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Winnipeg Free Press
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipegger to meet his heroes after being drafted by Penguins
Peyon Kettles remembers the Evgeni Malkin jersey he rocked as a youngster. So you can imagine his delight when the Winnipegger pulled on a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey on Saturday after being chosen in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft with the 39th overall pick. 'It was definitely a huge relief and I'm definitely happy to hear my name called by the Penguins. To have their history, with me growing up around that time, is really cool and really special,' Kettles said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles, where he attended the event at Peacock Theater with his parents and his brother. 'I owned a Malkin jersey and all of the stuff like that. It's a full circle moment for me.' DAMIAN DOVARGANES / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Carter Bear, left, stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being drafted by Detroit Red Wings during the NHL hockey draft Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. Kettles, listed at 6-5 and 194 pounds, is a hard-hitting defenceman who had five goals and 14 points in 53 games in the Western Hockey League with the Swift Current Broncos. 'I'm a big defensive guy who likes to play physical,' said Kettles. 'I'm a really good skater. A guy that is not afraid or is going to back down from anyone. 'I thought I had a pretty good season. I was out with some injuries, but that happens. Overall, I thought I had a really good season and I proved myself to Pittsburgh and a lot of other teams. I'm really happy to be part of their organization.' Kettles spoke with 21 different teams at the NHL Combine in Buffalo earlier this month and he's looking forward to heading to development camp in Pittsburgh during the coming days. 'I thought I had a really good interview with everyone, but my interview with Pittsburgh was really good. I thought they really liked me. It's cool to see them trade up and pick me,' said Kettles, noting he enjoyed watching the Penguins win multiple Stanley Cups while he was growing up. 'I've dreamed of this moment my whole life, so it's cool to see it come true. For me to meet my heroes and my idols is going to be really cool in this next week or two.' Kettles was in attendance on Friday night, since some mock drafts had him going late in the first round. JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Hayden Paupanekis, then a Winnipeg Wild forward poses outside his home in 2022. That was a stressful situation to navigate, but Kettles made the most of it and didn't need to wait long on Day 2. 'I went (Friday) night and saw a lot of buddies go,' said Kettles. 'To hear my name called this morning was a big relief and I'm excited to get going.' It was a solid day for the Keystone province as seven Manitobans had their names called on Friday and Saturday. The seven selections is one short of the record, set three times (2017, 2018, 2022). That it comes one year after Brandon product Clarke Caswell was the only local kid drafted (in the fifth round, by the Seattle Kraken) represents a strong rebound for Manitoba. Carter Bear of West St. Paul went 13th overall to the Detroit Red Wings and the high-scoring winger from the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League was the only Manitoban to go in the first round. Burke Hood Later in the second round, Winnipegger Matthew Gard of the Red Deer Rebels went 57th overall to the Philadelphia Flyers. The left-handed shooting centre had 19 goals, 36 points in 66 WHL games this season. Gard also suited up for Canada at the U18 championship in Texas this year, collecting a goal and four points in seven games, capturing a gold medal. In the third round, Winnipegger Hayden Paupanekis was chosen 69th overall by the Monteal Canadiens. Paupanekis split last season between the Kelowna Rockets and Chiefs of the WHL, collecting 22 goals and 43 points in 71 games. Later in the third round, the Winnipeg Jets used the 93rd overall pick on Oakbank product Owen Martin, who had a strong season with the Spokane Chiefs. ROB WILTON/VANCOUVER GIANTS FILES Vancouver Giants goalie Burke Hood, shown staring down Wenatchee Wild forward Maddix McCagherty. Martin dealt with a foot injury that limited him to 39 games, but he produced at nearly a point-per-game rate (13 goals, 34 points). Seeing a bunch of fellow Manitobans hear their names called was special for Martin. 'I've been texting them, congratulating them. And then, once I got taken, they all congratulated me,' Martin said during a Zoom call on Saturday. 'It's a good group of Manitobans. We all know each other pretty well so yeah, it's been super cool seeing that success for all of us.' The sixth Manitoba chosen came in the sixth round when goalie Burke Hood went 170th overall to the New York Islanders. Hood, who hails from Brandon, is coming off a solid season in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, posting three shutouts a .910 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average in 42 appearances. The final Manitoba chosen on Day 2 was McCreary product Brady Turko, a right-winger with the Brandon Wheat Kings who had seven goals and 26 points in 68 games this season. TIM SMITH / THE BRANDON SUN FILES Brady Turko of the Brandon Wheat Kings tries to keep the puck out of reach of Brayden Klimpke of the Saskatoon Blades during WHL action. Turko's teammate and fellow forward Roger McQueen was chosen 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks on Friday. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Calgary Herald
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green is hopeful Claude Giroux will return
Travis Green's only input into the preparations for Round 1 of the National Hockey League draft on Friday night was a quick visit to the room where the amateur scouts are holding their meetings. Article content 'I pop in, bring in some Timbits and wish them luck,' the Senators coach said on Thursday morning at the Canadian Tire Centre. 'I brought a 20-pack today and it wasn't nearly enough. They don't have 40s.' Article content Article content Article content Naturally, the draft is about the future for the organization and a large part of Green's job surrounds the here and now. As much as there will be a focus on the first round of the draft and Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, this also is the time of year that teams shape their roster for next season. Article content Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, communicates with Green as much as three times a day to get his input on possible changes. They're on the same page on what this club needs to make another step after making the playoffs this past spring. Article content Article content They both agreed they'd like the organization to keep 37-year-old alternate captain Claude Giroux on the club next year. But the closer it gets to Canada Day, the stronger the possibility exists that Giroux will test the market. Article content Article content 'I hear it and I was guessing I'd be asked about G today,' Green said. 'Every team has one, two or three guys that are being talked about. He's been a great player for us. Article content Article content 'From a coach's standpoint, I want him back. I understand the business side of the game. G's been here three years watching the team grow, and I just hope G wants to be back and hopefully they figure things out.' Article content Green is right because Giroux has been here through the tough times and he knows there are better days ahead. Article content The Senators and Giroux's Los Angeles-based agent, Pat Brisson, have been working on trying to get a contract in place since they held serious talks earlier this month at the NHL Combine in Buffalo. Postmedia has reported that both sides agree they want this relationship to continue. Article content The issue is finding the sweet spot where both sides are happy with what the contract will look like. The talk in NHL circles is the Senators have offered Giroux a one-year deal in the $2.75-million US range and his camp is looking for a deal closer to the $4 million that David Perron will make.
Vancouver Sun
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green is hopeful Claude Giroux will return
Travis Green's only input into the preparations for Round 1 of the National Hockey League draft on Friday night was a quick visit to the room where the amateur scouts are holding their meetings. 'I pop in, bring in some Timbits and wish them luck,' the Senators coach said on Thursday morning at the Canadian Tire Centre. 'I brought a 20-pack today and it wasn't nearly enough. They don't have 40s.' See, you do learn something new every day and now Green knows he may need a couple of those packs of Timbits when he heads to the rink on Friday morning for off-season meetings with his coaching staff. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Naturally, the draft is about the future for the organization and a large part of Green's job surrounds the here and now. As much as there will be a focus on the first round of the draft and Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, this also is the time of year that teams shape their roster for next season. Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, communicates with Green as much as three times a day to get his input on possible changes. They're on the same page on what this club needs to make another step after making the playoffs this past spring. They both agreed they'd like the organization to keep 37-year-old alternate captain Claude Giroux on the club next year. But the closer it gets to Canada Day, the stronger the possibility exists that Giroux will test the market. 'I hear it and I was guessing I'd be asked about G today,' Green said. 'Every team has one, two or three guys that are being talked about. He's been a great player for us. 'From a coach's standpoint, I want him back. I understand the business side of the game. G's been here three years watching the team grow, and I just hope G wants to be back and hopefully they figure things out.' Green is right because Giroux has been here through the tough times and he knows there are better days ahead. The Senators and Giroux's Los Angeles-based agent, Pat Brisson, have been working on trying to get a contract in place since they held serious talks earlier this month at the NHL Combine in Buffalo. Postmedia has reported that both sides agree they want this relationship to continue. The issue is finding the sweet spot where both sides are happy with what the contract will look like. The talk in NHL circles is the Senators have offered Giroux a one-year deal in the $2.75-million US range and his camp is looking for a deal closer to the $4 million that David Perron will make. Since it's a contract for a player, the deal can include a bonus structure and that possibility has been discussed. Dallas' Jamie Benn signed a one-year deal on Thursday that will pay him $1-million guaranteed and another $3 million in achievable bonuses. The reality is that if they can't get this done, Giroux will have to determine if he wants to uproot his family and move elsewhere. The expectation is the Montreal Canadiens will show interest, but Giroux signed here in 2022 because he wanted to come home. 'G's at that point where he's played a long time, he's a great player in the league and he's still a good player,' Green said. 'He's got decisions to make. From a coaching standpoint, I've had great discussions over the last season. 'I know how bad he wants to win, and I think he's proud of where the team has gone. And, my hope is that he wants to continue down the path of pushing our team to be better and be a Senator.' Green, who makes his off-season home in Anaheim, is using this time with assistants Mike Yeo, Nolan Baumgartner, Daniel Alfredsson, Ben Sexton, Justin Peters, Mike King, Josh Mallory, Rob Mouland and Jeremy Benoit to make preparations for next season. There will be changes before camp in September. There always are. Green is confident that even if the club doesn't make any major decisions with the roster that this group can continue to grow. An area that has to improve is the club's 5-on-5 scoring. The Senators could make a move in free agency, but they won't get into a bidding war for Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, which means he'll likely end up elsewhere. Green is confident collectively this group can be better. 'That's part of what we're looking at right now as coaches is studying our offence and how you can be better,' Green said. 'And I think there's certain teams that are built to play a certain style, and you can't just mimic another team because you like how they play. I like the way we played last year. I do. 'We can score more and we're capable of it. Our shooting percentage was low. But there's also areas that we can practice and change or tweak that will help us score without just giving up more. That's the key. Is, how do you create more and give up less?' bgarrioch@
Ottawa Citizen
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green is hopeful Claude Giroux will return
Travis Green's only input into the preparations for Round 1 of the National Hockey League draft on Friday night was a quick visit to the room where the amateur scouts are holding their meetings. Article content 'I pop in, bring in some Timbits and wish them luck,' the Senators coach said on Thursday morning at the Canadian Tire Centre. 'I brought a 20-pack today and it wasn't nearly enough. They don't have 40s.' Article content Article content Article content Naturally, the draft is about the future for the organization and a large part of Green's job surrounds the here and now. As much as there will be a focus on the first round of the draft and Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, this also is the time of year that teams shape their roster for next season. Article content Steve Staios, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, communicates with Green as much as three times a day to get his input on possible changes. They're on the same page on what this club needs to make another step after making the playoffs this past spring. Article content They both agreed they'd like the organization to keep 37-year-old alternate captain Claude Giroux on the club next year. But the closer it gets to Canada Day, the stronger the possibility exists that Giroux will test the market. Article content Article content 'I hear it and I was guessing I'd be asked about G today,' Green said. 'Every team has one, two or three guys that are being talked about. He's been a great player for us. Article content Article content 'From a coach's standpoint, I want him back. I understand the business side of the game. G's been here three years watching the team grow, and I just hope G wants to be back and hopefully they figure things out.' Article content Green is right because Giroux has been here through the tough times and he knows there are better days ahead. Article content The Senators and Giroux's Los Angeles-based agent, Pat Brisson, have been working on trying to get a contract in place since they held serious talks earlier this month at the NHL Combine in Buffalo. Postmedia has reported that both sides agree they want this relationship to continue. Article content The issue is finding the sweet spot where both sides are happy with what the contract will look like. The talk in NHL circles is the Senators have offered Giroux a one-year deal in the $2.75-million US range and his camp is looking for a deal closer to the $4 million that David Perron will make.
Ottawa Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Sherwood Park's Cootes likely going in mid-first round of upcoming NHL Draft
Article content Sherwood Park's Braeden Cootes will be sitting in the seats at the Peacock Theatre in downtown Los Angeles Friday night as the first round of the NHL draft unfolds, in a nice suit but really wanting to put on a jersey. Article content The 18-year-old dog-on-a-bone Seattle Thunderbirds right-shot centre, who was the Western Hockey League's youngest captain when he got the C on his No. 86 junior sweater last year, is going somewhere in the middle of the first 32 picks. He doesn't know where exactly, but 27 teams interviewed him at the NHL Combine in Buffalo earlier this month, in a hectic week where Cootes missed his high-school graduation but forsook the party for other things. Article content Article content Again, he's not sure what team will call his name at the NHL's decentralized draft with team personnel, except for a designated rep, back in their home cities. But, that's fine with him, the uncertainty of it all, sitting in the seats with mom Julie, a nurse, and dad Rob, an insurance broker, and his family and billet from Seattle.. Article content Article content 'Kind of cool to be sitting there and at any time your name can get called.' Article content It won't be his hometown Oilers. Article content 'No, I didn't have a meeting with them,' said Cootes. Article content 'It was a little bit disappointing (hometown team) but I kind of knew ahead of time.' Article content The interviews at the Combine can get repetitive, lots of the same questions, and trying to keep track of what teams you've talked to can sometimes be tricky. But, there are benefits. Article content Article content 'I got to talk to (Detroit GM) Steve Yzerman, that was pretty cool. Rick Nash with Columbus, Jason Spezza with Pittsburgh. Guys you've watched as players growing up,' said Cootes, who was in top 10 in Combine results in bench-press, pull-ups and fitness index. Article content Article content But the Oilers took a pass, just because. They don't have a first-round pick or a second, but love Cootes' game. They will be envious spectators when a team picks Cootes, the captain of Canada's gold medal winning U18 world championship team this past spring at the international tournament in suburban Dallas. Article content Cootes, who had 12 points in seven games at the tournament was a teammate of Oil Kings' defencememan Blake Fiddler, who is also going in the first round, maybe a little later than Cootes. Article content That's the ultimate complement, of course. It's something easily translatable to the NHL. His WHL numbers right now don't scream elite (63 points this past season), compared to other centres in the draft, but Seattle was far from deep in support offensive help. Maybe he's an NHL third-line centre, not a top 6, but he will play because NHL teams love what he has and what he is.
