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New York Times
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
NHL Stanley Cup Final predictions: Surveying NHL coaches and execs on Oilers-Panthers part 2
EDMONTON — The NHL's first Stanley Cup Final rematch since Detroit and Pittsburgh in 2008 and '09 promises to electrify us perhaps just as much as those two Finals did. And just like Sidney Crosby was determined to capture his first Cup in '09 after losing the year before, Connor McDavid sure seems on a mission for the Edmonton Oilers. But will it be enough to topple the juggernaut Florida Panthers? Advertisement In what has become a yearly tradition, I reached out to coaches and executives from across the NHL for their predictions for this year's Cup Final. You may remember that a year ago, this poll was overwhelmingly in favor of the Panthers, with only four of the 33 coaches and execs polled picking the Oilers. It was so lopsided that Oilers players on Media Day let it slip to me that head coach Kris Knoblauch had brought it up in a team meeting — to further motivate his squad ahead of the Final. It didn't matter, as the Panthers held off a furious Oilers series comeback to take Game 7 at home. What's going to happen this time around? Let's hear from our coaches and team execs. (Note: Some responses are edited lightly for clarity.) Oilers in seven. We're fortunate that two excellent teams meet again in the Final. Should be another great series and make for some neat storylines. So impressed by how Edmonton has navigated the playoffs and really made some formidable teams look ordinary. Obviously Florida is a special team, but hard to see Edmonton be denied a second time. If their goaltending holds up, they'll defend well enough that their top-end guys will make the difference, especially with home ice. Not only are their elite players coming through, but the depth additions have also been really key. I had the Panthers in seven last year when you asked me. Every once in a while, I get lucky. I'll take Oilers in six this year. It feels like it's 97's (McDavid's) time and he is on a mission that no one is going to stop. Stuart Skinner has dialed it back in. The role players and secondary players on the Oilers seem to be really stepping up this postseason and playing at a high level. I'm picking Florida because until someone proves otherwise, they are the most complete and best team in the NHL. The loss of Zach Hyman over a seven-game series will hurt. Edmonton survived it in the Dallas series but only needed to win one more game without him. It will be hard to win four without him. Plus Florida has the better goalie. Florida again. Team depth, but more importantly, the depth on the blue line. Also, they have the better goalie. I would say Florida because it starts in goal. Sergei Bobrovsky has the experience and seems to be calm and composed under pressure. Special teams always play a factor, and I give Florida the edge. Edmonton's going to have to handle the forecheck of Florida and all the wall plays and rims that go along with their structure. I think 16 (Aleksander Barkov) will be able to limit some time and space against 97. If Edmonton can exit their zone and get through the neutral zone, they will have a chance. Also, both teams' defenses will play a factor offensively, for sure. That will be interesting to see which team has more point production from the back end. It will be a great series, and Edmonton knows now what they have to do, but I think Florida ends up pulling it out. Advertisement Another great Final to be expected this year. My prediction would be for the Oilers to win. Florida has that winning pedigree and has the ability to play any style of game, but I feel Edmonton is defending very well right now, their power play is as dangerous as ever, and I just don't think 97 will settle for anything less than winning the Stanley Cup. I think he goes to another level. I've got Florida. Edmonton is a better team than they were last year, but Florida gives no room and they just wear you down over the course of the series with their physicality. Edmonton, because of the two animals on a mission. I took them to win the Cup this year as soon as they lost last year. Losing is a great teacher. Also, the way they did it, I know they are ready to win now. I love Florida and I believe the Oilers of last year were better roster-wise than this year, but still, I don't think they will be denied this year. Edmonton. Going with 97 and 29 (Leon Draisaitl) the second time around. History shows these types of players get it done if they have failed at it the first time. Florida in six. Man, this is a tough call. I am going to say Florida in seven. I think they have the edge in goaltending. If the Panthers can contain 97 and 29 to some extent, I think they have a deeper team. This will be tight either way! Hard to pick against Florida, but Edmonton has to win with their greatness. In 7. Edmonton in seven. Home ice. Travel less. Scarred from last year. Know what the stage feels like the second time around. I think Florida takes them. They put so much pressure on the other team. Shot volume. The Oilers' goalie had better play great. Deep team. I do think it's anybody's series, but if I had to choose, I'd have to go Florida in six or seven. Goaltending, consistency, and the size and strength of the forwards are hard to handle. Advertisement It'll be a close series again. I believe it's Edmonton's time. Just seems like they've kept getting better as the playoffs have gone on. Home-ice advantage as well. Edmonton in six. Two great teams playing great hockey. Really hard to pick between them. Another long series coming. The Hyman injury is significant, but so is getting Mattias Ekholm back. If you're making me pick one, I'm not going against 97 and 29 in their second try. Hard to pick, to be honest. Going to go with Edmonton based on: • How 97 and 29 are playing right now. • Losing last year and what they learned and the hunger that goes with it. • Their D structure is better this year, especially with Ekholm healthy. • Not relying on just the PP to win. But their goalie has to play the way he has been or they will lose. I have Edmonton in seven. Why? It's 97's time. The depth has performed better, and the team is feeling it. They're less reliant on Hyman, even though he's a huge loss. Florida in six. Florida just too deep. Barkov is the key — the best 200-foot center in the league. He allows the Panthers' depth to take over. Edmonton losing Hyman will hurt as the series wears on. Goaltending will have to favor Edmonton to swing the series in their favor. Florida. Like their goalie better. Physical team. It will be hard for the Edmonton D corps to break out pucks, and the amount of time they will spend defending during the series versus Florida's heavy O-zone commitment. The downside to Florida's strength is they give up odd-man rushes, and Edmonton has the elite skill to capitalize on those compared to most teams. In the end, I tip the scales to Florida with their depth and better goaltending in a long series. The Stanley Cup is going to go back to Canada. The Oilers have found a way to play a sounder defensive game in front of Skinner, and they cash in on their high-danger chances. They will miss Hyman, and the Panthers are heavy and hard, but 97 and 29 seem destined to get their names on the Cup. I have the Oilers in six. Advertisement So impressive that both teams have made it back to the Final. Just shows how good the two really are. I'm picking Florida. They won last year, and their team seems even stronger this year. Every line has that 'it' factor. They come at you and push right through you. The heaviness and nasty have become contagious up and down their lineup. McDavid will have something to say about it. He's at a jaw-dropping level right now. But I pick the Panthers. I believe it's Edmonton. They're close to being able to match Florida physically and have been tested this year in that part of their game in these playoffs. Even without 18 (Hyman), they're more physical with 91 (Evander Kane) and 21 (Trent Frederic). And 97 and 29 are as ultra-focused as anyone still playing, 93 (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) has elevated, and 14 (Ekholm) is a differentiator and has low playoff mileage this year with a healthy break before Game 1. This will be an entertaining seven-game series. Florida's physicality, scoring depth and the heroics of Playoff Bob will be enough to overcome McDavid, Draisaitl and Edmonton's elite power play. Hyman's absence will loom large. My pick is Florida, I'm assuming they are healthy. Getting Niko Mikkola and Sam Reinhart back, they are four lines deep, and they have the better goaltender. Edmonton without Hyman is a big loss. So close. Florida in seven. Florida in six. The Panthers will repeat. I give the edge in goal to Bobrovsky, and the addition of Brad Marchand to a seasoned defending Cup core group will be too much for Edmonton. The loss of Hyman for Edmonton is a factor that can't be replaced. Florida is stronger defensively as well. Hard to bet against Florida for me. They are deep, they are heavy and they win the goaltending battle, too. If they play disciplined and stay out of the box, I think they win. Advertisement If they take penalties, McDavid and the Edmonton power play is just too dominant. Edmonton's rolling right now, but I still think Florida gets it done. Difficult call, but I will take Florida in six or seven. McDavid's the best player, but Hyman is a massive loss. Florida's deeper and more robust. Don't see them losing four games. Clear edge to Bob in goal. Edmonton. Lessons learned from last year's loss. Edmonton in seven. I do think Florida is the better team, and it's hard to bet against them. They play the kind of hockey that wins a series like this. The loss of Hyman is big for Edmonton as well. Logic says take Florida. But Edmonton's stars are on a mission. McDavid is going to win his Cup at some point. Why not now? Edmonton, because: • Home ice means they dictate matchups and have fans on their side. • They're better prepared for Florida and their unique playing style (and antics) after last year's experience. • McDavid and Draisaitl have somehow reached another level. Oil in 6. McDavid and Draisaitl are the two best players in the series, and they are at top of their games. They are making everyone around them better. They know what to expect this time, too. Evan Bouchard is a star … and they have enough size and depth. I think it's Edmonton's year. Part of their road to success was that they had to face enough adversity and overcome it both as a team and as individuals, and I believe they have. The 4 Nations was huge for McDavid. As a team, they have lost and adjusted. Plus, they have hardened up a bit, and I don't see Florida getting to them as much. Florida. I don't see why it won't be as close as last year, but I will once again go with superior goaltending and depth (offensively and defensively). McJesus' Holy Quest is something to watch, though! Edmonton. Tough to beat the same team twice in the Final, and more importantly, McJesus will not be denied two years in a row. I think Florida wins. Edmonton will miss Hyman in a big way. Florida is healthy now, and Bob has found his game. Edmonton. It's their time. Hard to bet against how effective and efficient Florida looks right now, in full Champion mode. Their depth is a weapon, and their top guys are driving the bus. That said, Edmonton has really impressed me with how they have defended and checked. There is a confidence and maturity to their group right now that you have to appreciate. They dispatched a really good Dallas team with relative ease. They are getting the goaltending. Losing Hyman feels like it could be the percentage point that swings this series, as he's exactly the type of player they need against Florida. My heart says Edmonton. My head says Florida. I'll go Edmonton in seven. One year later, nothing one-sided here. The coaches were 11-11, and the team execs went 10-8 for Edmonton, swinging on that one last head-versus-heart pick. So a very close poll ended up 21-19 for the Oilers to win Canada's first Stanley Cup since 1993. The Florida picks had two major themes: Bobrovsky being the better goalie in the series, and the loss of Zach Hyman for the Oilers. Advertisement The Edmonton picks basically come down to McDavid and Draisaitl being on a mission and not being denied. It's not very scientific as a reason to pick the Oilers, but like Crosby in '09 and Alex Ovechkin in '18, there is some truth to a superstar willing himself to his first career Stanley Cup championship. One thing that a few of those polled mentioned, but not as many as I think should have: Florida's discipline in this Cup Final will be huge. The Panthers lead the playoffs in hits per 60 minutes and penalties taken per 60 minutes, but they also have the top-ranked penalty kill. Florida's abrasive style is its DNA, so the Panthers can't pull it all the way back, but a parade to the penalty box against the Oilers' 30 percent power play is not a good idea. That's where I think the series plays out. A year ago, this poll was a one-sided Florida pick. This time, it's nearly a coin flip with a slight edge to the Oilers. I actually think this Panthers team is better and deeper than last year's Cup champion roster. But the Oilers are indeed at another level. Does having Game 7 at home in Edmonton make a difference this time around for the Oilers? We shall see. (Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic, with photos by Bruce Bennett, Josh Lavallee, Cooper Neill and Kirk Irwin / Getty Images)
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
OKC Thunder practice: What Daigneault, SGA, Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins said on June 2
OKC Thunder practice: What Daigneault, SGA, Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins said on June 2 The Oklahoma City Thunder inch closer to facing the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. They will host Game 1 on Thursday, June 5. That gives them a week off as they beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. With the entire sports world visiting OKC for the week, the Thunder held another NBA Finals practice on Monday. The championship round's Media Day will be held on Wednesday, June 4. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins talked to the media after practice. Here's what they had to say as the Thunder enter the NBA Finals as heavy favorites to bring home a championship:
Egypt Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Egypt Today
Moslemani announces launch of FM station, 2 digital TV channels Saturday
Maspero building in Cairo - file CAIRO - 31 May 2025: Chairman of the National Media Authority Ahmed El Moslemani announced Saturday the launch of the new (Drama FM) radio station , along with the "Masr 21" and "Pyramids TV" digital channels, in celebration of the Media Day, which marks the 91st anniversary of launching the Egyptian Radio on May 31. In a statement, Moslemani said a ceremony will be held to honor veteran media professionals after the Eid Al-Adha holiday.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Man Utd's Diallo has no regrets over obscene gesture on post-season tour
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Europa League - Europa League - Final - Manchester United Media Day - Trafford Training Centre, Carrington, Britain - May 14, 2025 Manchester United's Amad Diallo during the media day Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/ File Photo REUTERS Man Utd's Diallo has no regrets over obscene gesture on post-season tour Manchester United's Amad Diallo said he should not have raised his middle finger when walking past fans during the club's post-season tour in Asia but added that he had no regrets doing it as someone had allegedly insulted his mother. The 22-year-old Ivorian winger was seen raising his finger when the team were walking past fans in Kuala Lumpur, where they lost to the ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday. "I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom. I shouldn't have reacted like that but I don't regret what I did," Diallo wrote on X on Thursday. "We had a great time in Malaysia with good people." Diallo had come on as a substitute for the second half of the loss. The players were also booed after the defeat and United boss Ruben Amorim said his team, who finished 15th in the Premier League, cannot hide from their fans. United wrap up their post-season tour with a match against Hong Kong on Friday. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Fox Sports
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Media Day Notebook: Josef Newgarden Stays Focused on Victory
INDYCAR In Josef Newgarden's first public remarks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since Team Penske was rocked with grid penalties and a major management overhaul, the reigning champion of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge left no doubt he believes he can win Sunday's race for an unprecedented third consecutive year. 'Oh, absolutely,' he said during Thursday's Media Day. 'Absolutely.' Newgarden, who has won the past two '500s' with last-lap passes, said he has no set plan on how he will drive to the front from the 32nd starting position. He has never started lower than 22nd since joining Team Penske in 2017. 'There is no one formula (to win),' Newgarden said. 'I know 'a' formula, and I don't think it changes starting 32nd. We know what we need to do throughout the race to give ourselves an opportunity to go for the win. I think that's really not the secret, but it's just the formula. You have to give yourself a chance at the right time. 'That seems simple, but this race is an endurance in a lot of ways. It's 500 miles. A lot you have to calculate your way through, the way you manage yellows, where you put yourself in the strategies, when you make moves, when you don't. There's a cadence to it. 'We've done it before, and we'll try and do the exact same this (Sunday).' The three top executives released by Roger Penske in the aftermath of the second rules infraction in the past two seasons also were scheduled to be the Race Day strategists for Newgarden, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin. In the place of former team president Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer will be Luke Mason, Jonathan Diuguid and Ben Bretzman, respectively. Newgarden declined to answer many of the questions associated with the challenges of the week, insisting he just sees 'a bigger mountain' ahead of him in his pursuit of a history-making achievement. Power: Indy Always Presents 'Curveballs' Power said Team Penske is locked in for Sunday, and he noted he has started on the last row before. He rolled off 32nd in 2021. 'People have to step up now because we're missing some key individuals, and that can be motivating for people,' he said. 'It's like, 'All right, I've got to take on more work and responsibility.' You know, that's all of us in the team right now. 'I think you get the best out of people in those situations. No one is ever ready for that. That's why competition is so good. I think that's what always gets the best out of me is tough situations. You see how good you really are.' Power admitted it's another curveball in a long list of them thrown over the years in this event. 'An incredible number of circumstances that you would have never dreamed would play out like this,' he said. 'It's just crazy. That's Indianapolis. You just never know, man. 'PREMA (Racing) turns up first year on pole and two of our cars (start) on the back row. Scotty (McLaughlin) crashed in practice with probably the car for pole. That's Indy. A lot of pressure. So much effort goes in, and these sort of things happen, you know? 'In some ways, having been (in the sport) so long, it's not that shocking.' Dixon, Helio Cherish Working Together The evolving dynamic between Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian highlights a compelling new chapter in one of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES' longest-running rivalries. Dixon has 58 wins, including the 2008 Indy 500, and has also earned six series championships. Castroneves has 31 wins, including a record-tying four in the '500.' Three of the four came with Team Penske, with his latest in 2021 at Meyer Shank Racing. After over two decades of competing against each other, often at the very top of the leaderboard, their relationship has shifted from fierce competitors to reluctant collaborators, thanks to the technical alliance between Chip Ganassi Racing and Meyer Shank Racing that began this season. 'It's been different,' Castroneves said. 'We've been competing against each other for so many years. It's great. 'Obviously, Ganassi, it's not winning so many races because they're just lucky. They have a great group of people there. I have been enjoying working with all of them.' Dixon poked fun at Castroneves, joking about his incomplete post-practice notes. But in reality, he's genuinely intrigued by his old rival's techniques. 'It's been really relaxed,' Dixon said. 'It's kind of cool to see everybody evolve in different ways throughout the practice sessions. I know at one point last week we went to the 06 (Castroneves) setup just to try it because I want to see what he's been working on, what it feels like. I think a lot of us maybe merged in some directions of what he's been doing.' Kirkwood Strives To Capitalize on Fast Car Castroneves, in 2001, was the last driver to win the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach and Indianapolis 500 in the same season. Ironically, he starts alongside 2025 Long Beach winner Kyle Kirkwood, in Row 8. Kirkwood dominated the April 13 race from the pole and believes his No. 27 Siemens Honda of Andretti Global can charge forward on Sunday despite starting 23rd. 'This is the best race car I've ever had around this place,' Kirkwood said. 'I don't want to see it go to waste.' Only 12 drivers have both prestigious victories on their resumes, not necessarily in the same season, with Kirkwood aiming to join Dixon, Newgarden, Alexander Rossi, Simon Pagenaud, Takuma Sato, Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dario Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Al Unser Jr., Danny Sullivan and Mario Andretti. Andretti the 'Dad' of Andretti Global Marco Andretti's 20th Indianapolis 500 start marks a full-circle moment – not just in his career, but in the generational arc of Andretti Global. From the 19-year-old phenom who nearly won his rookie race in 2006 when he finished runner-up to Sam Hornish Jr. to now being the veteran at 37, Andretti has become the elder statesman, or as he joked, the team 'dad.' Starting 29th in the No. 98 MAPEI/Curb Honda for Andretti Herta w/Marco & Curb Agajanian, Andretti is surrounded by younger full-time teammates, Colton Herta (25 years old), Kirkwood (26) and Marcus Ericsson (34). 'I've got to keep them in line somehow,' Andretti said with a laugh. When Andretti joined the series in 2006, he was teammates with Bryan Herta, who was 36 at the time, 33-year-old Dario Franchitti and 31-year-old Tony Kanaan. Herta was considered the 'dad' role then. He remains with the team but as the race strategist for Kirkwood. 'Now he's the granddad,' Andretti said. Andretti: No Use for 'Wind, Chaos' Marcus Armstrong had engine problems at the start of last year's '500,' and he was able to turn only six laps before retiring from his first Indy start. Thus, he's something of a race rookie. Starting 30th in Sunday's race, Armstrong said the windy conditions that make driving more challenging 'would be good for us.' Andretti took exception with that. 'You can tell it's his first '500,'' said Andretti, who will make his 20th start in the event. 'I wouldn't want wind and chaos.' McLaughlin, Carpenter Wager On Pacers-Knicks A lighthearted showdown between McLaughlin and Ed Carpenter adds a fun off-track narrative to the intense NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. Knicks' fan McLaughlin and Pacers' fan Carpenter are invested in more than just racing this week. The Pacers' Game 1 overtime win Wednesday night gave Carpenter bragging rights, at least temporarily. Carpenter, confident in a Pacers' series win in six games, gave McLaughlin every other outcome in their bet. There's also an internal competition among Ed Carpenter Racing drivers Carpenter, Rossi and Christian Rasmussen to sell the most Java House drinks made in their honor. Carpenter, trailing in the contest, made a side deal that if he loses the Knicks-Pacers' bet, McLaughlin will help close the gap up to $2,500. While Carpenter put McLaughlin on the spot, McLaughlin floated either a charitable donation or a haul of Good Ranchers steaks (a nod to his sponsor) as a potential win prize. 'No one gets much out of this, apart from maybe Ed's reputation,' McLaughlin said. Ericsson Enjoys Pacers' Thriller Since joining Andretti Global in 2024, Ericsson has become a dedicated Pacers' fan. That's no coincidence that Gainbridge, a major Andretti Global sponsor, also holds naming rights to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Pacers' home arena. Ericsson described a relaxed, fun evening with his No. 28 Allegra Honda team, watching the Pacers' thrilling comeback win while enjoying a cookout hosted by his engineer, Olivier Boisson. 'He was doing burgers for the whole 28 crew,' Ericsson said. 'We were having a great time. I was also watching the game and eating burgers. It was a fun night.' The Pacers host the Knicks in Game 3 this Sunday evening. Ericsson already has his post-race Sunday mapped out. 'When we win on Sunday, I want to go to the game, bring the Borg-Warner Trophy and be celebrating on court while at the game,' he said. Lundgaard Enjoys Hanging with Golfer Watson Two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson visited Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday, and Arrow McLaren driver Christian Lundgaard was among those who joined the appearance. Lundgaard, an avid golfer, enjoyed the camaraderie with another professional athlete. 'I know he's self-taught,' Lundgaard said. 'He's never taken a golf lesson in his entire life. At the end of the day, I feel like it's the same way I grew up. Even though I had a dad who used to race, you have to go out there and learn by doing. I saw a little familiarity in that. 'It's always fun to pick athletes' brains on how they approach things. Obviously, when you reach a certain level, you feel the same kind of pressure in this situation that I do. How do you approach it, and what is your thought process, how do you get away from it? 'I always find it kind of interesting to ask those questions.' Robb Enjoys Similar Car to Daly Instead of encouraging diverse driving preferences, Juncos Hollinger Racing benefits from the fact that Conor Daly and Sting Ray Robb both want the same type of car setup. 'Identical,' Robb said. 'You could copy one setup sheet to another.' That kind of synergy can streamline engineering, reduce testing complexity and allow the team to focus on development without having to split resources between contrasting styles. Daly starts 11th in his No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet while Robb rolls off 17th in his No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet. Despite driving for different teams last year, both drivers had nearly identical success in the '500.' Robb led 23 laps for AJ Foyt Racing and Daly 22 for DRR-Cusick Motorsports. Carpenter, Simpson Share Same Row … Again Kyffin Simpson (No. 8 Journie Rewards Chip Ganassi Racing) makes his second '500' start Sunday. This year and last year, he started alongside veteran Carpenter. Last year, Carpenter started in the middle of Row 6 with Simpson outside. On Sunday, Simpson starts on the inside of Row 5 and Carpenter's No. 33 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet in the middle. 'We were talking about that,' Carpenter said. 'We need to do better next year. If we're going to keep being together, we need to do better.' '100 Days to Indy' Premiere All new episodes of the second season of '100 Days to Indy' are available on FOX Nation. Over the course of three episodes, which will be released weekly, this season takes a look into the lives of the drivers and their teams as they navigate the 100-day countdown to the Indy 500. In addition, FOX Nation acquired seasons one and two of the series and will release a playback of the full 2025 Indy 500 race on the platform starting Monday, the day after its airing on FOX. FOX Sports Teams with Purple Heart Homes FOX Sports announced an initiative with national nonprofit partner Purple Heart Homes to renovate and restore the homes – and lives – of U.S. military veterans in Indianapolis ahead of the network's inaugural coverage of the '500.' Last week, veterans Kevin Smith (U.S. Air Force), Gary Dean (U.S. Army), Donald Covington (U.S. Marines) and a U.S. Army veteran who asked to remain anonymous began receiving personalized home renovations thanks to this initiative. The initiative, powered by a charitable grant from the FOX Sports Gamechanger Fund and Fox Corporation's FOX Forward program, enables Purple Heart Homes to complete major home renovations for four local veterans in Indianapolis and highlights a shared mission to ensure veterans in the local community can age in place with safety, dignity and independence. O'Ward Enjoys New Technology with Indianapolis Students Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward spent time Wednesday with Indianapolis-based Monarca Academy students as they were introduced to the Arrow Electronics and N50 Project. O'Ward visits the school each May and helped debut the model lab, which is equipped with 20 workstations, interactive SMART boards, an AI tool, 3D printer, FIRST Robotics kit and a stable internet connection. Additionally during the event, Monarca Academy unveiled a mural celebrating O'Ward as a Hispanic role model for the 240-plus students enrolled in the school. Odds and Ends Hunter-Reay brought his oldest son, Ryden, to his media availably session, and Ryden sat at the podium with a microphone to field questions. Turns out he's missing his last week of fifth grade. The best part of being at IMS? 'Riding a scooter everywhere,' he said. The past few days haven't been kind to Kirkwood, who has been sick. He was still keeping his distance during Thursday's content gathering. 'I feel like I haven't had much of a rest, if I'm being honest,' he said. Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren said he empathizes with Jacob Abel of Dale Coyne Racing, the lone entered driver failing to earn a qualifying position. That was Siegel last year. 'It's just hard,' said Siegel, who watched the Last Chance Qualifying session on pit road with Jack Harvey, with whom he was teammates last year at Indy with DCR. 'Someone has to go home, but no matter what there's no one in the field that you want to see go home.' Detroit Lions President and Chief Executive Officer Rod Wood was named grand marshal for next Sunday's Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. Wood joins a growing list of Detroit Lions personalities who have served in that role at the event, including linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, running back Zonovan Knight and defensive lineman Alim McNeil in 2024, offensive lineman Penei Sewell (2022), head coach Dan Campbell (2021), guard T.J. Lang (2017) and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (2012). recommended
