Tag: NHL

911 Callers Urge Help for Hockey Player Killed by Fireworks

A woman told a 911 dispatcher that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was “getting ready to go into convulsions” after he was struck in the chest by an errant Fourth of July fireworks mortar blast at a Michigan home. The call was one of three released Tuesday in connection with Kivlenieks’ death, which police…


Canadiens Coach Ducharme Tests Positive for Virus, Isolating

MONTREAL—Montreal interim coach Dominique Ducharme tested positive for the coronavirus and missed the Canadiens’ 3–2 overtime victory Friday night in Game 3 of the semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights. The NHL said Ducharme received a confirmed positive COVID-19 test nine days since receiving his second vaccine dose. No other Canadiens players or members…


NHL Working on Canadian Quarantine Exemption for Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sources

OTTAWA—Work is underway for a travel exemption that would let the winner of the NHL’s all-Canadian division and an American counterpart cross the border during the third and final rounds of the playoffs. Two federal government sources say the exemption would let teams still in the Stanley Cup hunt enter Canada for games without having…


Nothing Like Some Old-Time Fighting to Spice Up a Hockey Game 

Commentary Hey, there’s life in the old league yet. And maybe, just maybe, more reason to sit and watch what too often turns into a snore fest these days—Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews notwithstanding. I’m referring of course to the NHL, where on May 5 fans got to see some old-style male bonding between the…


Hockey Ain’t What It Used to Be

Commentary As glad as I am that NHL hockey has returned to TV, I have to admit that hockey has declined in quality since the days of Dave Keon and Bobby Orr. Maybe it’s partly my age, but the game isn’t as exciting as it used to be. Sometimes I turn it off in favour…


Alberta Approves NHL Games for Edmonton, Calgary

Alberta is the first province to officially say the NHL can play games in its arenas for the upcoming season. In a statement to The Canadian Press on Thursday, the Alberta government said it approved Edmonton and Calgary for competition on Dec. 25 following the review of protocols outlined in the league’s return-to-play plan, along…


Hockey’s Return a Boost to Sagging Spirits

Commentary Christmas came early for millions of Canadians when the National Hockey League confirmed Dec. 24 it had an agreement with the provinces to allow teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks to play at home. There was a real possibility, given the pandemic, that wouldn’t be allowed. It means we’ll…