Latest news with #Nemec
Euronews
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
EU lawmakers take aim at Eurovision over ‘rigged' televote
Just over two weeks after the conclusion of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, controversy over the integrity of televoting continues to mount. A group of 12 MEPs from socialist, leftist, green, and liberal groups has written to the top brass of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the contest, expressing 'renewed apprehension regarding increasing concerns of irregularities tied to the 2025 contest' in a letter seen by Euronews. Their appeal follows a wave of concern from national broadcasters, including the Netherlands' AVROTROS/NPO, Norway's NRK, Spain's RTVE, Slovenia's RTVSLO, Iceland's RÚV, Belgium's Flemish VRT, and Finland's Yle. The broadcasters cited suspicions of televoting manipulation and questioned the role of state-backed promotion, particularly involving this year's runner-up in the contest, Israel's entry, which reportedly benefited from campaigns pursued by the Israeli Government Advertising Agency (Lapam). Irish broadcaster RTÉ has formally requested access to the voting data, while VRT publicly questioned whether it will continue participating in the contest if full transparency is not ensured. 'While the Eurovision Song Contest is meant to unite Europe through music and culture, recent developments have cast a shadow over its credibility and neutrality,' Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec, who initiated the letter, told Euronews. Nemec criticised the involvement of national governments in promoting their acts, calling it a breach of the EBU's principles of fairness, impartiality, and independence. The letter cites data from VRT revealing significant and unexplained discrepancies between viewer numbers and televoting participation during the 2023–2025 contests. 'These trends are not easily explained by organic fluctuations in viewer enthusiasm and warrant further scrutiny,' the letter reads, warning that the increasing number of broadcasters questioning their own data points to a deeper, systemic issue. 'This is not an isolated concern: it signals a broader problem that must be addressed,' Nemec said. The MEPs have called on the EBU to take specific actions, including releasing complete voting data, authorising an independent audit, and enforcing safeguards to prevent political interference in the contest. 'Without answers and accountability, Eurovision risks losing the trust of its audience and becoming a stage not for unity, but for manipulation,' Nemec warned, adding that the European public deserves full transparency on this year's voting process. Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green has issued an open letter addressing concerns about transparency and the integrity of the voting process. Green acknowledged the issues raised by broadcasters and confirmed that they would be discussed at the upcoming EBU Reference Group meeting. He noted that while promotional efforts by participating countries are permitted and common in the music industry, the EBU is reviewing whether such campaigns could unduly influence public voting. He also pointed out that Eurovision's voting system incorporates 'multiple security layers' and is overseen by over 60 professionals across Cologne, Vienna, and Amsterdam, while the voting is managed by Once Germany GmbH and independently verified by EY (Ernst & Young). Regarding the current rule limiting votes to 20 per payment method per person, Green stated that there is no evidence this affects the results. Nonetheless, the issue will be re-examined as part of the post-contest review process.
New York Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Šimon Nemec's overtime heroics give him a moment he can cherish after up-and-down year
NEWARK — Of all the players who could have scored in double overtime, perhaps none could have benefited from it more than defenseman Šimon Nemec. 'He's going to be a better player tomorrow as a result of tonight's game,' coach Sheldon Keefe said after the Devils' 3-2 win. The 21-year-old Nemec, whom the Devils selected No. 2 overall in 2022, described 2024-25 as a tough season for him. His goal in the second overtime period — in which he activated offensively, cut through two defenders and put a puck through Frederik Andersen — was the type of play that can change the way he will look back on this year. Advertisement With the Devils' season on the line and their group of defensemen banged up, he was the one who stepped up. 'He took that moment,' Brian Dumoulin said. 'He wasn't scared of it.' SIMON NEMEC WINS IT IN DOUBLE OT!! 😱 His first #StanleyCup Playoffs goal is the @Energizer overtime winner! — NHL (@NHL) April 26, 2025 Nemec had a lot to build off after his rookie year in 2023-24. Injuries to Dougie Hamilton and Jonas Siegenthaler thrust him into a bigger-than-expected role, and he averaged nearly 20 minutes of ice time a game. He appeared on Calder ballots. But the downs of 2024-25 started before he even returned to North America for training camp. In August, Nemec suffered an upper-body injury playing for the Slovakian National Team in an Olympic qualifying match, putting him in a less-than-ideal position entering training camp. He was ready for the start of the season, but when the Devils' group of defensemen — which added Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon and Johnathan Kovacevic over the offseason — got healthy, coach Sheldon Keefe started making Nemec a healthy scratch. The Devils eventually sent him to AHL Utica, where he played 34 games over the next three months. 'We have a good team,' said Devils forward Tomáš Tatar, Nemec's countryman, when asked about the defenseman's up-and-down year. 'It's not easy to just come in and play, especially when you're that young. It takes time and experience.' Nemec was the 11th-youngest defenseman to play an NHL game this year. Lian Bichsel, Denton Mateychuk, Isaiah George and Elias Pettersson were the only blueliners younger than Nemec who played more than his 27 games, and they all spent time in the AHL, too. Defensemen take time to develop, and The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, a prospect writer, is still confident he will develop into a top-four defenseman. Advertisement 'In terms of a guy you're going to bet on to be successful for a long period of time, he's got the tools,' Scott Moser, who coached Nemec at world junior championships, said in an interview last year. 'When you're projecting over a long period of time, it's really no surprise why New Jersey was so high on him.' Corey Pronman, who also writes about prospects for The Athletic, believes Nemec can become a top-four defenseman, too, though he doesn't see it as the same guarantee as a couple years ago. He noted he could struggle to get time on the power play since New Jersey has Luke Hughes and Hamilton. Nemec was still in and out of the lineup when back with the NHL club full time starting in February, and Keefe made him a healthy scratch in Game 1 against Carolina. Hughes and Dillon both got hurt that game, though, so Nemec got his first chance at playoff action in Game 2. He said it wasn't easy not having consistent playing time, but he felt ready. Keefe liked the way the young defenseman played in Game 2. Then the coach had to rely on him even more in Game 3 after Kovacevic suffered an undisclosed injury, leaving the Devils with only five defensemen. Nemec played 22:39, more than he had in any NHL game this year. He nearly ended the game in the first overtime with an early shot, and the Devils had 63 percent of the expected goal share with him on the ice at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick. Overtime might've been the highlight, but he was having a strong game even before that. 'I feel like my confidence is back the last couple games,' he said after. Nemec scored his first playoff goal the same night that his friend Juraj Slafkovský did the same for Montreal. The two grew up playing on Slovakian junior teams together and were the first two picks in the 2022 NHL draft, with Slafkovský going No. 1 overall to Montreal. Talking about Nemec last season, Slafkovský praised his hockey IQ and playmaking. Advertisement '(He's) someone who can create and make the most offensive play,' Slafkovský said. That was clear against Carolina. In overtime, Keefe caught himself thinking it would be special to see Siegenthaler, playing at less than 100 percent in his first game since Feb. 4, score the winning goal. After the game, the coach reflected more on that sentiment. 'If I was really thinking, I would have said, 'Wouldn't it be something if the young guy, Nemec — who has stepped up so big for us — ended it?'' Keefe said. 'Just a great play by him.' Tatar recognized that this year has been up-and-down for Nemec, but he believes Friday's goal will help the defenseman's confidence grow. 'Those,' Tatar said, 'are the moments you cherish.'
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Simon Nemec shines bright: New Jersey Devils rookie penetrates historical OT victory against Carolina Hurricanes
Image Via Twitter An eventful night in history, Simon Nemec , the youngest player in the Devils' New Jersey roster, turned into an unexpected hero on this all-important night. The moment he scored the Devils' most critical goal echoes the thousands in Prudential Center as it buys them new hope in a playoff campaign that, with them trailing 2-1 in the best-of-seven series against the Carolina Hurricanes , now takes on a different kind of dramatic meaning because it ends in a sensational overtime victory heading into preparing for Game 4 and what would be an equalizer. Simon Nemec delivers a breakthrough moment amid playoff pressure Simon Nemec, a 21-year-old lad who has been in his second career Stanley Cup Playoff match, left fans and critics awestruck as he achieved the feat of scoring the game-winner in the epic double-overtime thriller. With the composure of someone much older, he skated past two Carolina Hurricanes players and fired a pinpoint wrist shot from the right circle to give the Devils a 3-2 victory in Game 3. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The goal's emotional impact was clear, as seen by the jubilant face of Nemec while celebrating with his mates. He recalled the moment by saying, 'It was just an amazing feeling, especially this tough season for me. But a really big win for us and an important win.' The regular season was tough for Nemec, who had just four points while facing some consistency issues. However, he has broken through in the postseason. Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised Nemec for being ready for the occasion. Keefe added that the aggressiveness and temper under pressure that Nemec showed was reflective of the whole team's mind. 'I haven't watched the goal back, but I just thought it was a great play by him to jump in and attack, get a hard shot off,' emphasized Keefe concerning the team's gritty effort during a high-stakes contest. Nemec's goal was significant not just for the result on that given night but also historically. At 21 years and 69 days old, he became only the second defenseman in NHL history to score an overtime playoff goal at a younger age, behind Andrei Zyuzin. He set a Devils franchise milestone, too, as he eclipsed Adam Henrique to become the youngest-ever player to accomplish this in the playoffs. Also Read: Alex Ovechkin, the Greatest Of All Time, sets the tone, and the Washington Capitals boys follow it Simon Nemec's coming of age in front of the Carolina Hurricanes has been perhaps a turning point for the New Jersey Devils and their playoff aspirations, but certainly a seal on his status as a star to watch in the future. The momentum now firmly swings in their direction, and the Devils will fight hard again in Game 4, ignited by the spark that is undeniably provided by Nemec.
Chicago Tribune
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Blackhawks takeaways: Landon Slaggert defends Connor Bedard – but Anders Sorensen doesn't defend him
At key moments of Wednesday's 5-3 loss to New Jersey Devils, the Chicago Blackhawks just couldn't catch a break at the United Center. Pat Maroon couldn't catch a break when his pass hit Jesper Bratt's skate at the offensive blue line and then again when he got crossed up by Bratt and Ondřej Palát on Palát's shorthanded goal. Ryan Donato couldn't catch a break later in the second period when his would-be tying goal was overturned – ruled a high stick. Landon Slaggert couldn't catch a break when he drew a roughing penalty for simply shoving Šimon Nemec off Connor Bedard, who Nemec had pinned to the ice. The ensuing power-play goal by Dawson Mercer would prove to be the winning edge for the Devils. The Hawks finally caught a break when they gambled on pulling goalie Spencer Knight with 4 minutes, 8 seconds left. It paid off with Frank Nazar's six-on-five goal with 2 minutes, 50 seconds remaining. It was the sixth time the Hawks had scored in 60 six-on-five attempts this season, according to NHL Stats and Information. But perhaps asking for another big break – a 4-4 tying goal – was too much to ask. Stefan Noesen dashed the Hawks' hopes by scoring on an empty net with 13 seconds left. Hawks interim coach Anders Sorensen said of pulling Knight early, 'We didn't feel like we had much going on there offensively, so good time to do it with icing there. It worked out. Unfortunately, we couldn't get another one.' Yes, the Hawks caught some bad breaks, but credit the Devils for breaking up the Hawks offense, for the most part. 'Honestly, they fronted pucks really well,' Nazar said. 'They blocked a lot of shots. They did that well. It's tough when you can't get pucks through, and if we don't have a guy in front of the net, we're not going to shoot as many.' Here are five takeaways from the loss. 1. Slaggert defended Bedard – but Sorensen doesn't defend him. This goes back to the Bedard play. Nemec checked Bedard into the boards and took him down to the ice. Bedard held onto Nemec's stick as Nemec shoved the Hawks down repeatedly while also yanking his stick to get free. Yeah, it's a little gamesmanship by Bedard (for which he easily could've been penalized), but Slaggert saw a teammate in trouble and rushed in to break it up. Nemec backed off, and Slaggert gave the Devil a few little shoves for good measure. Brenden Dillon skated up and did the same to Slaggert. No-calls all around should've been the decision, but the referees singled out Slaggert and sent him to the penalty box. By letter of the law, the refs can make that call, but here was an opportunity for Sorensen to stick up for his players by arguing the call – even if they were slightly in the wrong – and he didn't. 'I just don't know what to gain out of it,' the Hawks coach said. 'They've made their call. They're probably not going to change it. You can try to talk to them during TV timeouts a little bit or get an explanation that way. 'Yelling is probably not going to help the situation. Try to build a relationship and talk to them a little bit and asking. I think that will go a longer way down the road.' Down the road isn't guaranteed. It's about sending a message to the Hawks bench as much as the officials: Just like you play to the echo of the whistle, I'm going to bark at that whistle now and then too. You'd think he'd at least pat Slaggert on the back for having Bedard's back. Nope. Anders Sorensen said refs told him they didn't penalize Simon Nemec because Bedard was holding his stick. Sorensen didn't argue because 'yelling is probably not going to help the situation.' — Phil Thompson (@ 2025-03-27T02:44:57.288Z 'I think he saw the situation differently; (it) looked differently from where he was at,' Sorensen said of Slaggert. 'He wanted to help Bedsy out where maybe he didn't need to. He wants to stick up for his teammates. He wants to help out. 'Maybe he got a little over-excited. That's learning the game as a young man.' Whether Slaggert went a bit too far taking up Bedard, it a necessary message a lot of NHL players send while defending star teammates: Get off our guy. 2. Artyom Levshunov showed his special abilities on Tyler Bertuzzi's goal. After a power-play faceoff, Bedard batted the puck backward while trying to control it. As the puck was heading out of the zone, Levshunov lurched from the left side and dove at the puck coming up the middle. Not only does he keep it in-zone, but he knocked it toward Donato, who walked down the wall and found Bertuzzi across from him for a back-door goal. 'Just tried to save the puck in the offensive zone and score a goal on the power play,' Levshunov said. 'Yes, I've done it before, for sure. Second effort, I've got to save the puck in the offensive zone, and I did, and we scored.' Nazar was Levshunov's teammate in Rockford earlier this season, and he has watched the Hawks rookie grow since his arrival. 'He's a lot more confident, making a lot better plays and using his body and his mind to be himself and make his plays,' Nazar said. 'When he's comfortable, he's his best self, and he's been looking good.' 3. Bertuzzi runs hot and cold. His offensive game has been as finicky as 'spring' weather in Chicago. After going five games with no points and taking just five shots, Bertuzzi has recorded three goals and four assists in his most recent five games. 'Even when he was struggling a little bit, I thought he had some opportunities, but didn't go in for him,' Sorensen said. 'It seems like he's a little streaky at times. He's hot right now, so I thought he was good today.' Bertuzzi became the sixth player in league history to reach 20 goals with three Original Six teams, along with former Hawk Phil Esposito, former Hawk Roy Conacher, Frank Mahovlich, Mark Osborne and Dean Prentice. 4. Louis Crevier wants to be more 'physical.' Over the previous few weeks, the defenseman's playing time was sporadic, scratched for five of seven games. Crevier will be a restricted free agent, so every minute of ice time counts. 'I'm looking to play more, but also to gain that experience,' he told the Tribune. 'And I think it's a lot mental. It's hard to play in the NHL, play every other day.' The 6-foot-8 defenseman said he has grown in confidence, willing to try more plays, while also 'trying to be more physical a little bit, too.' Sorensen liked what he saw in Crevier against the Devils. 'We want him to be using his size and his range and be able to get stops,' he said. 'I thought he did a good job on the one goal (by Ilya Mikheyev), keeping pucks alive, being down the wall, being on his toes. So, yeah, it's coming.' 5. Quebec City's native son makes his case for expansion. Houston and Atlanta have been getting much of the buzz whenever the subject comes about the NHL expanding to 34 teams, but Quebec City is the perpetual bridesmaid in this courtship. Crevier was six years from being born when the Nordiques were bought, moved and renamed the Colorado Avalanche. 'I never got the chance to see them, but I know it was a pretty big thing back in the day,' he told the Tribune. … 'I don't know if (expansion is ) going to happen pretty soon, but it'd be pretty cool.' But he realizes his hometown faces long odds – but he can dream. 'It's been in the books for a while now,' he said. 'I don't know, maybe down the line. We have a nice rink there that's ready. I think the fans would be great for the league and for the rivalry with Montreal. He added, 'Playing with the (QMJHL) Remparts, a lot of the time it was more than 10,000 people at our games — in junior. So if there was an NHL team, it'd be sold out every game.'
CBS News
14-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Bratt has goal, 2 assists in Devils' comeback win over Oilers
Jesper Bratt had a goal and two assists for his second straight three-point game and the New Jersey Devils rallied to beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Thursday night. Bratt tied it at 2 with his 19th goal of the season at 6:50 of the third period, then set up Simon Nemec's first of the season 1:35 later. Brett Pesce also scored, and Jake Allen made 31 saves — 18 in the third period. Leon Draisaitl scored his NHL-leading 47th goal for Edmonton. Evan Bouchard also scored and Connor McDavid had two assists. The Oilers lost their second straight and fell for the eighth time in 11 games. Takeaways Oilers: Draisaitl boosted his points streak to 16 games ... Stuart Skinner made 18 saves, but stopped just four of six shots in the third period. New Jersey: On a day the Devils announced star defenseman Dougie Hamilton would miss the remainder of the regular season they got goals from two blueliners best known for their defense. Nemec's goal was just the fourth of his two-season career, and Pesce broke the ice for his third of the season and second in his past five games. Key moment With New Jersey down 2-1, Bratt flung a shot through traffic that eluded Skinner. Mere seconds later, he set up Nemec's blast from the point that got through Skinner. Key stat The Devils claimed their 14th comeback win of the season, but also improved to 23-5-3 when scoring first. Up next The Oilers are at the New York Islanders on Friday night. The Devils are at Pittsburgh on Saturday night.
