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Boston Globe
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Mikey Eyssimont is a pain to play against, a healthy sign for the Bruins
'My whole day, year-round, it's all hockey and nothing's ever changed,' Eyssimont told the Globe. 'Sometimes I look at it like, 'I'm 28 and my neighbors still see me stick-handling in the driveway.' So, a lot of my friends have moved on and I'm still doing the same thing. And I just find that really special and just love the sport and what it's done for me. And I just look forward to playing for Boston.' Eyssimont (that's AY-see-mawnt) was Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Don Sweeney described Eyssimont as a 'pain to play against' and the 6-foot, 191-pounder considered the Bruins general manager's scouting report a badge of honor. Advertisement 'I take it as a compliment. I've had an edge, and I have had a chip on my shoulder for a long time, and I think I've had it since I was little, a very competitive kid,' said Eyssimont. 'And now that I'm older, I've matured even through the pro ranks to be able to concentrate toward ways to help the team. And sometimes that's just getting under an opposing team's skin. And I guess I did a good enough job for Don Sweeney to notice and ultimately, I'm here, so I got to keep doing that.' Related : Advertisement A native of Littleton, Colo., Eyssimont's journey has taken him to myriad and varied hockey outposts, from the USHL (Fargo and Sioux Falls) to Division 1 college (St. Cloud State) to the AHL (Ontario and Manitoba) and finally to the NHL (Winnipeg, San Jose, Tampa Bay, and Seattle). Through it all, Eyssimont has battled his way through adversity to reach his ultimate goal of being a consistent performer in the NHL. Those battles included being diagnosed with Crohn's disease as he headed into his junior year at St. Cloud State. The diagnosis came after he dealt with symptoms for eight months that Eyssimont believed would clear on its own if he changed a habit or two. 'I was like, 'OK, I'm not going to drink any beer this weekend with my friends. I'm going to eat really healthy,' ' Eyssimont recalled. Eyssimont, then 21, was losing weight and his energy level — something he relied on to make maximum impact on the ice — was dipping daily. 'Something is going on and you're trying to figure out yourself and you're scared,' said Eyssimont, who did some internet research to find answers but that just led to more questions. 'And finally, it got to become too much where I just skated off the ice during a summer skate in St. Cloud and just went to my trainer and said, 'Look, I need you to come with me to the hospital. This has been going on longer than you probably want to know right now, but we just need to figure this out. It was really scary, and Google doesn't help.' Advertisement According to the Mayo Clinic, Chron's 'is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. This can lead to belly pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.' After a hospital stay, Eyssimont learned to manage his condition with treatment that included a special diet. Taking the first step of seeking help was big for Eyssimont, who said he regrets waiting — and suffering — for so long. It's a message he likes to drive home to others. 'Once I got to the doctor's office and sat down, I immediately felt better,' said Eyssimont. 'So, it's one of the things I always try to express to kids dealing with it and young athletes in general is that doctors are here to help and they have your back and if you think something's wrong, you need to use them and lean on them and trust them. But that's the main thing that I struggled with and that I try to get across is you can't just be stubborn, like 'I'm a hockey player, I can get through it.' No. You need to reach out and you need to use professionals.' A healthy Eyssimont collected 17 goals and 39 points in 39 games for St. Cloud before he signed an entry level deal with the Kings, who had drafted him in 2016. Eyssimont, who considers ex-Bruin and fellow Coloradan Brandon Carlo among his best friends, spent five-plus seasons in the AHL before breaking through with Winnipeg during the 2022-23 season. 'I think I spent longer than I deserved in the AHL. [Coach] Mark Morrison , my first year in Manitoba, in the Winnipeg organization, really believed in me,' said Eyssimont. 'And you're going into your third and a half year, fourth year playing in the AHL and he's telling you you're not an AHL player, you're an NHL player. Someone will see it. And Winnipeg did and I never looked back once I got my chance.' Advertisement Eyssimont was quick to credit Ontario Reign coach Mike Stothers with helping him develop into a more complete player. He was promoted by the Jets in Nov. 2022 (to replace an injured Blake Wheeler ) and was claimed by the Sharks on waivers when the Jets tried to send him back to Manitoba. The Sharks subsequently traded Eyssimont to the Lightning at the 2023 deadline and it was in Tampa where he gained his NHL foothold. 'Tampa was a place that once I landed that I felt, 'OK, I'm an NHL player now.' And I felt solidified and felt like I was starting to establish myself. And so that gave me a couple years, 2½ where I could just play and just learn what the NHL is and play 82 games and obviously play with one of the best players in the world [ Nikita Kucherov ] and a couple of the top 50 players in the world.' The structure of the Lightning organization was a perfect fit. 'There's no gray area, it's all black and white, whether it's systems or rules off the ice and stuff like that,' he said. 'And I think Boston's the same way, and I think I thrive under that type of culture and discipline. So, I think playing for Tampa, an organization like that really just allowed me to really play for anyone and Boston's the same way.' Advertisement Eyssimont finished the 2024-25 season in Seattle after again being flipped at the deadline before he went to the World Championship for the third straight season, this time helping the United States to a gold medal. 'It was unbelievable,' he said. 'Playing for the gold medal and winning the thing — first time the USA had done it since [1993]. It was pretty cool. It was definitely something I'll never forget — we were definitely a really close group.' It was at Worlds where Eyssimont bonded with future Bruin teammates Jeremy Swayman , Andrew Peeke , and Mason Lohrei . 'Yeah, I went to countless dinners with Mase and Sway, and I just saw Peeker at a wedding last weekend,' he said. 'These are definitely guys that I became good friends with, really good friends, and they were all really excited to see me sign there and they reached out and are helping me migrate over there and then acclimate to the new city and new organization. So, I'm thankful to have made those connections.' Eyssimont is not the only athlete in the family. His twin sister, Ana , is a former gymnast who is now a professional skier. 'Yeah, we're really close. Ana is on her own journey. She's a professional skier, amateur surfer. I kind of live vicariously — I can't really be outdoorsy or do those things — so I get to live vicariously through her,' said Eyssimont, who goes by Mikey because that's what his mother calls him. 'She's doing some amazing stuff in her own right and her own universe. She travels a lot and sees the world and we don't see each other as much as I'd like, but we're in touch and like I said, on our journey, so it's pretty special. I get to see her when we play somewhere where there's some good skiing like Vancouver or Seattle or Denver, Utah. So yeah, I'm thankful to have her and we push each other and yeah, it's really special.' Advertisement Eyssimont's NHL career has landed him in Winnipeg, San Jose, Tampa Bay, and Seattle so far. DARRYL DYCK/Associated Press Google it Zellers surprised, then pleased Trade deadline day naturally comes with angst for NHLers dealing with rumors and reports during the run up. It's not normally that way in the USHL, where players are generally locked in on improving, not moving. So, imagine Will Zellers's surprise when a Green Bay Gamblers teammate told him to plug his name in the old Google machine. 'Yeah, I mean I wasn't really expecting it. I was getting ready for a game, so it wasn't really on my radar at that time,' said Zellers. '... Kind of went on with my pregame routine and then my teammate, Geno Carcone said, 'You see Twitter?' I was like, 'No.' And he said, 'Look at your name.' So, my roommate looked it up and there it was, 'Zellers traded to Boston.' I was like, 'Wow, really?' ' Related : Zellers was part of the package the Bruins received from Colorado in exchange for Charlie Coyle . Boston also received Casey Mittelstadt and a second-round pick it used to take Liam Pettersson . Shortly after digesting the news, Zellers said he received reassuring calls from Don Sweeney and from the Avalanche organization, which drafted him 76th overall in 2024. 'They wanted to make sure I didn't question myself, didn't question my worth about being traded. They told me I'm still young and a good player,' said Zellers, 19. 'And Colorado, I mean, I understand with them it's a business. They tried to go on a [playoff] run. So, I'll forever be grateful for everything that they made come true.' What made it even more surprising was that Zellers, who will play at the University of North Dakota this fall, was enjoying a stellar season that ended with him copping USHL Player of the Year honors after leading the league with 44 goals. 'Yeah, it was a special year. I couldn't have done it alone. I had great teammates all around me, feeding me the puck, finding me in slots, but it was a special year,' Zellers said at the conclusion of Bruins Development Camp this month. 'Anytime you get to score that many goals, no matter what level you're at, I mean it's a good feeling. Now, you put your best foot forward going into college.' He acknowledged it was a surreal moment to walk into Warrior Ice Arena and see his nameplate in the locker room. 'You dream about playing here, dressing in here,' he said. 'It's pretty special. You get to be in here and kind of see what it's like here, see what all the facilities are like, but it's a dream come true to be at an NHL camp at this point in my career. So, I mean I'm just honored to be in here.' Zellers was among the more noticeable players at camp, using his fast feet and sharp vision to find lanes and show off his quick release. At 5-11 and 170 pounds, Zellers will work on bulking up as he prepares for college and life as a professional. 'The feedback's been great,' Zellers said of his interactions with the Bruins staff. 'I think they've been happy with how everything's going with me. But of course, just trying to find holes in my game. I mean, anytime I can turn those holes in my game into strengths, it just helps me out overall and helps me get to this level quicker.' Zellers was among the more noticeable players at development camp, using his fast feet and sharp vision to find lanes and show off his quick release. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff Secondary chance Kuznetsov a solution for Bruins? The Bruins addressed a top need through free agency — grit — with the signings of Tanner Jeannot and Eyssimont. However, another top priority —secondary scoring — still needs to be a focus. Boston needs to squeeze some scoring from sources outside a projected top line of Morgan Geekie , Elias Lindholm , and David Pastrnak . One affordable solution could be Evgeny Kuznetsov , who scored 173 goals and 575 points in 743 NHL games. Related : Kuznetsov last played in the NHL late in 2024 with the Hurricanes after returning from a stint in the NHL's Player Assistance Program. Kuznetsov, 33, was suspended by the NHL for three games in 2019 for 'inappropriate conduct,' shortly after he was hit with a four-year ban in Russia following a positive test for cocaine. The crafty center signed a four-year deal with St. Petersburg SKA of the Kontinental Hockey League, but that contract was mutually terminated after he collected 37 points in 39 games during an injury-filled 2024-25 season. Kuznetsov likely would come on a short-term, team-friendly 'prove it' deal and could serve as a bridge in Boston as some of the organization's younger players continue to season. He could also help boost Boston's power play. Kuznetsov had 48 goals and 172 career points on the man advantage. And yes, a lot of that power-play time came with Alexander Ovechkin manning the dot. Loose pucks Quiz time: Who holds the Bruins rookie record for points in a season? (Bonus points for knowing the winner of the Calder Trophy that year). Answers below ... Bobby Orr revealed in a recent issue of Forbes that he's traded in his Cape Cod summers for a spot in Bruce Cassidy , Rick Tocchet , Pete DeBoer , and Misha Donskov were named assistant coaches for Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics. Jon Cooper will serve as head coach ... Rangers coach Mike Sullivan will coach Team USA ... If you need some cooling thoughts, Boston Bruins Heritage Hall is a great take. Everything you always wanted to know about your favorite franchise is right there on the Level 2 of TD Garden ... Quiz answer: Joe Juneau , who collected 32 goals and 102 points in 1992-93. Juneau, whose yodeling skills are still unknown, finished second in the Calder voting to Teemu Selanne , who potted 76 goals and 132 points. Jim McBride can be reached at
Hamilton Spectator
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
St. Cloud State's Brian Idalski hired as first coach of PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver
Brian Idalski is leaving St. Cloud State after being hired as coach of the PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver, the league announced Monday. The 54-year-old has more than 20 years of women's hockey coaching experience, including overseeing China's national team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Idalski also coached the KRS Vanke Rays to two Russian-women's league ZhHL championships over a three-year period. Vancouver's inaugural roster includes former Vanke Rays players, Michela Cava and Hannah Miller , who also played for China in 2022. Idalski's hiring comes a day before the PWHL draft. Vancouver will select seventh followed by Seattle, with the expansion teams switching the final two spots in each successive round of the six-round draft. 'Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,' general manager Cara Gardner Morey said. 'What stands out in Brian's experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders.' From Warren, Michigan, Idalski spent the past three seasons at St. Cloud State, where he earned college hockey coach of the year honors in 2023 after the team tied a school record with 18 wins. His teams have combined for five NCAA Tournament appearances, with previous stops at North Dakota and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 'I've been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league's world-class talent,' Idalski said. Seattle filled its coaching position by hiring Steve O'Rourke last week . ___ AP women's hockey:
Toronto Star
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
St. Cloud State's Brian Idalski hired as first coach of PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver
Brian Idalski is leaving St. Cloud State after being hired as coach of the PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver, the league announced Monday. The 54-year-old has more than 20 years of women's hockey coaching experience, including overseeing China's national team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Idalski also coached the KRS Vanke Rays to two Russian-women's league ZhHL championships over a three-year period.
San Francisco Chronicle
23-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
St. Cloud State's Brian Idalski hired as first coach of PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver
Brian Idalski is leaving St. Cloud State after being hired as coach of the PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver, the league announced Monday. The 54-year-old has more than 20 years of women's hockey coaching experience, including overseeing China's national team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Idalski also coached the KRS Vanke Rays to two Russian-women's league ZhHL championships over a three-year period. Vancouver's inaugural roster includes former Vanke Rays players, Michela Cava and Hannah Miller, who also played for China in 2022. Idalski's hiring comes a day before the PWHL draft. Vancouver will select seventh followed by Seattle, with the expansion teams switching the final two spots in each successive round of the six-round draft. 'Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,' general manager Cara Gardner Morey said. 'What stands out in Brian's experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders.' From Warren, Michigan, Idalski spent the past three seasons at St. Cloud State, where he earned college hockey coach of the year honors in 2023 after the team tied a school record with 18 wins. His teams have combined for five NCAA Tournament appearances, with previous stops at North Dakota and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 'I've been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league's world-class talent,' Idalski said. ___
Fox Sports
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
St. Cloud State's Brian Idalski hired as first coach of PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver
Associated Press Brian Idalski is leaving St. Cloud State after being hired as coach of the PWHL's expansion team in Vancouver, the league announced Monday. The 54-year-old has more than 20 years of women's hockey coaching experience, including overseeing China's national team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Idalski also coached the KRS Vanke Rays to two Russian-women's league ZhHL championships over a three-year period. Vancouver's inaugural roster includes former Vanke Rays players, Michela Cava and Hannah Miller, who also played for China in 2022. Idalski's hiring comes a day before the PWHL draft. Vancouver will select seventh followed by Seattle, with the expansion teams switching the final two spots in each successive round of the six-round draft. 'Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,' general manager Cara Gardner Morey said. 'What stands out in Brian's experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders.' From Warren, Michigan, Idalski spent the past three seasons at St. Cloud State, where he earned college hockey coach of the year honors in 2023 after the team tied a school record with 18 wins. His teams have combined for five NCAA Tournament appearances, with previous stops at North Dakota and Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 'I've been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league's world-class talent,' Idalski said. Seattle filled its coaching position by hiring Steve O'Rourke last week. ___ AP women's hockey: in this topic
