Ice Hockey

6/25/2026 |  Why Texas? Explaining the ins and outs of the NHL exploring a team for Houston or Austin (Associated Press (AP)) NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL took the first step toward expansion in Texas earlier this week, agreeing to terms with billionaire Dan Friedkin and his family to explore the feasibility of putting a franchise in Houston or Austin. Far enough from the Dallas Stars, who relocated from Minnesota in 1993, a new team would not interfere with their territorial rights. And the league has shown no fear of adding one team at a time, so No. 33 does not have to come with No. 34.

6/25/2026 |  Why the 2026 NHL Draft's Biggest Story Might Not Be the No. 1 Pick (DEADSPIN)

It is a tap-in tally to bet the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna with the first pick at the NHL draft when it begins on Friday in Buffalo.

Uncertain is who is chosen next, and even who makes the second selection.

The free-for-all will not end there during a couple of intriguing days in the two-day event.

6/25/2026 |  Play It Again Parent Extends Partnership with CCM Hockey (SGB UPDATE) Winmark Corporation, the parent of Play It Again Sports, announced a three-year extension of its strategic partnership with CCM Hockey (Sport Maska Inc.) supporting equipment trade-ins. Since the partnership launched in 2023, Play It Again Sports locations have supported more than 300,000 hockey equipment trade-ins, “helping families get more value from their gear while extending the life of usable equipment and reducing waste.”

6/23/2026 |  PWHL executive says fast-paced growth reflects surging demand and is validated by new investors (Associated Press (AP)) PWHL executive Stan Kasten said the goal all along was to begin taking on outside investors once the league doubled in size in reaching 12 teams.

The only flaw in the projection was Kasten — and most everyone else — never anticipating getting there after just three seasons.

“We thought we’d get there in Year 10 or 12,” said the 74-year-old Kasten, whose resume includes executive roles with teams in major league baseball, the NBA and NHL. “And here we are after two-and-a-half years. It’s extraordinary.”

6/18/2026 |  NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure (Associated Press (AP)) NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him. The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.