Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
April 30, 2024 - SPHL (SPHL)
This past week the New York Jets took CFL's Most Outsanding Rookie defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, three-time WNBA Champion and two-time league MVP Candace Parker announced her retirement, and the Peoria Rivereman won the Southern Professional Hockey League President's Cup Championship. Highlights from this week come from the Canadian Football League, United Football League, Indoor Football League, Arena Football League, Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, Southern Professional Hockey League, ECHL, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, North American Hockey League, United States Hockey League, National Lacrosse League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, Canadian Premier League, Pacific Coast League, International League, Carolina League and Ultimate Frisbee Association.
FOOTBALL
Canadian Football League
From zero-star recruit to Fan Controlled Football to the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Rookie, and now, to the NFL. Qwan'Tez Stiggers gets the call of a lifetime.
Highlights from Toronto Argonauts defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers following an impressive 2023 where he was named Most Outstanding Rookie with 5 interceptions and over 50 tackles on the season.
Defensive lineman Shawn Lemon has been suspended indefinitely for participating in sports wagering activities involving Canadian Football League (CFL) games, including one in which he played. An investigation uncovered that Mr. Lemon bet on CFL games in 2021 while a member of the Calgary Stampeders. While the investigation uncovered clear and irrefutable evidence of Mr. Lemon's participation, no evidence was found to indicate matches were in any way impacted by his wagering. In addition, no evidence was found to indicate that any Calgary coaches, teammates, nor team personnel were aware of his actions.
United Football League
UFL Top 10 Plays from Week 5
Indoor Football League
Plays of the Week - Week Six
Arena Football League
The Oregon Blackbears have named Pat Johnson President/COO of the organization. Johnson majored in Journalism and Communications at the University of Oregon from 1994 to 1997, and attended the Craig James Broadcast School in 2000. Johnson has held C-Level positions in the Oil and as, Consumer Products, Risk Management, Mining, Aerospace, Construction, and Nutraceutical Industries. "I am extremely honored and excited to join the Blackbears organization. This opportunity symbolizes not only my passion for football, but also my desire to empower deserving young men with opportunities at this level of competition. Our mission here is clear: to deliver nothing short of excellence on the field, craft a lively fan experience, enrich the fabric of our community, and lastly, to deliver an AFL championship to Salem.. From the bottom of my heart, fulfilling this dream of having the opportunity to give back to Oregon in this manner, where my athletic career started and bloomed brings me immense happiness and humility. Go Blackbears!" Said Johnson.
Saturday was game night in Salem for the franchise opener of the Oregon Blackbears as the Arena Football League rides again in the Beaver State.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Three-time WNBA Champion, and two-time league MVP Candace Parker announced her retirement following a storied 16-year career. The 6-4 forward/center signed with the Aces prior to the 2023 season, and started the first 18 games of the year leading Las Vegas to a 16-2 record. She was averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game before having surgery on her left foot which sidelined her for the remainder of the season. With the 2023 WNBA crown, the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft became the first player in league history to win a championship with three different teams, having also done so with Los Angeles (2016) and Chicago (2021).
On SportsCenter, Zubin Mehenti and Phil Murphy break down the laundry list of Candace Parker's accomplishments after her announcement that she is retiring from WNBA. Then, New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart and Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese react to the news. Finally, Andraya Carter joins to share her personal connections to Parker and how she feels Parker has changed the game for women everywhere.
City of Dallas Council Members approved a 15-year, $19 million use agreement for the Dallas Wings to play in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Memorial Arena, beginning in 2026. The agreement is pending approval by the WNBA. The Wings will play the 2024 and 2025 WNBA seasons in College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, where the club has played the last eight seasons. "The Dallas Wings would like to thank the City of Dallas and especially Mayor Johnson for his strategic vision and commitment," said Dallas Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb. "The City of Arlington, the University of Texas at Arlington, and College Park Center continue to be valued partners, and we look forward to playing in Arlington for the next two seasons."
The History of WNBA No. 1 Picks
NBA G League
2024 NBA G League Finals Mini Movie
HOCKEY
Southern Professional Hockey League
For the second year in three, the Peoria Rivermen are President's Cup Champions. Alec Hagaman led the charge in his final game in a Rivermen uniform with two goals and an assist as Peoria defeated the Huntsville Havoc 5-1 at Carver Arena. By the time the clock ticked down, a crowd of over 5900 strong cheered like crazy as the Peoria Rivermen became the first team in SPHL history to come back from a 1-0 series deficit to win a best-of-three finals series. Captain Alec Hagaman, in his final game with Peoria, netted two goals and added an assist. A six-point weekend for the Peoria native that will live on forever in Rivermen lore.
Here are the highlights and trophy presentation
The SPHL announced that Carson Rose of the Birmingham Bulls has been selected as the 2023-2024 SPHL Most Valuable Player. Quad City's Matt Ustaski finished second in the balloting. Rose captured the 2023-2024 Kevin Swider Leading Scorer Award, pacing the SPHL with 65 points. In addition, Rose led the league with 241 shots on goal while finishing the regular season third in goals (30) and fifth in assists (35). The Surrey, BC native set Birmingham's franchise record for goals and points in a single season. Rose joins Josh Harris (2018-19) as the only players to earn SPHL Most Valuable Player honors for the Bulls.
The SPHL named Fayetteville Marksmen forward Simon Boyko Rookie of the Year. Boyko, 25, was named to the 2023-24 All-Rookie team and All-SPHL Second Team after skating in 39 games for Fayetteville during the 2023-24 season and tallying 56 points (27G+29A). His 19 powerplay points (8G+11A) led rookies in all three categories. The Mississauga, Ontario, native set a Marksmen team record by recording a point in twenty-straight games before earning an ECHL call-up to the Rapid City Rush and December 2023 Player of the Month honors. With the Rush, Boyko scored eight goals and registered 11 points in 19 games.
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League announced today that forward Mavrik Bourque of the Texas Stars has been voted the winner of the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's most valuable player for the 2023-24 season. A second-year pro from Plessisville, Que., Bourque led the AHL with 77 points on 26 goals and 51 assists in 2023-24 - becoming, at 22, the league's youngest scoring champion in 12 years. He also registered a league-high 256 shots on goal, and helped Texas rank first in power-play efficiency at 21.9 percent by recording four goals and 20 assists with the man advantage. Bourque, who went three games without a point on only one occasion all season, had an eight-game scoring streak that helped him win AHL Player of the Month honors for November. He totaled 19 multiple-point outings on the year, highlighted by a four-goal performance in Texas's 4-3 overtime win over Grand Rapids on Dec. 19.
The American Hockey League announced that Todd Nelson of the Hershey Bears is the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding coach for the 2023-24 season. A year after winning the Calder Cup championship, Nelson guided Hershey to the second-best regular-season record in the 88-year history of the American Hockey League in 2023-24, a mark of 53-14-0-5 (111 points, .771) that ranked 18 points better than any other team in the Eastern Conference. Nelson's Bears allowed 2.10 goals per game - the ninth-lowest average in league history - as well as a league-low 26.0 shots per game, and ranked first in the league on the penalty kill at 87.7 percent efficiency along with sixth on the power play (20.1 percent). Nelson also sent 12 players to the National Hockey League to compete with the Washington Capitals this season, and six members of his 2023 Calder Cup title team were in the lineup for the Caps' Stanley Cup Playoff opener on Sunday.
The American Hockey League announced that Hunter Shepard of the Hershey Bears is the winner of the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding goaltender for the 2023-24 season. Coming off a season in which he won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, Shepard challenged the AHL record books in 2023-24 by posting a record of 27-4-3 - the second-highest winning percentage (.838) in league history - in 34 appearances, along with a 1.76 goals-against average that was the fifth-lowest mark ever recorded. He also led the league with a .929 save percentage and recorded five shutouts, combining with Clay Stevenson to earn the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award for fewest goals allowed by a team.
ECHL
The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and AHL's Hershey Bears, announced today that Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brenden Kotyk has been relieved of his duties and responsibilities. The search for a new Head Coach will begin immediately. "We want to thank Brenden for his hard work and commitment to our organization over the last four seasons and wish him nothing but the best," said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. "Missing the Kelly Cup Playoffs in 2022 and 2024 and losing last year in the first round is not the standard and expectation for our organization, and we need to get back to playing meaningful hockey in May and June." The Stingrays stumbled towards the end of the season, going 4-3-1-2 in their last ten games and winning only one game in April. They missed the playoffs for only the third time in 31 years.
Tanner Eberle scored an insane goal in the final minute of the second period between the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Orlando Solar Bears.
Professional Women's Hockey League
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) will celebrate greatness with the introduction of the Billie Jean King MVP Award and the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award. The two most prestigious player awards are named in honor of the league's founding Advisory Board members, trailblazers and long-time women's sports advocates Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss, who championed the launch of the PWHL. The awards are among ten that will be presented annually to recognize on- and off-ice achievements across the PWHL. "It is only fitting that the league's most valuable players will be recognized with awards that reflect the leadership of Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. "To have these awards named in their honour advances the sports legacy of these pioneers, who have devoted themselves to women's equal rights in sports." In addition to the Billie Jean King MVP Award and Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award, PWHL awards will consist of Forward of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Community Leadership Award, Points Leader, and Top Goal Scorer.
Join host Rob Pizzo and PWHL analyst Hanna Bunton as they break down the final week of the inaugural PWHL season.
Western Hockey League
WHL Top 10 Plays of the Second Round
Ontario Hockey League
Best Saves from the Second Round of the OHL Playoffs
North American Hockey League
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) Board of Governors has approved a membership to operate in Forest Lake, MN. The Minnesota Mallards will compete in the Central Division beginning in the 2024-25 season. The Mallards are the fourth NAHL team based in Minnesota. "As a successful businessman, I look forward to putting my skills and experience to work as an owner within the North American Hockey League," Bailey said. Aside from business, Bailey has a deep passion for leading and coaching youth sports. Over the last 15 years he has volunteered thousands of hours coaching kids in hockey, baseball and softball. "My family and I are very excited to give back to Twin Cities hockey communities and the Mallards are just the first step in our collective vision." Forest Lake, which is a northeast suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul, will be the home of the Mallards. The team will play out of the Forest Lake Sports Center. The Mallards will bear the colors Maroon and Gold.
NAHL Top Plays - April 19-20, 2024
United States Hockey League
The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) announce that Lennie Childs has been named the new Head Coach ahead of the 2024-25 season. After a total of six seasons behind the Lancers' bench, David Wilkie has announced his retirement from coaching, but will remain on the Lancers' staff as General Manager and CEO. "We are thrilled to welcome Lennie as our new head coach. His outstanding pedigree and record of success in all areas of the sport are sure to drive our hockey program forward. We are excited to see how his expertise and leadership will positively impact our team." - Lancers Owner, Mike Picozzi
Ethan Whitcomb sent the Muskegon Lumberjacks to the Eastern Conference Finals in the USHL's Clark Cup Playoffs with a beautiful turnaround backhand goal in double overtime. The Jacks defeated the Green Bay Gamblers in the decisive Game 5, ending one of the best Clark Cup Playoffs series in recent memory.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
In the latest example of the National Lacrosse League's continued popularity across North America, the NLL welcomed 1,060,706 game attendees through its turnstiles during the 2023-24 regular season, a 2.0% increase compared to last season, and the second time the NLL has enjoyed consecutive seasons exceeding one million in attendance in its 37-year history. Defending NLL champion Buffalo Bandits led all NLL teams in attendance again this season with 152,767 - up 11.0% from last season. The Bandits' average crowd of 16,974 is the largest NLL game average since the 2011 Bandits drew 17,095 per game at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.
It was announced that the Philadelphia Wings and Paul Day have mutually agreed to a new contract for Day to serve as the team's general manager. The new, two-year agreement runs through the 2025-2026 season and includes a team option for a two-year extension through the 2027-2028 season. Day has served as both head coach and general manager since joining the organization in 2017. These moves come after the Wings wrapped their 2023-2024 season yesterday to finish 6-12 and now enter one of the most exciting off-seasons in modern franchise history as they'll have a new head coach to go along with the first overall pick in September's NLL Entry Draft.
National Lacrosse League
Josh Byrne was magical in the Quarterfinals for the Buffalo Bandits, scoring HALF of their goals including the overtime game winner in a 10-9 win over Georgia
NLL Week 21: Top 5 Plays
Dane Dobbie is Mr. Clutch in OT! He collects a hat trick and a helper as the San Diego Seals take the 9-8 OT dub over Panther City and march on to the Semifinals!
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Indy Pursuing Major League Soccer Team
National Women's Soccer League
Orlando Pride midfielder Luana has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, the Club and Brazilian international announced. Luana will immediately begin chemotherapy treatment with Orlando Health Cancer Institute, the Club's official medical partner, and has been placed on the Season Ending Injury list. "As a professional athlete I have faced many challenges, on and off the field. I have always fought with courage and determination, and this time will be no different," Luana said in a statement. "I really appreciate the support of my family and friends who have strengthened me in this moment. I also want to thank Brazil's National Team and Orlando Pride for their unconditional support. I kindly ask that my privacy be respected at this time."
Kansas City Current, in collaboration with Palmer Square Capital Management, Marquee Development, and the Port Authority of Kansas City, Mo. ("Port KC"), unveiled plans for the next phase of its transformational development on the Missouri Riverfront in downtown Kansas City. Building upon the opening of CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built women's professional sports stadium in the world, the Current will develop a mixed-use district anchored by the stadium, Berkley Riverfront Park, and the Missouri Riverfront. To continue the KC Current's unprecedented commitment to women's sports and the Kansas City region, this next phase will add $200mm+ in private funding, with all phases of the development exceeding $800mm in total investment. The project will break ground at the end of 2024, targeting a 2026 completion date.
The Kansas City Current and Port KC released its master plan for the future development of Berkley Riverfront.
Canadian Premier League
Here are some of the highlights from matchday three of the 2024 Canadian Premier League season!
USL Super League
"The fact that I can come home and play where I grew up is pretty incredible." - Florida native Erika Tymrak on what it means to be one of Tampa Bay Sun FC's inaugural signings.
BASEBALL
Pacific Coast League
On April 19, the Las Vegas Aviators celebrated the career of Finn the Bat Dog with specialty jerseys and a gold bat for the pup of honor. The almost 12-year-old black Labrador fetched his final bats before entering retirement.
International League
Rays No. 1 prospect Junior Caminero hits two homers in his first two at-bats for Triple-A Durham
Carolina League
Guardians prospect Matt Wilkinson records 15 strikeouts over six hitless innings for Single-A Lynchburg
OTHER SPORTS
Ultimate Frisbee Association
Jeff Babbitt was an immediate difference maker for the Boston Glory in their Week 1 win to start the 2024 regular season.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
• Discuss this story on the SPHL message board...
SPHL Stories from April 30, 2024
- Ryan Cruthers Accepts USHL Head Coach Position - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Rivermen Announce Championship Parade and Celebration for Friday - Peoria Rivermen
- Harrison Steps Down as Ice Bears Coach - Knoxville Ice Bears
- 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.
