Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
June 28, 2022 - United States Football League (USFL)
This past week Rugby New York won its first Major League Rugby Shield, the Chicago Wolves won its third American Hockey League Calder Cup Championship, and the Philadelphia Stars and Birmingham Stallions advanced to the United States Football League Championship Game. Highlights from this week come from Major League Rugby, the American Ultimate Disc League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, 3ICE, United States Football League, Canadian Football League, XFL, Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, and Premier Lacrosse League.
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
Rugby New York lifted the MLR Shield for the first time in their history, beating two-time champions the Seattle Seawolves 30-15 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Here are the highlights:
Rugby New York takes the shield:
American Ultimate Disc League
The Top 10 plays from Week 8 of the 2022 AUDL regular season:
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
The Calder Cup has been awarded again, and the Chicago Wolves are back on top of the American Hockey League. The Wolves secured their first Calder Cup championship since 2008 and their third overall tonight with a 4-0 victory over the Springfield Thunderbirds at MassMutual Center, winning the Calder Cup Finals four games to one.
Highlights from Game 5 of the 2022 Calder Cup Finals between the Chicago Wolves and the Springfield Thunderbirds.
ECHL
Matt Carkner has been named head coach and general manager of the Orlando Solar Bears, team president Chris Heller announced. Carkner becomes the fifth head coach in franchise history. Carkner, 41, comes to Orlando after spending five seasons (2016-21) in the professional coaching ranks as an assistant coach with the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, now known as the Bridgeport Islanders.
The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, announced today that Pete MacArthur has been named the fourth Head Coach in team history. MacArthur, 37, joins the Thunder behind the bench following a 14-year professional playing career. The Clifton Park, NY native played four seasons with Adirondack and is second all-time in franchise history in points (175) and assists (122) and is third all-time in games played (202) and goals (53).
This week for Thunder throwback, enjoy some beautiful goals from our new head coach Pete MacArthur in his years with the Adirondack Thunder.
The Rapid City Rush announced that Scott Burt has been promoted to Head Coach and General Manager. Burt, who was named Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Rush in July of 2021, guided Rapid City to a record of 36-25-6-5, an ECHL-era franchise-best 83 points and the first Kelly Cup Playoff appearance for Rapid City since the 2014-15 season. The Rush advanced to the second round of the postseason by defeating the Allen Americans in five games, before falling to the Utah Grizzlies in six games.
The Kalamazoo Wings announced the team has renewed their affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets, and American Hockey League's Cleveland Monsters, for the 2022-23 season. "We enjoyed working with Head Coach Nick Bootland and the K-Wings organization last season as they offered a great place for some of our prospects to play and develop," said Blue Jackets Director of Player Personnel Chris Clark, who oversees hockey operations for the club's professional affiliates. "The Blue Jackets and Monsters are pleased to continue that relationship as Kalamazoo will once again be our ECHL affiliate for the 2022-23 campaign. ¬Â
North American Hockey League
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the release of the 2022-23 regular season schedule. Celebrating its 48th season in 2022-23, the NAHL is the oldest and one of the largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the free-to-play model. The NAHL is also one of the best in the world at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey.
United States Hockey League
The United States Hockey League (USHL), in conjunction with Member Clubs, announced Monday the 2022-23 regular season schedule. The season will consist of 62 games for each team in a regionally-based schedule, following the same format as the past two seasons. The 30-week regular season is scheduled to begin September 22 at the DICK'S Sporting Goods Fall Classic and come to a close on Saturday, April 22, 2023 with a full slate of games.
The Sioux Falls Stampede named Rob Rassey the ninth head coach in franchise history. He replaces Marty Murray who has been relieved of his duties after two seasons behind the bench with the Herd. Rassey, 37, most recently served as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Omaha Lancers in the USHL.
Ontario Hockey League
NHL Draft Spotlight: Hunter Haight (Barrie Colts)
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
2022 Memorial Cup 2022 : QMJHL Top 5 goals of the Round-Robin
3ICE
Catch all the highlights of 3ICE's inaugural game with Wilder Weir!
FOOTBALL
United States Football League
The Stallions scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams to sink the Breakers and earn a date with the Stars for the 2022 USFL Championship.
The Philadelphia Stars advance to the Championship after gaining back their early lead against the New Jersey Generals, with Amani Dennis intercepting the Generals' pass late in the fourth quarter to seal their win.
Check out the Top plays from the first round of the USFL Playoffs. Including plays from Jordan Ellis, DeMarquis Gates, KaVontae Turpin, and more!
Check out every touchdown from the first round of the USFL playoffs. Includes scores from the Philadelphia Stars' Case Cookus, New Jersey Generals' KaVontae Turpin, Birmingham Stallions' J'Mar Smith and more!
Canadian Football League
CFL Plays of the Week - Week 3, 2022
XFL
The XFL announced it has hired eight experienced Directors of Team Operations ("DTO") who will serve as a liaison between their respective teams and the League's business and football operations personnel. Each DTO will report to Marc Ross, Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
The McKinley High School Football Team performs a chant for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia. Gary Dickman interviews XFL Owner and Chairwoman Dany Garcia, XFL Owner Dwayne Johnson, and XFL President Russ Brandon.
XFL Showcases: Head Coaches Advice Part II
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
New video shows WNBA star Brittney Griner in handcuffs entering a preliminary hearing in a Russian court after she was detained at an airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis. The trial is set to start July 1 and Griner could face 10 years in prison if convicted.
After trailing by 28 points, the Chicago Sky battle back to earn a 104-95 win over the Aces. The Sky's 28-point comeback is the largest comeback in league HISTORY!
NBA G League
NBA G League Ignite Draft Recap
Wisconsin Herd's WILD Top 10 Plays of the 2021-22 Season
Austin Spurs' Top 10 Plays of the 2021-22 Season
Grand Rapids Gold's Top 10 Plays of the 2021-22 Season
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer today announced that Washington, D.C. will host the 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on July 19 at Audi Field, home of D.C. United. The 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target will be presented live to fans around the world through the MLS streaming service as part of Major League Soccer's 10-year partnership with Apple. The first-of-its-kind partnership will see all MLS matches, including marquee games and events, streamed live around the world. Additional broadcast information will be announced at a later date.
The 2023 MLS All-Star Game Presented by Target is headed to Washington, D.C.
National Women's Soccer League
The Houston Dash have acquired forward Ebony Salmon in a trade with Racing Louisville FC, the clubs announced. Houston will send Louisville $150,000 in allocation money for 2022, $25,000 in 2023 allocation money and the trade includes $15,000 in performance-based incentives for the 2022 NWSL regular season. Additionally, Salmon signed a contract extension with the Dash through the 2023 season.
Kansas City Current opens $18 million training complex.
Budweiser Player of the Week - Alex Morgan, San Diego Wave FC - Week 8
Verizon Save of the Week - Bella Bixby, Portland Thorns FC - Week 7
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 15 of the 2022 regular season, with LA Galaxy II forward Preston Judd voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording the second hat trick of his career to lead Los Dos to a 3-2 victory against Monterey Bay F.C. last Wednesday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
BASEBALL
Plays of the Week
LACROSSE
Premier Lacrosse League
PLL TOP 10 PLAYS FROM BALTIMORE
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
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- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
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