to address its liquidity and capital resources and achieve its stated goals; the actions and decisions of equity holders, creditors, regulators, and other third parties that have an interest in the Chapter 11 Cases, which may interfere with the ability to confirm and consummate the Plan; risks relating to the potential delisting of Wolfspeed's common stock from the New York Stock Exchange and future quotation of the common stock; ongoing uncertainty in global economic and geopolitical conditions, such as the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East; changes in progress on infrastructure development or changes in customer or industrial demand that could negatively affect product demand, including as a result of an economic slowdown or recession, collectability of receivables and other related matters if consumers and businesses defer purchases or payments, or default on payments; risks associated with Wolfspeed's expansion plans, including design and construction delays, cost overruns, the timing and amount of government incentives actually received, including, among other things, any direct grants and tax credits, issues in installing and qualifying new equipment and ramping production, poor production process yields and quality control, and potential increases to Wolfspeed's restructuring costs; Wolfspeed's ability to obtain additional funding, including, among other things, from government funding, public or private equity offerings, or debt financings, on favorable terms and on a timely basis, if at all; the risk that Wolfspeed does not meet its production commitments to those customers who provide Wolfspeed with capacity reservation deposits or similar payments; the risk that Wolfspeed may experience production difficulties that preclude it from shipping sufficient quantities to meet customer orders or that result in higher production costs, lower yields and lower margins; Wolfspeed's ability to lower costs; the risk that Wolfspeed's results will suffer if it is unable to balance fluctuations in customer demand and capacity, including bringing on additional capacity on a timely basis to meet customer demand or scaling back its manufacturing expenses or overhead costs quickly enough to correspond to lower than expected demand; the risk that longer manufacturing lead times may cause customers to fulfill their orders with a competitor's products instead; product mix; risks associated with the ramp-up of production of Wolfspeed's new products, and Wolfspeed's entry into new business channels different from those in which it has historically operated; Wolfspeed's ability to convert customer design-ins to design-wins and sales of significant volume, and, if customer design-in activity does result in such sales, when such sales will ultimately occur and what the amount of such sales will be; the risk that the markets for Wolfspeed's products will not develop as it expects, including the adoption of Wolfspeed's products by electric vehicle manufacturers and the overall adoption of electric vehicles; the risk that the economic and political uncertainty caused by the tariffs imposed or announced by the United States on imported goods, and corresponding tariffs and other retaliatory measures imposed by other countries (including China) in response, may continue to negatively impact demand for Wolfspeed's products; the risk that Wolfspeed or its channel partners are not able to develop and expand customer bases and accurately anticipate demand from end customers, including production and product mix, which can result in increased inventory and reduced orders as Wolfspeed experiences wide fluctuations in supply and demand; risks related to international sales and purchases; risks resulting from the concentration of Wolfspeed's business among few customers, including the risk that customers may reduce or cancel orders or fail to honor purchase commitments; the risk that Wolfspeed's investments may experience periods of significant market value and interest rate volatility causing it to recognize fair value losses on Wolfspeed's investment; the risk posed by managing an increasingly complex supply chain (including managing the impacts of supply constraints in the semiconductor industry and meeting purchase commitments under take-or-pay arrangements with certain suppliers) that has the ability to supply a sufficient quantity of raw materials, subsystems and finished products with the required specifications and quality; risks relating to outbreaks of infectious diseases or similar public health events, including the risk of disruptions to Wolfspeed's operations, supply chain, including its contract manufacturers, or customer demand; the risk Wolfspeed may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if its remaining goodwill or amortizable assets become impaired; risks relating to confidential information theft or misuse, including through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion; Wolfspeed's ability to complete development and commercialization of products under development; the rapid development of new technology and competing products that may impair demand or render Wolfspeed's products obsolete; the potential lack of customer acceptance for Wolfspeed's products; risks associated with ongoing litigation; the risk that customers do not maintain their favorable perception of Wolfspeed's brand and products, resulting in lower demand for its products; the risk that Wolfspeed's products fail to perform or fail to meet customer requirements or expectations, resulting in significant additional costs; risks associated with strategic transactions; the risk that Wolfspeed is not able to successfully execute or achieve the potential benefits of Wolfspeed's efforts to enhance its value; the substantial doubt about Wolfspeed's ability to continue as a going concern; and other factors discussed in Wolfspeed's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'), including Wolfspeed's report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements represent Wolfspeed's judgment as of the date of this press release. Except as required under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, Wolfspeed disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, developments, changes in assumptions or otherwise. Wolfspeed ® is a registered trademark of Wolfspeed, Inc.