Latest news with #Lambert
Winnipeg Free Press
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Pre-Tudor prose a royally good romp
Funny, clever and unapologetically filthy, English writer Jo Harkin's second novel explores the life of an obscure but fascinating figure in the 15th-century English royal court. Harkin debuted as a novelist in 2022 with Tell Me An Ending, a work of literary sci-fi. She easily proves her depth as a writer with her switch to historical fiction in The Pretender. Harkin's stark prose and unsentimental view of history will remind readers of fellow English author Hilary Mantel, best-known for her Wolf Hall series, set at the court of King Henry VIII of England. The Pretender Here the main character is Lambert Simnel, a pretender to the throne of King Henry VII of England (father of Henry VIII). The novel opens on a remote farm in England in 1483, introducing readers to 10-year-old peasant John Collan. When we first meet John, his biggest worry is avoiding the bad-tempered village goat on his way to collect water. This changes when a nobleman arrives one day with astonishing news: John is actually Edward, Earl of Warwick, a member of the ruling House of York, nephew to the current King Richard III, and secret son of Richard's long-dead brother George, Duke of Clarence. As the nobleman tells him, 'You are the earl of Warwick by title… and, after the present king and his progeny, you're next in line to the throne.' Codenamed Lambert Simnel for now, the bewildered child is whisked away and groomed to take his place as heir to the throne when the time arrives. Lambert is informally tutored by Joan, the daughter of one of his mentors, who is gifted with striking political savvy and a definite lack of conscience. When Henry Tudor arrives in England and takes the throne from Richard III, Lambert's mentors plot to overthrow Henry and crown Lambert as the true King of England. But meanwhile, Lambert and Joan plot to take control of their own lives. The best historical fiction not only explores the dynamics of the past, it draws parallels to present times. Harkins does this skilfully. She explores themes of identity, misogyny, freedom and the biases of recorded history. One passage even takes sly aim at the influence of misogynistic podcasters like Joe Rogan and incel culture: 'All the Roman poets hated women… Men who aren't wanted by women say women are shrews or strumpets,' points out Lambert's friend Joan. While we know very little about the real-life Lambert Simnel beyond his role as a threat to Henry VII's rule, Harkins goes beyond this one episode of his life to explore how it may have affected his psyche: 'More than anything, he (Lambert) feels a great hatred for himself. His self? What is that? What part of him is this? Does it come from John Collan, or Lambert, or Edward, or Simnel? Is he any of them, even? Who the f— is he?' Lambert frets. Harkins is gleefully dirty in her writing, dropping references to sex and bodily functions as often as horses drop, well, poop. While this adds humour and makes her writing stand out against dominant historical novelists such as Philippa Gregory and historian-turned-novelist Alison Weir, it does seem gratuitous at times. Kathryne Cardwell is a Winnipeg writer.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Lane Lambert, the new Seattle Kraken head coach leading the team's future?
Image credit: (Karl B DeBlaker / AP) Seattle hockey fans, buckle up, the Kraken are officially under new leadership. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that the Kraken have hired Lane Lambert as their next head coach, marking a decisive shift for the young franchise after a tough season. Lambert, who most recently worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs and previously led the New York Islanders, comes with a reputation for grit, defensive structure, and playoff know-how. General manager Jason Botterill made it clear: this hire wasn't just about filling a spot, it's about reshaping the future. Who is Lane Lambert? A coach with deep NHL roots A longtime hockey mind, Lambert played over 250 NHL games in his career before transitioning into coaching. His biggest coaching claim to fame came in 2018 as an assistant on the Washington Capitals' Stanley Cup-winning squad, followed by a two-year run as the head coach of the New York Islanders, where he guided them to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances. Lambert is known for his no-nonsense approach, smart defensive systems, and ability to connect with veteran players, a resume the Kraken clearly value as they look to stabilize and grow. Why the Kraken made this coaching change right now The 2024–25 season didn't go the way Seattle hoped. After missing the playoffs and parting ways with former coach Dan Bylsma, the Kraken needed someone who could not only steady the ship but bring fresh ideas to the table. In a statement, Botterill praised Lambert's 'strategy and vision,' saying the team was impressed by his blueprint for maximizing Seattle's current roster and building toward long-term success. It's not just about making the playoffs next season; it's about creating a system players can thrive in for years. With the NHL draft and free agency looming, Lambert and Botterill will need to move quickly to align on roster priorities. Will they target more veteran leadership? Add scoring punch? Shore up the defense? Seattle has shown it can surprise the league before and with Lambert now behind the bench, Kraken fans can dare to dream that the next chapter will be the most exciting one yet. Also read - Inside the Alex Ovechkin email blunder: What it says about the Capitals, their future, and fan anxiety
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Lane Lambert named Seattle Kraken head coach in bold new era of leadership
Lane Lambert (Credit: Getty Image) Lane Lambert has officially taken the reins as head coach of the Seattle Kraken. The decision follows an exhaustive coaching search led by newly appointed general manager Jason Botterill. Lambert brings not just a wealth of experience behind the bench but also a proven record of postseason success. His coaching career includes leading the New York Islanders to a playoff berth in 2023 and winning a Stanley Cup as an assistant with the Washington Capitals in 2018. Jason Botterill's first major decision signals vision shift Lane Lambert hired as Kraken's third head coach The hiring marks a significant milestone for Jason Botterill, who was promoted to general manager after Ron Francis transitioned to president of hockey operations. This is Botterill's first coaching hire since stepping into the role, and it reflects a focus on building strong relationships and a consistent internal culture. This decision is more than just a tactical choice. It's a philosophical statement on how Botterill envisions the Kraken evolving in the coming years. With playoff ambitions and player development at the core, the hiring sends a message that Seattle is preparing to compete with purpose. Kraken roster offers blend of youth and experience Lane Lambert (Credit: Getty Image) Lambert inherits a roster that finished seventh in the Pacific Division last season. While the team posted a 35-41-6 record, it possesses depth and promise. Emerging talents like Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans bring energy and potential. At the same time, veterans such as Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, and Jaden Schwartz provide leadership and stability. Read more: 'Next man up' mentality key as Edmonton Oilers search for Zach Hyman replacement Improving special teams will be one of Lambert's initial challenges. The Kraken ranked in the bottom third of the league in goals-against, power-play efficiency, and penalty kill. Addressing those weaknesses will be crucial if Seattle hopes to return to playoff contention. With a more defined coaching strategy and a clear organizational vision, the Kraken look ready to turn the page under Lambert's command.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Kraken hire Lane Lambert as head coach, replacing the fired Dan Bylsma
SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken hired Lane Lambert on Thursday night as the third head coach in team history. Lambert replaces Dan Bylsma, fired after one season. The 60-year-old Lambert was most recently a head coach for the New York Islanders from 2022 until he was fired on Jan. 20, 2024. He was 61-46-20 with the Islanders, and they qualified for the playoffs once during his tenure. Last season, the former NHL forward was associate head coach with Toronto. 'I'm so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,' Lambert said in a statement. 'When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn't think of a better fit.' The hiring comes a little over a month after Bylsma was fired and the Kraken front office experienced a shakeup. Longtime general manager Ron Francis was promoted to president of hockey operations, with assistant Jason Botterill taking over day-to-day responsibilities. Bringing aboard Lambert marked the first notable hire of his tenure as general manager. Botterill also confirmed April 22 that assistant coach Jessica Campbell will be retained for next season. 'After conducting an extensive search, we're thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach,' Botterill said in a statement. 'We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. Lane impressed us throughout the interview process with his strategy and vision for this team.' Lambert will have his work cut out to improve a squad that finished seventh in the Pacific Division last season, but the future could be a bit brighter for the Kraken. The franchise has 10 picks across the first two rounds of the next three drafts. 'This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership qualities,' Lambert said '... I can't wait to get started.' When addressing reporters at the end of April, though, co-owner Samantha Holloway expressed her dissatisfaction with cycling through two coaches in two years as the Kraken failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. 'What we would like to be is a sustained playoff team,' Holloway said at Kraken Community Iceplex. As an assistant coach, Lambert's teams have had no problem doing as much. Since 2015, teams Lambert has coached have advanced to the second round or better eight times. That includes a Stanley Cup championship in 2018 with the Washington Capitals. Lambert spent part of six seasons in the NHL as a player with Detroit, the New York Rangers and Quebec.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Kraken hire Lane Lambert as coach, replacing the fired Dan Bylsma
Last season, the former NHL forward was associate head coach with the Maple Leafs. 'I'm so excited to become the head coach of the Seattle Kraken,' Lambert said in a statement. 'When it came time to writing a new chapter, I couldn't think of a better fit.' The hiring comes a little over a month after Bylsma was fired and the Kraken front office experienced a shakeup. Longtime general manager Ron Francis was promoted to president of hockey operations, with assistant Jason Botterill taking over day-to-day responsibilities. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Bringing aboard Lambert marked the first notable hire of his tenure as general manager. Botterill also confirmed April 22 that assistant coach Advertisement 'After conducting an extensive search, we're thrilled to announce Lane as our new head coach,' Botterill said in a statement. 'We cast a wide net for suitable candidates. Lane impressed us throughout the interview process with his strategy and vision for this team.' Lambert will have his work cut out to improve a squad that finished seventh in the Pacific Division last season, but the future could be a bit brighter for the Kraken. The franchise has 10 picks across the first two rounds of the next three drafts. Advertisement 'This team has a talented group of young players poised to take the next step and a core group of veterans with great leadership qualities,' Lambert said 'I can't wait to get started.' When addressing reporters at the end of April, though, co-owner Samantha Holloway expressed her dissatisfaction with cycling through two coaches in two years as the Kraken failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. 'What we would like to be is a sustained playoff team,' Holloway said at Kraken Community Iceplex. As an assistant coach, Lambert's teams have had no problem doing as much. Since 2015, teams Lambert has coached have advanced to the second round or better eight times. That includes a Stanley Cup championship in 2018 with the Capitals. Lambert spent part of six seasons in the NHL as a player with the Pistons, the Rangers, and Nordiques.
