Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
March 28, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
This past week the the Toronto Six won its first Premier Hockey League Isobel Cup Championship, seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady acquired ownership interest in the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association, and San Diego Wave FC drew the largest home opener attendance in National Women's Soccer League history with 30,854 fans. Highlights from this week come from the Premier Hockey Federation, American Hockey League, ECHL, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, National Women's Soccer League, Major League Soccer, United Soccer League Championship, United Soccer League One, XFL, United States Football League, Canadian Football League, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League and American Ultimate Disc League.
HOCKEY
Premier Hockey Federation
The Toronto Six are 2023 Isobel Cup champions and the first Canadian team in Premier Hockey Federation history to hoist the top prize in professional women's hockey following a 4-3 overtime victory against the Minnesota Whitecaps at Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ. Tereza Vanišová scored the winning-goal at 4:23 of the extra frame played three-on-three and earned Player of the Game honors. The Czech national team member becomes the first player in PHF history to win three-straight Isobel Cups and joins Boston Pride captain Jillian Dempsey as the only players with three PHF titles.
Here are the highlights:
American Hockey League
Rochester Americans Aleksandr Kisakov ends it in the shootout!
Thanks to all the Providence Bruins fans with the teddy bear toss.
ECHL
Plays of the Week
North American Hockey League
Top Plays of the Week - March 13-19, 2023
Western Hockey League
For the second consecutive season, and the third time in franchise history, the Winnipeg ICE are WHL Regular Season Champions. The ICE clinched the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy following a 3-2 shootout victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings. Recording a franchise-record 113 points and 56 victories, the ICE claimed their third Division title, and second East Division crown in Club history March 12.
WHL Top 10
Ontario Hockey League
Plays of the Week
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis announced that seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady has acquired an ownership interest in the World Champion Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA. Brady, a 23-year NFL veteran and five-time Super Bowl MVP, was first introduced to the Aces when he sat courtside at the team's May 31, 2022 home win over the Connecticut Sun. After seeing the outstanding quality of play, coupled with the excitement and passion of the Las Vegas Aces fans, Tom knew he wanted to be a part of the organization.
Tom Brady takes 'next step' as minority owner of Las Vegas Aces
The Dallas Wings have partnered with Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman to serve as an official team ambassador. In her role, Lieberman will assist the Wings in business development and brand expansion in the Metroplex, as well as collaborate on community efforts via Nancy Lieberman Charities. "Nancy has been a huge supporter of the Wings since the team arrived in Dallas. We're thrilled that she has agreed to join our organization in an official capacity," said President & CEO Greg Bibb.
NBA G League
Top 10 Plays of the Week
Catching up with Fort Wayne Mad Ants David Stockton
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
San Diego Wave FC announced that the club has signed 15-year-old local talent Melanie Barcenas to a three-year contract through the 2025 season. The San Diegan becomes the first youth local player to be signed in NWSL history, as well as the first to join the Wave through the league's new Under-18 Entry Mechanism. In addition, Barcenas is now officially the youngest-ever contracted NWSL player at 15 years and 138 days.
San Diego Wave FC Alex Morgan game winner
Angel City FC Alyssa Thompson are you kidding? 11 minutes into her pro career what a moment!
Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury earned her 100th career NWSL regular season appearance during the club's season-opening win against OL Reign at Audi Field, recording her 27th career clean sheet in the process. Kingsbury has been a prominent fixture in the NWSL since joining the league in 2015. During her eight-year career, Kingsbury twice earned NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year honors (2019, 2021) and was named NWSL Championship MVP (2021).
Major League Soccer
St. Louis CITY SC recorded an emphatic 4-0 win against Real Salt Lake to maintain a perfect 5-0-0 record to start the season. After a goalless first half, CITY SC scored four unanswered second half goals to earn another huge three points. CITY SC rallied behind goals from Niko Gioacchini, João Klauss (2) and midfielder Rasmus Alm, who scored his first goal of the season.
Here are the highlights
United Soccer League Championship
Hounding opposing defenses! Albert Dikwa is USL Championship Player of the Week
United Soccer League One
First pro goal in Knoxville history! - Jimmie Villalobos - USL League One Player of the Week
FOOTBALL
XFL
Orlando Guardians Devin Darrington to the house!
What a catch by Dallas Renegades Lujuan Winningham
San Antonio Brahmas force a fumble and take it back for a touchdown.
United States Football League
Pittsburgh Maulers new uniforms for the 2023 season.
Canadian Football League
Marshall Ferguson breaks down who stood out during final session and recaps a competitive CFL Combine in Edmonton, Alberta.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Steve Priolo goes coast to coast and ices it for the Buffalo Bandits in overtime against the San Diego Seals.
Tanner Cook posts a six goals in Calgary Roughnecks Victory over Saskatchewan Rush.
Jack Hannah nets four goals as the Las Vegas Desert Dogs defeat the Rochester Knighthawks at home.
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced the professional lacrosse players set to be inducted into the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame at the PLL's Alumni Weekend, August 5 - 6 at Homewood Field in Baltimore. Lacrosse legends Ryan Powell, Jesse Hubbard, Ryan Boyle, Roy Colsey, Brian Spallina, and Greg Cattrano have been named to the 2023 Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class. "True pioneers of our sport, our 2023 Hall of Fame Class is made up of MVPs, All-Stars, and champions whose contributions have continued beyond the playing field," said Rachael DeCecco, Chair of the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame Committee and VP of Lacrosse at the Premier Lacrosse League. "We look forward to honoring them among fellow alumni, current players, and fans at their induction at Homewood Field this summer. ¬Â
2023 Championship Series Recap
OTHER SPORTS
American Ultimate Disc League
The Seattle Cascades defense has a spring-like velocity to their counterattack, and can overwhelm opponents in transition.
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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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 28, 2023
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- 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.
