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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
List of best U.S. cities for hockey doesn't have any from Minnesota in the top 10
Add up the players on the U.S. national team at the Four Nations Face-Off (silver), World Junior Championship (gold), Men's World Championship (gold), and Women's World Championships (gold), and Minnesota has far more players on those rosters than any other state. The Minnesota Frost won their second straight Walter Cup championship this week. The Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament speaks for itself. So, when WalletHub released its "Best Cities for Hockey" list on Wednesday, the State of Hockey was obviously well represented. Right? Well... gird yourself, because that's not what happened. St. Paul finished best at 13th. Other Minnesota cities include Bemidji at 42nd, Minneapolis at 48th, St. Cloud at 56th, Duluth at 58th, and Mankato at 64th. No mention, either, of Eveleth, home of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. It's a bitter pill to swallow, seeing a top 10 devoid of Minnesota representation. Here's what that top 10 looks like. Boston Detroit Pittsburgh New York City Newark Denver Sunrise Tampa Buffalo St. Louis Before anyone lights their phone on fire in an attempt to erase this list from history, a little explanation is necessary. WalletHub created the list by comparing 76 cities in two parent categories: NHL hockey and NCAA DI hockey. Inside each category, 21 metrics were considered. Additionally, the NHL category was weighted more heavily than the college hockey is, in many ways, set up for Minnesota to fail. The number of NHL teams is considered (advantage to New York) as is the performance of those teams, Stanley Cup wins, and division championship wins, among other metrics. These are metrics where, to be kind, the Minnesota Wild do not come out on top. Things would look a lot better if women's pro hockey was considered, given the success of the Frost and the Whitecaps before them. College hockey makes a positive impact for Minnesota cities, but it only accounts for 20% of the score and only includes men's hockey. The absence of women's hockey hurts Minnesota (and is generally absurd) since there are so many good teams in the state, including a handful of championships for the Gophers and the Bulldogs. High school hockey and youth hockey participation aren't factored in at all. USA Hockey's most recent data shows Minnesota hockey as having far more youth hockey participation than any other state, with Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York showing well too. Though, it's worth noting that those rankings aren't per capita but raw numbers, and Minnesota's population of 5.7 million is quite a bit lower than those other states. Additionally, that's a statewide metric and not boiled down to individual cities. In other words, it's not a great study. C'est la vie. Given the methodology, it's hard to argue with the success of the teams like the Panthers, Lightning, Avalanche, Penguins, and all the other teams that have managed to do well enough that they don't wind up as a punchline in an NFL schedule announcement video.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Logan Hensler
Credit: University of Wisconsin Athletics With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. Since the Penguins have a total of 30 picks over the next three drafts, including 11 this year - which could reduce to 10 if the conditional first-round pick from the New York Rangers defers to 2026 - there will be plenty of opportunity for the Penguins to add impact players. Of their 11 picks in 2025, six of them are in the first three rounds. Advertisement After the results of the draft lottery on May 5, the Penguins will officially select 11th overall, dropping down two spots from where they originally were at ninth. As such, we have compiled a list of potential draft prospects that should fall around the Penguins' selection. We recently profiled center Jake O'Brien, forward Victor Eklund, defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, center Brady Martin, center Roger McQueen, and right wing Justin Carbonneau. Next up? Right defenseman Logan Hensler. Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall Penguins Drop Two Slots In NHL Draft, Will Pick 11th Overall In past draft lotteries, the Advertisement Pittsburgh Penguins have seen their fair share of luck. Logan Hensler Aug 2, 2024; Plymouth, MI, USA; Sweden's forward David Granberg (27) battles for the puck with USA's Logan Hensler (18) during the third period of the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena. (Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images) DOB: Oct. 14, 2006 (Age 18) Position: Defenseman Shoots: Right Height: 6-foot-2 Weight: 196 pounds Team: University of Wisconsin (NCAA) In most mock drafts and projections, the defense position isn't particularly deep this year. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some hidden gems right around where the Penguins will be drafting at 11. And Logan Hensler should be one of the names on their wishlist. The right-side defender's stats may not jump out on the scoresheet - he registered just two goals and 12 points in 32 games with the University of Wisconsin Badgers in his rookie season - but he's certainly got all of the tools to become a threat on both sides of the puck. He's got size at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds. He's mobile, agile, and smart with the puck. He defends well, he skates well, and he's good with his stick. Advertisement Even though there are some question marks around his offensive production, Hensler's defensive game is already quite rounded out, and it's something that should earn him a role at the NHL level as a shutdown defender, at the very least. His gap control, stick work, and ability to get the puck out of danger in the defensive zone are all pluses. Hensler played for Team USA in the World Junior Championship this season alongside Cole Hutson, and the Woodbury, Minn. native notched an assist in seven games leading up to Team USA's gold medal at the event. Even though his name may not be as big as others like potential no. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, and, even, Kashawn Aitcheson, Hensler projects as a reliable shutdown defenseman at the least, which is something the Penguins need. And there is potential for a much higher ceiling because of his mobility. Advertisement There are still ways for him to improve his game in terms of physicality and offensive zone awareness, but nonethless, he's a reliable defender. The only potential trouble with the Penguins selecting Hensler at 11th overall is that he reads as more of a "safe" option. While "safe" isn't necessarily a bad thing, there are other talents around this area that could reap higher reward. While Hensler's floor is low, the chances of him reaching his ceiling - despite all the tools being there - are a bit lower. So, if he is available at 11, the Penguins should consider risk v. reward. Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn Aitcheson With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Advertisement Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them. Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Pyotr Kochetkov's life and personal achievements
Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes (Credit: Getty Image) The life of Pyotr Kochetkov began in Penza, Russia. Here health concerns as a child led his mother to enroll him in sports. That small decision began a journey filled with discipline and transformation. He started hockey at the age of four, first playing defense. But he soon shifted focus after repeatedly asking to try goaltending. When he finally got the chance, he embraced it immediately. His parents supported his dream, even at great personal cost. His father sold personal belongings to afford goalie equipment. His coach handed down an old jersey, and Pyotr never looked back. The early years were not glamorous. But they were crucial. They laid the foundation for a career built on sacrifice and resilience. Discovery and rise in personal hockey journey View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) The personal life of Pyotr Kochetkov was shaped not only by his family but by the lessons of persistence. He didn't find instant success. After leaving the Penza sports academy, his early attempts in junior leagues offered limited playtime. In his first season with Dizel, he had just a few appearances. However, he used every minute on the ice to improve. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo The following years were a test of will. International breakthrough and continued growth in life Pyotr Kochetkov #52 of the Carolina Hurricanes Kochetkov's breakthrough came during the World Junior Championship. Though initially behind in the lineup, his chance came during a game against the Czech Republic. He made a strong impact and went on to become Russia's starting goalie for the remainder of the tournament. He helped the team secure gold and was named the tournament's best goaltender. This moment changed everything. The life of him shifted from being a promising talent to a name discussed alongside the likes of Sorokin and Konovalov. He returned to HC Sochi but understood the competitive nature of the KHL. Without regular ice time, he pushed to play in the VHL to continue developing his game. It was not about immediate fame, but long-term growth. His mature outlook set him apart. The personal life and achievements of Pyotr Kochetkov are a testament to discovering greatness through patience. From playing in modest local leagues to being a top performer on an international stage, his career reflects how far ambition can take someone when it is matched by work ethic and humility. Read more: Ekholm's potential return could boost the Oilers' defense in West Final Game 4 Now recognized as one of Russia's most exciting young goaltenders, Kochetkov continues to focus on improvement rather than praise. His life, shaped by struggle and driven by discovery, is far from finished. The hockey world continues to watch closely as he moves toward even greater accomplishments. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two Spartans help Team USA end 92 year drought with World Championship gold medal win
This past weekend, Team USA did something for the first time in 92 years, winning the IIHF World Championship gold medal. Tage Thompson's overtime goal to beat Switzerland, 1-0, was the clincher in getting the United States their first world title since 1933. In winning the title, the Americans were aided by two current Spartans, who both have a history of doing great things within the USA hockey landscape. First, behind the bench assisting head coach Ryan Warsofsky, was MSU head coach Adam Nightingale, bringing his expertise to the Americans bench. Nightingale was joined by his star forward, and 2025 Hobey Baker Award winner, Isaac Howard. Howard was a member of USA's 2024 World Junior Championship gold medal team, and now, he got to bring home gold in the senior world championship. Howard got to taste the professional action in four games throughout the tournament, the most of any college player that made the trip, where he recorded an assist. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle For Team USA to end the 92 year drought, and for two Spartans to be a part of it, made for a special weekend in the world of hockey. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge In World Junior Trial Rules Text Exchange Between Two NHLer Witnesses Is Inadmissible
Warning: coverage of the Hockey Canada trial includes graphic details of alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to readers. The judge in the world junior sexual assault trial ruled again Monday that text messages sent between Brett Howden and teammate Taylor Raddysh on June 19, 2018, are inadmissible in court. Advertisement The Crown had submitted a hearsay application on Friday to have these texts analyzed further through a cross-examination of Howden by the Crown. The text messages in question feature Howden discussing with Raddysh about how their world junior teammate, Dillon Dube, 'was smacking this girl's ass so hard' and that 'it looks like it hurt so bad.' Dube is one of five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship team each facing a charge of sexual assault in relation to a June 2018 incident in which a woman, referred to in court documents as E.M., alleges she was sexually assaulted in a London, Ont., hotel room following a Hockey Canada gala. The other four accused are Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton and Cal Foote. All five men pleaded not guilty to their charges, with McLeod pleading not guilty to an additional charge of sexual assault as party to the offense. Howden and Raddysh have been witnesses in the trial and are not accused of any wrongdoing. The presiding judge, Justice Maria Carroccia, explained the 'truth' and 'reliability' of the text messages could not be confirmed. Additionally, she said details in the texts weren't said under oath or while being recorded, unlike traditional admissible statements. Advertisement The Crown had put forth two other applications to have these texts examined further as evidence, but with this last application ruled against, that was the last chance. The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial is taking place at Ontario Superior Court in London, Ont. (Anthony Fava) Following Carroccia's ruling, the defense began its cross-examination of Howden. One of Formenton's lawyers, Hilary Dudding, questioned Howden on his memory of when Formenton allegedly went with the woman in the hotel room to the bathroom to have sex. Howden said in a 2018 interview with an investigator that he briefly spoke to Formenton on his way to the bathroom, with Formenton asking Howden if it was 'OK to do this.' 'If she consented, you can if you want, but it's up to you,' Howden said in that interview. Advertisement On Monday, Dudding went further into this moment from the hotel room, asking the witness if he thought the woman was 'out of control' due to her intoxication or if she was unable to consent to sex. Howden said she didn't seem too drunk and that she seemed fine leading Formenton to the bathroom. 'What I was seeing was her taking him to the bathroom because she wanted to have sex,' Howden said. Just before Dudding, Hart's lawyer had some questions for Howden, particularly about his recollection of the events from June 2018. Megan Savard suggested to Howden that it was hard for him to recall certain events when speaking to investigators just weeks later. Howden agreed. Advertisement Savard went further, pointing out that Howden had suffered a head injury during an NHL game in March 2022. The injury in question came when Howden went head-first into the boards following a hit from Nashville Predators left winger Filip Forsberg, and Howden ended up being taken off the ice on a stretcher. Although he didn't confirm with Savard that this hit made his memory worse, he did agree that concussions can lead to memory loss and difficulty concentrating. As the day neared its end, one of Foote's lawyers showed Howden security videos from Jack's Bar in London – the bar where the men met the complainant on the night of the incident. One of these videos showed Howden and McLeod on the dance floor, with E.M. sandwiched between them. As the video finished up, Howden appears to place his hand on or around the buttocks of E.M. Defense lawyer Julianna Greenspan asked Howden what he was doing in that moment. 'Looks like I pat her on the butt,' Howden said. The trial is expected to resume on Tuesday with Greenspan continuing her cross-examination of Howden.
