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American Hockey League

Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
February 27, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)


This past week the National Lacrosse League announced the Ottawa Black Bears will join the league for the 2024-25 season, the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins snapped the Milwaukee Admirals' 19-game wining streak, and the United Football League teams revealed their coaching staffs. Highlights from this week come from the National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, United Football League, Canadian Football League, NBA G League, Women's National Basketball Association, and Ultimate Frisbee Association,

LACROSSE

National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) in partnership with GF Sports and Entertainment and Senators Sports & Entertainment, announced the launch of Ottawa-Gatineau's newest professional sports franchise, the Ottawa Black Bears. The Black Bears will begin play at the start of the 2024-25 NLL season, with all home games to be played at Canadian Tire Centre, the home of the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators. "Ottawa is an incredible market, with an established fan base, and a major-league arena," said NLL Commissioner, Brett Frood. "This is an immense opportunity for our League to fortify our roots in the National Capital Region and to partner with a sophisticated front office in the Senators. We feel this relationship will be a terrific success and are excited and confident in the short- and long-term positioning of the Ottawa Black Bears. ‚¬Â

Ottawa Black Bears Announcement

Will Johnston of the Ottawa Black Bears chats with TSN's Claire Hanna at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata.

Statement from the New York Riptide. It has been a fun 2023-24 season thus far for the New York Riptide and we are fully committed and excited for a potential playoff run! Before we continue, we would be remiss if we did not first acknowledge how appreciative we are of your loyalty and unwavering support of the New York Riptide. With that being said, it is with mixed emotions that we inform our fans of the franchise's decision to relocate to Ottawa, Ontario at the conclusion of the 2023-24 NLL season. Beginning in the 2024-25 NLL season, the New York Riptide will play at the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the NHL's Ottawa Senators.

NLL Week 12: Top 5 Plays

Premier Lacrosse League

We put a camera in the in the broadcast booth for the Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series

HOCKEY

American Hockey League

The Grand Rapids Griffins' historical matchup against the Milwaukee Admirals on Sunday saw them come out victorious with a 4-2 win at Van Andel Arena, which extended the Griffins' point streak to 15 outings (11-0-2-2) while it snapped the Admirals' 19-game win streak. The contest was the first meeting in AHL history that had two teams with point streaks of at least 14 games.

Griffins, Admirals make AHL history with point-streak matchup. As a first in the American Hockey League. It was the first time in AHL history two teams faced each other while on point-streaks of 14 games or more.

ECHL

The Orlando Solar Bears are proud to announce their successful attempt at the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest gathering of people wearing Aloha shirts with 1,254 fans participating who attended the game Saturday evening, February 24, 2024, against the Atlanta Gladiators. "We are thrilled to share this monumental achievement with the city of Orlando, all of Central Florida, and Solar Bears fans around the world," said Solar Bears President Chris Heller. "We thank everyone for their continued support of Solar Bears hockey, and for their participation in this event. ‚¬Â

Southern Professional Hockey League

Week 18 goals

Federal Prospect Hockey League

The Baton Rouge Zydeco proudly announce the appointment of Everett Thompson as the new head coach effective immediately. Thompson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in hockey coaching, making him a valuable addition to the Zydeco. Thompson's coaching journey has been marked by success and dedication. With a robust background that includes playing in the SPHL and FPHL, as well as D1 coaching experience, he has demonstrated his ability to turn teams around and elevate their performance.

Professional Women's Hockey League

PWHL Toronto star Sarah Nurse sits down with Donnovan Bennett to discuss her partnership with the Black Girl Hockey Club, the launch of "Nursey Nights", and the impact she hopes to make on the next generation of young women.

Western Hockey League

Prince George Cougars Terik Parascak Is Called The Super Rookie And He Is Earning It Ahead Of The NHL Draft

North American Hockey League

NAHL Top Plays - February 12-18, 2024

Ontario Hockey League

OHL Plays of the Week

UnitedStates Hockey League

USHL President & Commissioner Glenn Hefferan talks all things USHL in an NHL Network interview.

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League

With the Chicoutimi Saguenéens' 5-0 win over his former team, the Victoriaville Tigres, head coach Yanick Jean set a QMJHL record with his 590th victory. In doing so, Jean lowered the mark of 589 that belonged to Richard Martel, who coached in the QMJHL from 1993 to 2011. "Longevity is a sign of skill and adaptation, notes Commissioner Mario Cecchini. In 22 years, Yanick has had to adapt to all kinds of players and teams, and he's managed to last and rack up victories. Best of all, he could go on to improve his record, as he's still young and the Saguenéens will be a team to watch over the next few years. On behalf of myself and the QMJHL, I'd like to congratulate Yanick Jean for his hard work and dedication."

The QMJHL announced today a reduction in its regular season schedule from 68 to 64 games starting next season (2024-25). The decision was made yesterday following a vote at the Assembly of Members. "This change is in line with our desire to optimize our players' development both on and off the ice, including in school, at games and practices, during travel and rest, shared Commissioner Mario Cecchini. We see this as another step in the right direction."

The 2024-2025 schedule will be unveiled a few days before the QMJHL Entry Draft, scheduled for June 7 and 8 in Moncton.

FOOTBALL

United Football League

The United Football League announced the eight teams' coaching staffs and general managers in advance of the 2024 season, which kicks off on Saturday, March 30, 2024. "We have assembled an excellent roster of head coaches, coaching staffs, and player personnel executives to lead our athletes," said Russ Brandon, President and CEO of the UFL. "We want our players to continue to chase their dreams and provide them every opportunity to unlock their potential both on and off the field. By providing our athletes with high-level experienced professionals in every area of their football experience (coaching, athletic training, performance science, player development), we hope to assist these talented young men in achieving their goals."

The United Football League announced that quarterbacks Luis Perez and Jordan Ta'amu have signed Letters of Intent to play in the UFL and are expected to report to training camp this weekend. Perez, who began the 2023 XFL season with the Vegas Vipers, later joined the Renegades, playing six games with the team and leading Arlington to the 2023 XFL Championship. In 10 games last season, Ta'amu, who has starred in both the XFL and USFL, was No. 3 in the XFL with 1,878 passing yards to go along with 17 total touchdowns (14 passing) and just three interceptions. The 2023 XFL Offensive Player of the Year also rushed for 301 yards, leading the Defenders to a league-best 9-1 regular-season record and an XFL Championship Game appearance.

Meet the United Football League Quarterbacks

Canadian Football League

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced the football club has re-signed American receiver Tim White to a two-year deal. White, 29, started 17 games for the Tiger-Cats in 2023 and ranked among the league leaders in various categories, including first in receiving yards (1,269), third in receiving touchdowns (8) and targets (124) and seventh in receptions (75). The 5'10, 185-pound native of Santa Clarita, California was named a CFL All-Star for the second time in his career (2022-23) and a CFL East All-Star for the third consecutive season (2021-23). The former Arizona State receiver was named the Tiger-Cats nominee for Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive season (2022-23) and earned a spot on the CFL Honour Roll in week 12.

Following the dust settling on the CFL Free Agency period, Henoc Muamba and Donnovan Bennett discuss which teams, according to FanDuel, have become more likely or less likely to win the Grey Cup in 2024 and how they believe these odds should look.

Arena Football League

The Philadelphia Soul are making a comeback amid the return of the Arena Football League. NBC10's Frances Wang has the details.

Indoor Football League

The Jacksonville Sharks are proud to announce the re-signing of defensive back Jabari Gorman. Gorman (5 '11, 185 lbs) was selected as the National Arena League's (NAL) 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and was a lethal weapon on the Sharks defense last season. Gorman racked up 86 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, and one fumble recovery. He had nine interceptions and 16 defended passes in the 2023 season alone. Gorman was also a member of the Sharks 2017 NAL Championship-winning team.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

Lionel Messi: His Return to Los Angeles Sparks Magic Once Again!

ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle and former USMNT goalkeeper Kasey Keller join Sebastian Salazar on Futbol Americas to react to MLS' decision to continue the best-of-3 format in the first round of playoff matches.

MLS NEXT Pro

OurSports Central contributor Fran Stuchbury interviewed MLS NEXT Pro Carolina Core FC Head Coach Roy Lassiter after his team's 5-2 pre-season loss to USL Championship side North Carolina FC Saturday. No stranger to the area, Lassiter played college soccer at North Carolina State from 1990 until 1992, where he finished third in NCAA Division I scoring, tallying 22 goals his senior year. He scored 25 goals as a junior and 13 as a sophomore for the Wolfpack.

Major Arena Soccer League

MASL 10 for 10 - Ryan Cigich - Head of MASL Officials

Catch up on a wild week that was with this week's edition of MASL in 5 with Alex Bastyovanszky!

BASKETBALL

NBA G League

Return of the Mac! Take an all-access look back at NBA Slam Dunk Contest as Osceola Magic star Mac McClung defended his crown to win a second consecutive Slam Dunk title.

Women's National Basketball Association

The Chicago Sky announced the team has acquired 2024 No. 8 overall first round draft pick from Los Angeles in exchange for Julie Allemand (via sign-and-trade), rights to Li Yueru and Chicago's 2025 third round draft pick. "We are continuing to build assets by securing draft capital for the upcoming years," Chicago Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca said. "An additional first round pick in 2024 will allow us to draft yet another valuable player and add a foundational piece to this roster. ‚¬Â Chicago now owns the following picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft: No. 3 overall (first round), No. 8 overall (first round), No. 13 overall (first pick, second round).

President Jess Smith of the WNBA Golden State joined host Olivia Horton to talk about the WNBA coming to the Bay Area, tipping off for the 2025 season.

BASEBALL

Blue Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala discusses new documentary 'Indian Baseball Dreams'

OTHER SPORTS

Major League Rugby

The Seattle Seawolves are thrilled to announce the addition of Chris Latham as Assistant Coach for the 2024 season. Hailing from Australia, Latham brings a wealth of experience and accolades, setting the stage for an exciting new Seawolves chapter. Latham's rugby career is packed with successes. He is recognized as the second-highest try scorer in Wallaby history with 40 international tries, and esteemed rugby correspondent Stephen Jones has described Latham as the "the finest full-back [he has] seen. ‚¬Â

Ultimate Frisbee Association

DC Breeze Rowan McDonnell's Best Throws + Plays from the 2023 season

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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American Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2024


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.


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