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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AHL Players At The World Championship Recap
The 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship has come to an end with USA defeating Switzerland in overtime to capture their first gold medal at the tournament since 1933. The American Hockey League was well represented at the tournament with 17 players who spent a significant portion of the season in the AHL playing in at least one game at the World Championship. The final stats of these players are below. Dylan Garand - G - Canada GP: 1 Record: 1-0-0 SP: 1.000 GAA: 0.00 SO: 1 Adam Klapka - F - Czechia GP: 5 G: 2 A: 1 P: 3 David Spacek - D - Czechia GP: 8 G: 0 A: 2 P: 2 Jonas Rondbjerg - F - Denmark GP: 5 G: 2 A: 0 P: 2 Mikael Pyyhtia - F - Finland GP: 3 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0 Nikolas Matinpalo - D - Finland GP: 8 G: 1 A: 1 P: 2 Maksymilian Szuber - D - Germany GP: 6 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0 Dans Locmelis - F - Latvia GP: 7 G: 4 A: 2 P: 6 Stian Solberg - D - Norway GP: 7 G: 4 A: 2 P: 6 Dalibor Dvorsky - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1 Pavol Regenda - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 1 A: 1 P: 2 PIM: 29 Adam Sykora - F - Slovakia GP: 7 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1 Martin Chromiak - F - Slovakia GP: 7 G: 1 A: 0 P: 1 Samuel Honezk - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 1 A: 1 P: 2 Samuel Knazko - D - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 0 A: 2 P: 2 Samuel Hlavaj - G - Slovakia GP: 5 Record: 2-2-0 SP: .915 GAA: 1.99 SO: 0 Josh Doan - F - USA GP: 9 G: 1 A: 0 P: 1 Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid 'Put On A Good Show' For Canada. Is The Cup Next?
After adding a best-on-best international title to his ever-expanding trophy case, the Oilers pivot only has one bauble left to chase down. By Doug Ward (Editor's note: This story originally appeared in The Hockey News' Top 100 NHL Players issue with a cover date of April 21, 2025. It has been edited and updated for online purposes.) Connor McDavid has a way of finding himself in rarefied air. In Edmonton, where the aura of Wayne Gretzky's number billowing from the rafters still hangs heavy in the atmosphere, McDavid lives up to lofty expectations. Across Canada, McDavid has the air of a superhero. In this year's 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston, it was McDavid who found the space in overtime, then left a nation walking on air when he found the back of the net to give Team Canada the win. 'I hope we put on a good show,' said McDavid in a post-game interview, 'and gained some fans.' Mission accomplished. But McDavid is far from done. With that golden goal in Boston, McDavid planted a flag on hockey's mountaintop. With comparisons to Gretzky already de rigueur, McDavid found himself in an even more rare place in Canadian hockey folklore: alongside Paul Henderson and Sidney Crosby. At 28, McDavid has already stuffed his trophy cabinet with one Rocket Richard Trophy, three Hart Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards and five Art Ross Trophies. Then there's the Conn Smythe Trophy that McDavid earned when he brought his team back from a 3-0 series deficit in last year's Stanley Cup final before ultimately falling short in Game 7 in Florida. The Stanley Cup is pretty much the only bauble in hockey where you won't find McDavid's name. Not yet. But not for a lack of trying. McDavid became just the second skater to win the MVP of the playoffs while playing for the losing team. Philadelphia's Reggie Leach was the first in 1976. As McDavid hangs out at hockey's highest peak, with his name now shorthand for dizzying greatness, there is still that Stanley Cup to claim. For four years running, McDavid's Cup quest began with his Oilers bouncing the Los Angeles Kings from the playoffs faster than, well, a Connor McDavid breakaway. The Kings know his skills better than anyone. 'Speed,' said Kings center Phillip Danault of the most clear and present danger that McDavid presents. 'He's electric, and he has quick hands.' McDavid also possesses something that belongs to him alone. 'He just thinks the game differently,' Danault said. Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, who has a history of chirping McDavid, went from rival to admirer at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Doughty believes his breakout pass that sprung McDavid for a breathtaking goal in the unforgettable 3-1 round-robin loss to Team USA in Montreal could not have been converted into a breakaway goal by anyone else. 'If I pass that to any player in the league other than Connor McDavid,' Doughty said, 'with the possible exception of Nathan MacKinnon, I don't think anybody else is getting a breakaway.' It's doubtful Doughty would have even attempted the pass leading up to the memorable goal had it been intended for anyone else. 'When I saw Connor get the speed through the neutral zone, I knew I was going to pass it to him,' Doughty said. 'Not many guys are going to get a breakaway off that. He's just so fast. It was a good pass by me, but Connor made the play.' Because McDavid combines space-age speed with classic skills and a unique perspective on hockey, he makes plays that no one else dares attempt, altering the way a game is played. His mere presence on the ice changes everything, everywhere, all at once. 'The way everyone tries to cover him makes the game open up,' Danault said. Added Kings defender Mikey Anderson: 'Connor McDavid is just different. He has a mix of everything. He has a different level of speed. He plays fast, but his hands move just as fast as his feet. He sees an opportunity when other guys don't, and he is smart about when to turn it on.' Playing with McDavid for Team Canada, Doughty learned the game's singular talent is a great teammate. 'We put everything that has happened over the past years aside, and we were teammates,' Doughty said. 'He's a great person. Hung out with him a ton. Talked to him a ton. Really enjoyed being his teammate on and off the ice.' So, yeah, you could certainly say McDavid knows how to clear the air and gain new fans. This article appeared in our 2025 Top 100 NHLers issue. This issue focuses on the 100 best players currently in the NHL, with the Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon sitting atop the list. We also include features on Alex Ovechkin finally beating Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, and former CFL running back Andrew Harris' switch to semi-professional hockey. In addition, we provide a PWHL playoff preview as the regular season nears its end. You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid ‘Put On A Good Show' For Canada. Is The Cup Next?
After adding a best-on-best international title to his ever-expanding trophy case, the Oilers pivot only has one bauble left to chase down. By Doug Ward (Editor's note: This story originally appeared in The Hockey News' Top 100 NHL Players issue with a cover date of April 21, 2025. It has been edited and updated for online purposes.) Connor McDavid has a way of finding himself in rarefied air. In Edmonton, where the aura of Wayne Gretzky's number billowing from the rafters still hangs heavy in the atmosphere, McDavid lives up to lofty expectations. Across Canada, McDavid has the air of a superhero. In this year's 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston, it was McDavid who found the space in overtime, then left a nation walking on air when he found the back of the net to give Team Canada the win. 'I hope we put on a good show,' said McDavid in a post-game interview, 'and gained some fans.' Mission accomplished. But McDavid is far from done. With that golden goal in Boston, McDavid planted a flag on hockey's mountaintop. With comparisons to Gretzky already de rigueur, McDavid found himself in an even more rare place in Canadian hockey folklore: alongside Paul Henderson and Sidney Crosby. At 28, McDavid has already stuffed his trophy cabinet with one Rocket Richard Trophy, three Hart Trophies, four Ted Lindsay Awards and five Art Ross Trophies. Then there's the Conn Smythe Trophy that McDavid earned when he brought his team back from a 3-0 series deficit in last year's Stanley Cup final before ultimately falling short in Game 7 in Florida. The Stanley Cup is pretty much the only bauble in hockey where you won't find McDavid's name. Not yet. But not for a lack of trying. McDavid became just the second skater to win the MVP of the playoffs while playing for the losing team. Philadelphia's Reggie Leach was the first in 1976. As McDavid hangs out at hockey's highest peak, with his name now shorthand for dizzying greatness, there is still that Stanley Cup to claim. For four years running, McDavid's Cup quest began with his Oilers bouncing the Los Angeles Kings from the playoffs faster than, well, a Connor McDavid breakaway. The Kings know his skills better than anyone. 'Speed,' said Kings center Phillip Danault of the most clear and present danger that McDavid presents. 'He's electric, and he has quick hands.' McDavid also possesses something that belongs to him alone. 'He just thinks the game differently,' Danault said. Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, who has a history of chirping McDavid, went from rival to admirer at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Doughty believes his breakout pass that sprung McDavid for a breathtaking goal in the unforgettable 3-1 round-robin loss to Team USA in Montreal could not have been converted into a breakaway goal by anyone else. 'If I pass that to any player in the league other than Connor McDavid,' Doughty said, 'with the possible exception of Nathan MacKinnon, I don't think anybody else is getting a breakaway.' It's doubtful Doughty would have even attempted the pass leading up to the memorable goal had it been intended for anyone else. 'When I saw Connor get the speed through the neutral zone, I knew I was going to pass it to him,' Doughty said. 'Not many guys are going to get a breakaway off that. He's just so fast. It was a good pass by me, but Connor made the play.' Because McDavid combines space-age speed with classic skills and a unique perspective on hockey, he makes plays that no one else dares attempt, altering the way a game is played. His mere presence on the ice changes everything, everywhere, all at once. 'The way everyone tries to cover him makes the game open up,' Danault said. Added Kings defender Mikey Anderson: 'Connor McDavid is just different. He has a mix of everything. He has a different level of speed. He plays fast, but his hands move just as fast as his feet. He sees an opportunity when other guys don't, and he is smart about when to turn it on.' Playing with McDavid for Team Canada, Doughty learned the game's singular talent is a great teammate. 'We put everything that has happened over the past years aside, and we were teammates,' Doughty said. 'He's a great person. Hung out with him a ton. Talked to him a ton. Really enjoyed being his teammate on and off the ice.' So, yeah, you could certainly say McDavid knows how to clear the air and gain new fans. This article appeared in our 2025 Top 100 NHLers issue. This issue focuses on the 100 best players currently in the NHL, with the Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon sitting atop the list. We also include features on Alex Ovechkin finally beating Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, and former CFL running back Andrew Harris' switch to semi-professional hockey. In addition, we provide a PWHL playoff preview as the regular season nears its end. You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive. Copyright 2025 The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
AHL Players At The World Championship: Preliminary Round Update
The Preliminary Round of the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship has come to a close. Multiple new AHL players have headed to the tournament since we wrote our last update, with nine countries now rostering players who played significant portions of the season in the AHL. Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, and Norway all failed to advance to the playoff rounds, eliminating many AHL players from the tournament. All 16 AHL players who have played a round robin game are below. Dylan Garand - G - Canada GP: 1 Record: 1-0-0 SP: 1.000 GAA: 0.00 SO: 1 Adam Klapka - F - Czechia GP: 4 G: 2 A: 1 P: 3 David Spacek - D - Czechia GP: 7 G: 0 A: 2 P: 2 Jonas Røndbjerg - F - Denmark GP: 2 G: 2 A: 0 P: 2 Mikael Pyyhtia - F - Finland GP: 2 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0 Maksymilian Szuber - D - Germany GP: 6 G: 0 A: 0 P: 0 Dans Locmelis - F - Latvia GP: 7 G: 4 A: 2 P: 6 Selected as one of the best players on the team as chosen by coaches. Stian Solberg - D - Norway GP: 7 G: 4 A: 2 P: 6 Selected as one of the best players on the team as chosen by coaches. Dalibor Dvorsky - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1 Pavol Regenda - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 1 A: 1 P: 2 Adam Sykora - F - Slovakia GP: 7 G: 0 A: 1 P: 1 Selected as one of the best players on the team as chosen by coaches. Martin Chromiak - F - Slovakia GP: 7 G: 1 A: 0 P: 1 Samuel Honezk - F - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 1 A: 1 P: 2 Samuel Knazko - D - Slovakia GP: 6 G: 0 A: 2 P: 2 Samuel Hlavaj - G - Slovakia GP: 5 Record: 2-2-0 SP: .915 GAA: 1.99 SO: 0 Selected as one of the best players on the team as chosen by coaches. Josh Doan - F - USA GP: 6 G: 1 A: 0 P: 0 Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I'd Do Everything the Same': Matvei Michkov Talks Lane Hutson, Rookie Season & Goals for Next Season
(Header/feature image courtesy of The Hockey News' Megan DeRuchie) Matvei Michkov didn't need a Calder Trophy nomination to prove he belongs in the NHL. While the hockey world buzzed about top rookies this season, the 20-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward compiled an impressive first campaign—electrifying crowds with his creativity, igniting plays with his vision, and, most importantly to him, making strides that go well beyond stat sheets. In typical Michkov fashion, he met the news of not being named a Calder finalist with the same cool composure he tried to bring to every shift on the ice. 'I'm not sure,' Michkov said when asked how he felt about the omission in a new interview with RG. 'I guess I should've played better so there'd be no doubt who the best rookie was. But it is what it is. It won't change how I approach things.' This was a season of firsts for Michkov—his first in North America, his first time adjusting to a completely different language and culture, and his first test against the grind of an 82-game NHL schedule. Still, he delivered. While others drew more headlines, Michkov steadily proved why he's considered one of the most gifted young players in the world. He flashed high-end offensive instincts, blended skill with a dogged work ethic, and grew into his role with the Flyers as the season progressed. 'Of course, I feel I could've scored more points and played better in some moments—there were plenty of chances that I didn't finish,' he said. 'I didn't have any specific numbers in mind before the season started, because I didn't know what to expect. New country, new people. My main goal was to show what I can do and enjoy every game. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. But now my focus is to train well in the offseason, get stronger, and help the team make the playoffs. That's our main goal.' It's that consistent team-first attitude that has quickly earned Michkov respect in the Flyers' locker room. His skill is undeniable, but it's his mindset that may truly set him apart. Even after a strong rookie season—one that might've made him a Calder finalist or even winner in a different year—Michkov has no interest in personal accolades. He's already looking ahead to what matters most to him: team success. 'Yes—make the playoffs first,' Michkov said when asked about his goals for Year 2. 'Then try to win the Stanley Cup. Personally, I'm not setting any specific numbers. The only goal I have is a team goal, and I'll do everything I can to reach it.' 'He's probably the one player I've played with where he wants to be the best player in the NHL. He believes he can be.' —Travis Konecny on Matvei Michkov. Said his competitiveness was up there with Claude Giroux. #LetsGoFlyers — Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) April 18, 2025 That doesn't mean Michkov wasn't paying attention to his peers. The NHL's rookie class this year was stacked with talent, from physical defensemen to crafty playmakers. Michkov singled out Montreal Canadiens blueliner and Calder favorite Lane Hutson as someone who caught his eye. 'I didn't follow [the other rookies] closely, but the media talked about it a lot, so it was impossible to ignore," he admitted. "Lane Hutson had a really strong season. He scored a lot and was great on the powerplay. I really like his game. I actually saw him back in 2020 at the Winter Youth Olympics. I told [Washington Capitals prospect] Ivan Miroshnichenko at the time, 'Watch that guy—he's going to make it.' And now he's playing the same way in the NHL. I'm happy for him.' But Michkov is more focused on how he can take the next step. With his rookie season behind him, the Russian forward is focused less on what he can change and more on how he can refine his approach. It's not about altering his game—it's about maturing his mindset. 'Honestly, I'd do everything the same,' he said. 'Hockey is hockey. The only difference is that now I've learned to stay calmer. When you're calm, things start to go your way—your game, your life. When I was younger, I couldn't always control my emotions. I wasted too much energy. That's the only thing I'd change. Even though it's hard to stay calm all the time, that's what I'm working on.' That level of introspection is relatively rare in a player so young. But then again, Michkov has always carried himself a bit differently than most 20-year-old players. He doesn't need individual trophies to validate his place in the league. He's shown what he can do—and more importantly, he knows what he still wants to become.
