Latest news with #WHL
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Oil Kings name ex-Oilers captain Smith as head coach
Edmonton Oilers' Jason Smith (21) flips the puck to a teammate past Detroit Red Wings' Valtteri Filppula, left, of Finland, during the second period of their NHL hockey game on Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, in Detroit. A former Oilers captain is the new head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings. The major-junior Western Hockey League club introduced Jason Smith as its latest bench boss on Thursday morning. Smith played 1,008 games over a 15-season National Hockey League career, parts of eight of them with the Edmonton Oilers. 'I am extremely excited to join one of the elite organizations in the CHL (Canadian major-junior umbrella organization),' Smith said in a media release. 'Edmonton has been home to me before as a player, and I can't wait to get back and be a part of the city again.' Smith replaces Luke Pierce, whose contract the Oil Kings declined to renew in April. Jason Smith Jason Smith as head coach of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets in an undated photo. (Canadian Hockey League) The 51-year-old Calgary native, who went by the nickname 'Gator' during his playing career, served as Oilers captain for five years, including the 2005-06 season, when Edmonton advanced through the NHL playoffs to the Stanley Cup final, losing in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes. Smith also played for the New Jersey Devils (the team that drafted him in 1992), the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Ottawa Senators before retiring in 2009. He's been in the coaching ranks since 2014, when he worked as an assistant with the Senators. Smith has previous WHL head-coaching experience, serving as bench boss of the Kelowna Rockets for a little more than two seasons and as an associate coach for the Prince George Cougars. He most recently worked as an assistant coach for Philadelphia's minor-league affiliate, the American Hockey League's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the last four seasons. 'Jason is a proven leader and will be a great cultural fit for our staff and players,' Kirt Hill, the Oil Kings' general manager and president, said in the release. 'He brings a wealth of knowledge as not only a coach but through his years of playing experience, and we're excited for this next chapter of Oil Kings hockey.' Smith joins an Oil Kings coaching staff that, besides Pierce, is intact from last season, including Kyle Chipchura as an assistant coach and manager of player development, Devan Praught as an assistant coach, Adam Filmon as video coach and manager of hockey operations, and Smith's former Oilers teammate Ladislav Smid as development coach.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Roger McQueen rockets up 2025 Anaheim Ducks prospect rankings as NHL future looms
NHL-Roger McQueen drafted by the Anaheim Ducks with the 10th overall pick (Credit: Getty Images) The Anaheim Ducks continue to stockpile young NHL talent, and their latest top-tier addition is making waves already. Center Roger McQueen, the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, lands at No. 2 on Anaheim's prospect rankings, trailing only one other name in their stacked pipeline. Ducks Draft Pick Roger McQueen Has the Weekend of a Lifetime Roger McQueen's NHL-ready skills elevate him to No. 2 on the Ducks list The 18-year-old power forward from the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) stands out not just for his towering 6'5" frame, but for his advanced two-way game, NHL-level puck skills, and high hockey IQ. While Anaheim's depth has grown with recent graduates like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish, McQueen represents the next possible face of the franchise. The Mighty Ducks stars announce Roger McQueen selected No. 10 overall to Anaheim⚡ | 2025 NHL Draft Anaheim's front office sees long-term upside. McQueen combines elite hands, a high compete level, and impressive skating mechanics for a player of his size; he controls the puck in tight spaces, delivers pro-ready passes, and boasts a lethal shot, his defensive instincts are equally notable, making him a true 200-foot player in the making. WHL star Roger McQueen could fast-track to the NHL after a promising draft year His NHL future, however, hinges on staying healthy. The Ducks' development plan appears to lean toward another season with Brandon in the WHL, but the door remains slightly open for college hockey or even a surprise NHL roster spot after training camp. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo FAQs Is Roger McQueen eligible for the NHL in 2025-26? Yes, but he's more likely to return to the WHL. That too before joining the NHL full-time. Which team drafted Roger McQueen in the NHL? The Anaheim Ducks selected him 10th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. What league did Roger McQueen play in before the draft? He played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL. With Anaheim seeking a return to playoff relevance, having missed out since 2018. And prospects like Roger McQueen could become vital pieces in that puzzle; if his health holds and development continues as expected, Anaheim might have found its next franchise center. Also Read: Acquitted NHL player signs overseas: New deal sparks hope for Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
CTV News
a day ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Oil Kings to announce new head coach Thursday
The Edmonton Oil Kings announced on Thursday that fans are expected to be welcomed back to Rogers Place for the team's 2021-22 season home-opener. (File Photo) The Edmonton Oil Kings will announce their sixth head coach in team history on Thursday. The Western Hockey League team will hold a news conference at Rogers Place at 10:30 a.m. The new head coach and team president and general manager Kirt Hill will be in attendance. The Oil Kings announced in April they would not renew Luke Pierce as head coach.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Over 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed underwent hysterectomies between 2022-25: Centre
New Delhi, More than 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed district have undergone hysterectomy surgeries in the last three years, with the Centre attributing the procedures to medical necessity and affirming that they were carried out under strict state supervision. Over 200 women in Maharashtra's Beed underwent hysterectomies between 2022-25: Centre A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur acknowledged media and research reports suggesting that some women sugarcane workers, particularly in Beed, have undergone hysterectomies. The reports raised concerns that menstruation-related challenges during harvesting may be influencing such decisions. While clarifying that health is a state subject, Thakur said the Maharashtra government has assured the Centre that all hysterectomy procedures in the district are performed only after mandatory pre-approval by the district civil surgeon and the medical superintendent of the respective area. "Surgeries are allowed only after a detailed gynaecological examination and clinical justification, such as uterine fibroids or abnormal bleeding," the minister said in a written response. According to the government, a total of 211 hysterectomies were carried out in Beed from 2022 to March 2025. These included 49 surgeries in 2022, 89 in 2023, 55 in 2024, and 18 up to March 2025. In response to concerns over economic coercion and labour rights, the state government has implemented several initiatives, including biannual health check-ups for migrant sugarcane workers and awareness campaigns on reproductive health and the risks of unnecessary hysterectomies. "The government of Maharashtra has regularly conducted health rights awareness campaigns at village and PHC levels to educate women on reproductive health, risks of unnecessary hysterectomy surgeries, menstrual hygiene and family planning methods," the minister said, adding that screenings for anaemia, reproductive tract infections, and cervical cancer have been included in the outreach. Responding to another question, Thakur said women helplines are operational in 35 states and Union Territories and are also integrated with the Emergency Response Support System ERSS-112. "Government of West Bengal is not implementing Women Helpline. Through WHL, over 88.24 lakh women have been assisted across the country since the inception i.e. 01.04.2015 till 31.05.2025," Thakur said. In another response, she said as of date, 843 one-stop centres are operational in the country, including 55 in Maharashtra. "Since inception, i.e. 1st April, 2015 up to 30th June, 2025, over 11.94 lakh women have been assisted in the country including Maharashtra," she said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Meet the new Calgary Hitmen coaches: Dustin Friesen named 13th bench boss
Article content Friesen brings a wealth of experience from an 11-year professional career as a player, including three seasons in the American Hockey League and eight seasons in Germany, with whom he served as captain of ERC Ingolstadt and won a DEL2 Championship. Article content Before turning pro, he spent five seasons with the University of New Brunswick Reds, captaining the program to two U SPORTS' titles. Article content And before that, he played for four seasons with the WHL's Swift Current Broncos. Article content 'He's played both forward and defence,' added Davidson of Friesen. 'That's an interesting appreciation for both positions.' Article content One assistant joining Friesen is a Hitmen legend. Article content Brad Moran is arguably the best player ever to play for the club, as the franchise leader in games played (357), goals (204), assists (246) and points (450) during his five-year career from 1995-2000. His iconic No. 20 is the only jersey number retired by the organization. Article content Article content Moran has since helped turn around the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Calgary Canucks, transitioning them quickly from a weak team in the Tier 2 junior loop into a powerhouse that culminated in May with a Centennial Cup title after capturing two straight AJHL championships. Moran spent seven years with the Canucks. Article content 'Brad is a real good fit with the whole group, because he's a guy that knows what the offence is all about,' Davidson said. 'He achieved big-time at the Western league and professionally offensively. Article content 'And I really watched him the last couple of years lead the Canucks here. Got to go out and watch games. I'm sure he's going to really help us with forwards, and I'm sure he'll be heavily involved with a power play, from what I gather.' Article content Helping to coach up the defence is Friesen's other assistant in Dakota Krebs, who gets a promotion from being the team's video coach last season. Article content Article content A former Hitmen defenceman, Krebs played for the club from 2018-20 following three seasons with the WHL's Tri-City Americans. He later spent four years with the University of Calgary Dinos, with whom he served as an assistant captain for two seasons and earned a bachelor of commerce degree. Article content 'I'm really excited about both Brad and Dakota,' Friesen said. 'Both are Calgary Hitmen alumni, which I think is a really important piece. They already have that pride instilled in them after both having really good careers with the Calgary Hitmen. So I think that's part of building the program and building the team. Article content 'So you have that investment from the coaching staff that's just contagious with the players, and then obviously that leads to a high-performance atmosphere. And what we're trying to develop here in Calgary.' Article content McFarland got offered a gig he couldn't refuse — that from the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, joining head coach Kris Knoblauch behind the bench as an assistant. He'll help coach the forwards and be responsible for the much-vaunted power play. Article content 'We knew Paul was interviewing for jobs,' Davidson said. 'So it wasn't like we were caught sort of asleep. We weren't caught asleep. We were making sure that we were looking at some potential people out there, and so we had a bit of a short list. But that short-list got even shorter because we did lose some candidates that took other jobs. Article content But that's the way it goes. Article content 'And from Day 1, we identified Dustin as a real quality candidate.' Article content McFarland's two assistants also left the Hitmen, as Ben Wilson stepped away from coaching to pursue personal opportunities and David Liffiton moved over to the AHL's Calgary Wranglers to become an assistant coach with them. Article content 'I think we're all about moving people on, whether it's players or staff,' Davidson said. 'So … yeah … it's positive. Article content 'But it also comes with having to figure out what we're going to do going forward, which I think we've now got figured out.' Article content 'I knew that Paul had some potential opportunities in the American League, and obviously, the Edmonton job came up,' added Friesen. 'They reached out to me … and I'm very excited and honoured to be in this position.'
