Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
October 19, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
This past week the Chicago Sky won its first WNBA Championship, the American Hockey League announced it will use female referees in games for the first time, and the National Women's Soccer League moved its championship from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Highlights from this week are from the Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, American Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, United Soccer League One, United States Football League, Double-A Northeast League and Major League Rugby.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
The Chicago Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in Game 4 of the 2021 WNBA Finals. With a 3-1 series win, the Chicago Sky are WNBA champions for the first time in franchise history. Sky forward Kahleah Copper was awarded the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP Award, She finished Game 4 with 10 points and 2 rebounds.
After the Chicago Sky win their first WNBA title, Holly Rowe catches up with an emotional Candace Parker.
Chicago Sky fans on cloud nine after team wins WNBA championship
Watch the full on-court ceremony as Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky are handed the WNBA championship trophy, and Kahleah Copper is named the WNBA Finals MVP.
The Atlanta Dream announced industry veteran Tanisha Wright will join the team as head coach. As the fifth head coach in franchise history, Wright brings over 14 years of experience in the league as a player and coach to this role, most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces.
NBA G League
Fanbo Zeng, a top international prospect from China, has signed to play with NBA G League Ignite, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim announced. A native of Harbin, China, Fanbo was among ESPN's top-ranked forwards in the class of 2022. He spent two years at Windermere Prep in Florida before returning to China in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sophomore in 2019-20, Fanbo averaged 15.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 2.1 assists to earn Class 3A First Team All-State and Orlando Sentinel All-Area First Team honors.
Learn more about Fanbo Zeng as he returns to the U.S. from China to play for NBA G League Ignite.
Take a look at how teams around the league participated in the FIRST-EVER NBA G League Fan Fest presented by Wilson.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Howson announced that the league's roster of on-ice officials for the 2021-22 season includes female referees and linespeople for the first time. "We are honored to be able to play a role as these officials continue their development towards working at the sport's highest level," said Howson. "They each bring years of experience in the collegiate, junior, international and women's professional ranks, and they will all be great additions to our staff this season. ¬Â
Katie Guay becomes the 1st female referee in the AHL.
As the National Hockey League opens its 2021-22 season, the American Hockey League is proud to have 597 graduates across the NHL's 32 opening-day active rosters, making up more than 82 percent of the NHL's initial player pool to begin its campaign.
One for the books... Abbotsford Canucks' first goal in HISTORY, thanks to Jarid Lukosevicius!
North American Hockey League
Top Plays of the Week
Western Hockey League
Top 10 Plays of the Week
Ontario Hockey League
The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jack Thompson of the Sudbury Wolves is the OHL Player of the Week with a league-leading seven points including two goals and five assists over two games.
The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Niagara IceDogs netminder Tucker Tynan is the OHL Goaltender of the Week with two victories, a 1.44 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage in a pair of contests.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Plays of the Week
Saves of the Week
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
The National Women's Soccer League announced today that the 2021 NWSL Championship, which was originally scheduled to take place at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, has been moved to Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, home of the league's Racing Louisville FC. The 2021 NWSL Championship presented by Budweiser will kick off on Saturday, November 20 at 12 p.m. ET, airing live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live on Paramount+. It also will stream internationally outside the U.S. on the NWSL's Twitch channel.
At the request of the players, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championship match will now be played in Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium.
The National Women's Soccer League announced that the championship game has been moved from Portland to Louisville.
Cheers to Houston Dash Rachel Daly on taking home Budweiser Player of the Week for Week 20.
United Soccer League Championship
Louisville City FC and Danny Cruz have agreed to a new multi-year contract establishing Cruz as the club's permanent head coach. On interim duty since late April, the 31-year-old has the boys in purple sitting atop the USL Championship's Central Division standings at 16-5-7 on the season.
Danny Cruz reflects on his appointment as Louisville City FC coach
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week Presented by Cleer Audio for Week 25 of the 2021 regular seasonwith Tacoma Defiance forward Samuel Adeniran being voted Player of the Week after recording the second hat trick in the Defiance's history to lead a 4-1 victory against Orange County SC on Saturday night at Cheney Stadium that provided a major boost for Tacoma's playoff prospects.
United Soccer League One
USL League One Goal of the Week - Zaca Moran - Richmond Kickers
USL Super League
The United Soccer League announced Amanda Vandervort as the first President of the USL Super League, the professional second division women's soccer league slated to kick off in 2023. An innovative sports executive with more than 20 years of experience across all levels of women's and men's soccer, Vandervort brings business acumen, leadership skills and industry relationships to the USL Super League and USL's burgeoning women's soccer pathway.
FOOTBALL
United States Football League
The United States Football League could soon be making a return and Birmingham city leaders are looking right now to have the league launch in the Magic City.
BASEBALL
Double-A Northeast League
Here are a few of 2021's finest walk-offs to get you through the off-season!
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
San Diego Legion's top 5 moments from the 2021 season.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from October 19, 2021
- Kansas City Sends Five More Representatives to International Duty - Kansas City Current
- Seven Thorns FC Players Called in During October FIFA Window - Portland Thorns FC
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
