Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
January 30, 2024 - International League (IL)

This past week the Pro Volleyball Federation started its inaugural season, the International League's Durham Bulls named Morgan Ensberg their new manager and the National Women's Soccer League announced the schedule and broadcast details for the 2024 NWSL regular season. Highlights from this week come from the Pro Volleyball Federation, Ultimate Frisbee Association, International League, Atlantic League, Pioneer League, Coastal Plain League, National Women's Soccer League, Major Arena Soccer League, United Football League, Canadian Football League, National Lacrosse League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, NBA G League, and Women's National Basketball Association

OTHER SPORTS

Pro Volleyball Federation

The first match has been played and the first record has been broken as 11,624 fans filled the CHI Center in Omaha for the first match in Pro Volleyball Federation history. The attendance mark from the contest between the Atlanta Vibe and Omaha Supernovas sets a record for a women's professional volleyball match in the United States. "What a fantastic turnout by volleyball fans for our first match," boasted Jen Spicher, CEO of Pro Volleyball Federation. "Every past, current and future volleyball player throughout the country should be proud to see this support for a sport we all love so much."

The previous high attendance for a women's professional volleyball match in the United States was 10,213 fans at an Olympic qualifier on January 9, 2016. The contest, held at Pinnacle Arena in Lincoln, Neb. was a 3-0 U.S. Women's National Team victory over the Dominican Republic. It concluded the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament and earned the USA a berth in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

History in the making! Atlanta Vibe first point in Pro Volleyball Federation history.

Match point! Atlanta Vibe takes the victory in a thrilling 5-set season opener.

The first three matches are in the books and the fans have turned out in droves during the first week of competition for Pro Volleyball Federation. In three matches, nearly 25,000 fans attended the action for the premier women's volleyball league in North America. Overall, the attendance for the week totaled 24,713 - an average of 8,238 fans through three contests. The numbers include a record for a women's professional volleyball match in the United States and a sellout crowd.

In a historic announcement, Indy Pro Volleyball-a franchise of the Pro Volleyball Federation-has revealed the name and brand of Indiana's first professional volleyball team: Indy Ignite. This name pays tribute to the burning passion of the volleyball community, the fierce determination of their athletes and the league's efforts to spark a new era of women's pro sports. "Ignite is a verb-an action. It's a name that captures the nature of our mission, while emphasizing the bold athleticism of our sport," said Jim Schumacher, co-owner of Indy Ignite. "In the coming year, we look forward to building a team worthy of this powerful name, bringing together world-class players and passionate partners to create an unforgettable experience for our fans. ¬Â

Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby (MLR) and the United States Rugby Players Association (USRPA) announce the signing of a Voluntary Recognition Agreement. This agreement means that the USRPA will become the representative body for all MLR players. "Through interaction with USRPA leadership over the last few months, it became clear that both parties desired a collaborative approach," said MLR CEO Nic Benson. "This agreement is the culmination of constructive dialogue and allows us to prepare for structured engagement going forward to the benefit of the league and its players. ¬Â

Ultimate Frisbee Association

All roads lead to Salt Lake City for 2024 Championship Weekend. Hosted at Zions Bank Stadium, the top for teams in the league-one from each division-will meet for the right to wear the UFA crown on August 23-24, 2024.

BASEBALL

International League

The four-time Triple-A National Champion Durham Bulls, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Rays, have announced their field staff for the 2024 International League season. After spending four playoff-bound seasons as the manager of the Rays' Double-A affiliate Montgomery Biscuits, Morgan Ensberg will take the reins for the first time at the Triple-A level, succeeding Michael Johns. Johns was promoted to first base coach with Tampa Bay during the off-season after his lone season as Bulls manager, leading the Bulls to within one win of a third-straight International League title and an 88-62 regular season mark. "We're excited to welcome an accomplished manager in Morgan Ensberg to the Bulls," said Bulls GM Tyler Parsons. "He brings a wealth of experience, both on the coaching side and as a former player. We have a tremendous legacy of winning and player development here in Durham, and we know Morgan will be up to the challenge. ¬Â

Biscuits manager Morgan Ensberg promoted to manage AAA Durham Bulls

Pacific Coast League

As the Reno Aces continue to provide the best in family-friendly entertainment in Northern Nevada, the club proudly announces that Greater Nevada Field is amid $4-plus million in privately funded renovations for the 2024 season that will improve the fan experience at the ballpark while continuing to remain compliant with Major League Baseball's Professional Development License. "We see Greater Nevada Field as more than a venue, but a symbol of urban renewal and a vibrant hub where the spirit of Northern Nevada thrives," said Reno Aces owner Herb Simon. "We want to continue to attract visitors, foster community engagement, and breathe new life into one of the anchors in Reno's downtown revitalization. ¬Â

Texas League

The Arkansas Travelers in conjunction with their parent club the Seattle Mariners are excited to announce the Travs coaching staff for this season led by new Manager Christian Colón. Joining Colón on the Travs staff are two returners from 2023 in Michael Peoples (Pitching Coach), Jose Umbria (Bench Coach) while Hitting Coach Mike Fransoso is new to the club. Athletic Trainers Amanda Lee and Andy Turner as well as strength coach Stephany Soto all return from this past year as well. Christian Colón, 34, takes over as manager of the club. It is Colón's first assignment as a minor league skipper and his third season in the coaching ranks. He spent the past two seasons on the staff of league rival Northwest Arkansas (Royals Double-A) serving as bench coach and assistant hitting coach.

Atlantic League

Temerity Baseball has partnered with a local investor group to acquire Lexington's Atlantic League ("ALPB") team and stadium. Temerity Baseball is one of the strongest and most experienced owner/operator groups in minor league baseball and also owns the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic League and the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers of the Carolina League. The ownership group includes a number of local investors including former Lexington Legends President Alan Stein and other members of the group that built the stadium and brought the Legends to Lexington in 2001. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring a new era of Professional Baseball to Lexington with our ownership of the Lexington ball club, which is an anchor franchise in the Atlantic League, the top-level MLB Partner League," said Temerity Baseball Founder and Chairman, Andy Sandler. "For many years the Lexington Legends were a crown jewel franchise in minor league baseball playing in a charming stadium and at the top of the South Atlantic League in attendance and fan support. We are going to do everything we can, working with our Lexington partners, to bring back the excitement and enthusiasm of those earlier days," Sandler added.

Counter Clocks no more after Lexington's professional baseball team changes ownership

Pioneer League

The historic Pioneer Baseball League announced the formation of Yolo County's newest professional baseball team, the High Wheelers. The High Wheelers are the latest addition to the Pioneer League and the second team of the league's West Coast expansion after Oakland's recently launched Ballers. Assuming necessary approvals, the High Wheelers plan to play their first home game on the 3,500-seat Phil Swimley Field at James M. & Ann Dobbins Baseball Stadium at the University of California Davis (UC Davis) on May 21, 2024. "We're excited to be stewards of the Pioneer's League second California team and are honored to be kicking off what we believe to be an exciting rivalry between the Oakland Ballers and the Yolo High Wheelers. We have always believed in the power of sports teams to bring communities together. In the future we look forward to passing the reins to local residents who share our passion for using sports teams as a vehicle for strengthening communities" said Paul Freedman, co-founder of the Yolo High Wheelers.

The Yolo High Wheelers are the newest team for the Pioneer Baseball League. The High Wheelers are teaming up with UC Davis and will play games on their campus.

Coastal Plain League

It's 'Gnome Sweet Gnome' for Greenville, North Carolina's newest baseball team, as the Greenville Yard Gnomes will embark on their inaugural season in the Coastal Plain League. Fans will have their first chance to root, root, root for the Gnome Team on Friday, May 24 against the Tri-City Chili Peppers at Guy Smith Stadium. According to legend, for centuries gnomes have lived underground, guarding buried treasure and nearby plant life. In the heart of Greenville, NC, where the spirit of "Pirate Nation" pulses through every street, a hidden chapter in pirate lore has been unearthed. Beyond the waving flags and symbols of skulls and crossbones lies a secret realm guarded by a tribe of valiant, bearded guardians. After protecting this loot beneath the earth for centuries, these mythical beings are now poised to emerge and make their home amidst the fervor of Guy Smith Stadium.

Greenville Yard Gnomes are Coastal Plain League's newest baseball team

SOCCER

National Women's Soccer League

The National Women's Soccer League announced the schedule and broadcast details for the 2024 NWSL regular season. The 2024 campaign marks the beginning of the league's landmark four-year domestic media rights agreements with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports that will see 121 matches, including 113 regular season contests, all seven playoff fixtures and the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup , featured on national platforms throughout the season.

Lisa Carlin and Sandra Herrera discuss the NWSL schedule release and notable dates including the NWSL Cup rematch as well as the first matchup of expansion sides Bay FC and Utah Royals.

Canadian Premier League

The Canadian Premier League released its complete 2024 regular season schedule, presented by WestJet, in anticipation of kickoff of the league's sixth season in April. The 2024 regular season schedule will once again feature 112 matches played from coast to coast, with all eight CPL teams competing in 28 games over the balanced schedule. Each team will meet all seven of its opponents twice at home and twice on the road over the course of the season, for 14 home matches and 14 away matches.

Major Arena Soccer League

MASL Goals of the Week for Week 9

FOOTBALL

United Football League

We're ready to kickoff with the 2-time USFL champions Birmingham Stallions taking on the XFL 2024 champions Arlington Renegades on March 30th. Watch the United Football League LIVE this spring on ABC, ESPN, Fox and FS1.

Yup ¬Â¦ Spring just got stronger.

Canadian Football League

The Winnipeg Football Club is proud to welcome Princess Auto as the new official stadium naming rights partner. Beginning in April 2024, the stadium will be known as Princess Auto Stadium. "Princess Auto has been a long-time supporter of the Winnipeg Football Club, and we are thrilled to expand and extend this relationship with our new stadium naming rights partnership," said Winnipeg Football Club President and CEO, Wade Miller. "This partnership aligns two organizations committed to serving the community, promoting sports, and enhancing the fan experience. Together, we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for our fans and supporters. ¬Â The 10-year partnership marks a significant milestone in the history of the organization, highlighting the Club's commitment to excellence on and off the field. Princess Auto, a privately-owned, Canadian retailer founded in Winnipeg in 1933, is known for its dedication to quality service, commitment to their team members, and community engagement -values that align with the Club's own.

The home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have a new name beginning in April, after the club agreed to a 10-year agreement with locally founded brand Princess Auto to become their new stadium naming rights partner. Kurt Black reports.

During league meetings, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie took time out of his schedule to chat with The Waggle. We ask him about his appraisal of the past season, his projections for 2024 and an update on league expansion options.

LACROSSE

National Lacrosse League

General Manager Derek Keenan announced that the Saskatchewan Rush have relieved Bruce Alexander of his coaching duties. "I owe it to the players, our staff, our fan base and ownership, to do whatever it takes to turn this ship in the right direction," said Keenan. "We are very close, but close isn't good enough in the NLL. ¬Â Moving forward, Derek Keenan will take over duties as co-head coach alongside Jimmy Quinlan. "I see so many good things with this young group and I want to take a more hands-on approach. I am excited and look forward to this opportunity," added Keenan.

NLL Week 8: Top 5 Plays

HOCKEY

American Hockey League

The American Hockey League has announced that the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU will be televised live to national audiences on NHL Network in the United States and TSN in Canada.

Produced by ConCom Inc., live broadcasts of the event from Tech CU Arena in San Jose, Calif., will air Sunday, Feb. 4 at 8 ET/5 PT for the AHL All-Star Skills Competition, and Monday, Feb. 5 at 9 ET/6 PT for the AHL All-Star Challenge.

Joe Snively overtime buzzer beater put the Hershey Bears fans over their feet.

ECHL

Savannah Ghost Pirates fall 18-11 in 2024 ECHL All-Star Classic

Southern Professional Hockey League

Week 14 goals

Professional Women's Hockey League

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) in association with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced that the Feb. 16 game between PWHL Toronto and PWHL Montréal will be played at Scotiabank Arena, home of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs. With a hockey capacity of nearly 19,000, Scotiabank Arena will be the third NHL venue to host a PWHL game this season. The game, which will be known as the "Battle on Bay Street," will be presented by Coca-Cola. "We're thrilled to be bringing PWHL hockey to Scotiabank Arena - a fantastic venue for the latest chapter of one of pro hockey's fiercest rivalries," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior VP of Hockey Operations. "Whenever Montréal plays Toronto, emotions are high and the intensity rises. Montréal's first-ever visit to Toronto is the only game on our schedule that night, so all eyes can be focused on our great players. ¬Â

The four players who will be representing the PWHL and PWHL Toronto - Renata Fast, Blayre Turnbull, Jocelyne Larocque, and Sarah Nurse - at the 2024 Canadian Tire PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase at the NHL All-Star Weekend discuss what they are looking forward to and who their ideal all-time line-mates would be ahead of All Star Weekend!

The PWHL has issued its first suspension in league history, suspending Boston forward Taylor Wenczkowski one game for an illegal hit on Ottawa's Amanda Boulier.

Western Hockey League

WHL Top 10

North American Hockey League

NAHL Top Plays - January 15-21, 2024

Ontario Hockey League

NHL prospect Liam Greentree sets a new single-game career high with a 3 G, 3A performance in an 8-2 Spitfires win over Peterborough.

USHL

We caught up with North Jersey Avalanche 15U forward Blake Zielinski at the 2024 Frosty Cup.

BASKETBALL

NBA G League

King of the Hill! Congrats to Birmingham Squadron star Malcolm Hill on being named the G League's Player of the Week. The 6'6" forward averaged 34.7 PPG and 9.0 RPG on 63-54-94 shooting splits to lead his team to a 3-0 record. This includes a career-high and franchise record 44-point outburst vs. the Wolves.

Women's National Basketball Association

Atlanta Dream Forward Iliana Rupert will be sitting out the upcoming WNBA season to focus on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. This will be Rupert's second consecutive Olympic Games (Tokyo, 2020) representing her home country, France. Rupert averaged 1.8 points and 2 rebounds in 20 games with the Dream in 2023. The Paris Olympics is set to begin on July 26th and conclude on August 11th.

Pardon The Interruption's Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon wish Iowa Hawkeyes phenom basketball player Caitlin Clark a happy 22nd birthday while discussing her situation with NIL deals at Iowa.

Canadian Elite Basketball League

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) unveiled its 2024 regular season schedule again consisting of 100 regular season games to be played in 10 Canadian cities in six provinces this summer. The season tips off Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. local / 9 p.m. ET when the Calgary Surge host provincial rival the Edmonton Stingers at Scotiabank Saddledome. The 2024 CEBL schedule includes 14 tripleheaders and 20 doubleheaders with 52 games falling on weekends (Fri-Sat-Sun). A Canada Day doubleheader Monday, July 1 will feature the Saskatchewan Rattlers visiting the Stingers at Edmonton EXPO Centre at 4 p.m. local / 6 p.m. ET, followed by the Niagara River Lions travelling to Vancouver to take on the Bandits at 4 p.m. local / 7 p.m. ET at Langley Events Centre. "It's an exciting time across the entire CEBL as we look forward to our sixth season of world-class basketball and first-class entertainment," said Mike Morreale, Commissioner and Co-Founder of the CEBL. "Our first five seasons have proven that Canada's domestic talent is among the best in the world, and the CEBL is a mainstay among pro sports leagues in North America. Opening the 2024 season at Calgary's Saddledome is an exciting reflection of the continued growth of Canada's professional basketball league. ¬Â

Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.

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International League Stories from January 30, 2024

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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.