Latest news with #MemorialCup
San Francisco Chronicle
6 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Sharks draft center Michael Misa at No. 2 overall, goalie Joshua Ravensbergen at No. 30
Michael Misa put together the most prolific scoring campaign of any draft-eligible player since Patrick Kane in 2007. The Canadian forward led the Ontario Hockey League, a top feeder league for the NHL, with 134 points, a franchise record for the Saginaw Spirit, on 62 goals and 72 assists. Kane accrued 145 points in the United States Hockey League ahead of being drafted No. 1 overall by the Chicago Blackhawks way back when. On Friday, the San Jose Sharks selected Misa with the No. 2 overall pick in the NHL draft, putting to rest late-breaking speculation the team might go in a different direction. Sharks general manager Mike Grier bluntly confirmed he and his staff had decided Misa would be their pick at No. 2 'a while ago.' 'He was No. 2 on our list for quite a while,' Grier said in a post-Day 1 availability. The 18-year-old had already proven his mettle in the face of doubt when Canada did not call on him to compete — or even tryout — in the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. The host country stumbled in the quarterfinals around the same time its homegrown phenom readied for a vengeful second-half tear, rattling off a 28-game point streak from Dec. 29-March 6. The world juniors spanned from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Misa, known for his alpha-like leadership style, let the exclusion motivate him. And as much affirmed to Grier and company the ultra-competitor they had been rewarded. The Sharks had by far the best odds to win the lottery for a second year in a row. When they were relegated to runner-up, Misa was no consolation prize. 'It shows the maturity the kid has,' Grier said. 'He was able to turn the page and put the focus on his club team, and being a leader and captain for that team at a young age, I think that definitely shows some maturity to be able to put some of your personal goals aside and put the team first.' Widely regarded as the best forward in this year's draft, Misa was long considered the front-runner to be drafted by the Sharks. Reports at the start of draft week stirred buzz that Anton Frondell, another promising forward who went No. 3 overall to the Blackhawks, might leapfrog Misa to San Jose. Both appeared to project as options to complete a 1-2 center tandem with Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' No. 1 overall draft pick a year ago, with the flexibility to potentially play wing alongside the franchise centerpiece. Grier was clear the Sharks see Misa — who has shown the versatility and willingness to play a wing as he did in 2023-24 for a Spirit team which won the Memorial Cup — sticking in the middle for the franchise. The Sharks have now drafted a center with their first pick in each of the last three drafts: Misa, Celebrini and Will Smith, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023. 'We're excited to have them all,' Grier said. 'As you kind of see in the playoffs, you need center depth. And even now, when you're on the other side of it, when you look around in the trade market and free agency, finding good centers, it's a hard thing to do.' Plus, Grier has never been one to prioritize need over best available. Hence why San Jose used its No. 30 overall pick, as acquired in the Mikael Granlund trade, to draft goalie Joshua Ravensbergen when Yaroslav Askarov, 23, poses the potential to be the team's backstop moving forward. Grier simply stated Ravensbergen was the best available player. Ravensbergen ranked as the top-ranked goalie prospect in North America according to NHL Central Scouting, having been named a goaltender of the year finalist in the Western Hockey League with a .901 save percentage. Briefly: The Sharks will open Day 2 with seven draft picks to go, including two second-rounders (33, 53), one third-rounder (95), two fourth-rounders (115, 124), one fifth-rounder (150) and a seventh-rounder (210).
Hamilton Spectator
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
New York Islanders select defenceman Matthew Schaefer first overall at NHL draft
LOS ANGELES - Matthew Schaefer stood up after his name was called. The emotion of moment was too much. Thinking about the person he wished more than anything could be by his side overwhelmed the 17-year-old defenceman. His tears flowed soon after. The New York Islanders did the expected Friday, selecting Schaefer with the first pick at the 2025 NHL draft. His big moment just steps from Arena — home of the Los Angeles Kings — was also tinged with a level of sadness. The teenager's mother, Jennifer, died of breast cancer in February 2024. Schaefer, who spent two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters, kissed the cancer awareness ribbon on his Islanders jersey after pulling it on, pointed to the sky and then broke down. 'I couldn't control the tears … thinking about my mom a little extra today,' said the Hamilton native. 'I know she'd be very proud. I'd love her to be here in person. But obviously cancer sucks, so she's with me in spirit. 'I know she's not suffering and she's happy, smiling down and always with me.' Schaefer had been viewed as the slam-dunk top selection for months despite not playing since December after suffering a broken collar bone while suiting up for Canada at the world junior hockey championship. His mother's passing came three months after his billet mom was struck and killed by a train in what was ruled death by suicide. Schaefer then was rocked during the world juniors when mentor and Otters owner Jim Waters died of a heart attack in December. The six-foot-two, 186-pound blueliner with elite skill at both ends of the rink joins an organization that was busy in the hours before calling his name first inside the Peacock Theater. The Islanders traded defenceman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and the 16th and 17th overall picks. The San Jose Sharks then took forward Michael Misa second overall. Once the hands-down presumptive first pick in 2025, the six-foot-one, 182-pound centre from Oakville, Ont., led the entire Canadian Hockey League in goals (62) and points (134) in 2024-25 playing for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. 'It was awesome,' Misa said. 'Just a moment of relief, excitement, a little emotional with my family — they've meant so much to me and supported me.' The Chicago Blackhawks selected Swedish forward Anton Frondell at No. 3. The six-foot-one, 204-pound centre had 25 points in 29 regular-season games playing against men in Sweden's second division this season with Djurgardens. Caleb Desnoyers went fourth overall to the Utah Mammoth. The centre for Moncton of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League took home the circuit's playoff MVP honours after putting up nine goals and 21 assists in 19 games, helping the Wildcats reach the Memorial Cup. The St-Hyacinthe, Que., product also won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the league's top professional prospect. 'I had a great feeling with them,' Desnoyers said of the Mammoth. 'Heard a lot of great things.' The Nashville Predators then picked Brady Martin to round out the top-5. Instead of being in Los Angeles for the draft, the centre for the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds was back home working on his family farm in Elora, Ont. The Philadelphia Flyers took forward Porter Martone of the OHL's Brampton Steelheads sixth overall before the Boston Bruins picked Boston College centre James Hagens at No. 7. Jake O'Brien of the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs landed eighth to the Seattle Kraken, Radim Mrtka of the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds went ninth to the Buffalo Sabres and Roger McQueen of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings joined the Anaheim Ducks at No. 10. The 2025 showcase event marks the NHL's first decentralized draft in a non-pandemic environment — a format similar to the NFL and NBA where teams make selections remotely instead of all being in the same venue on-site. No decision has been made on how the draft will look next year, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly said earlier Friday the vote in favour of decentralization among teams this time around was 26-6. Celebrities and special guests named each pick after Schaefer, including actor Adam Sandler, who announced Hagens going to the Bruins. 'One of the coolest moments I've ever had,' Hagens said. 'It's something that doesn't feel real.' There were, however, some hiccups. Players entered the so-called 'NHL Draft Room' after getting picked to speak with their new general managers, but one example of things not going exactly according to plan came when Boston's video feed froze as Hagens was speaking to the team's brass. The Vancouver Canucks owned the highest selection among Canadian clubs at No. 15. The draft continues Saturday with rounds two through seven. The night, however, belonged to Schaefer. 'I don't usually cry as much as my dad and brother,' he said. 'My dad's like, 'Ah, you won't cry.' And then I'm kind of biting my tongue, and my name gets called, and then they start flowing. 'Happy tears … I just wish my mom could be here.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025.
CTV News
17 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Guelph Storm want to make bicentennial bid for Memorial Cup
The Guelph Storm has big plans as the city repares to celebrate its 200th anniversary. According to the City of Guelph's website, the city wad founded on April 23, 1827, by a British development firm known as the 'Canada Company' after they acquired the land from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. To celebrate the centuries, the local Ontario Hockey League team is hoping to host the Memorial Cup in 2027. 'The year 2027 marks the City's bicentennial anniversary and provides a compelling and unique context for a Memorial Cup bid,' a staff report coming to Guelph's Committee of the Whole on July 8 reads. The Memorial Cup is one of the most sought-after trophies in junior hockey. It was first awarded in 1919 to honour people who had died fighting in the First World War. Each year the top teams from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and the host team compete for the cup. The tournament is typically held during two weeks in May and attracts thousands of fans from across the country. The Guelph Storm is asking the city to provide a one-time grant of $600,000 if the team is successful in securing the event. They also want a commitment of up to $100,000 of in-kind fees at the Sleeman Centre related to ice rental costs, licensing fees and facility staff requirements. The staff report recommends the funding, if granted, could come from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Reserve. However, the report also notes there may not be enough money in the reserve at the time to cover the full cost. 'The MAT reserve is projected to be $565,000 by the end of 2027. The request for $700,000 for financial investment and in-kind support would put the reserve into a deficit until the end of 2029. Committing to overspending on this reserve would prevent any other investment or funding program for other tourism projects from now to 2030,' the report said. The report also notes the Memorial Cup requires at least six separate hotel locations for teams, officials and fans to stay at during the event. If most of the participants stayed within Guelph, the report states the city could stand to collect $12,000 through the Municipal Accommodation Tax. Although the Guelph Storm has never won the Memorial Cup, two other teams from Guelph have been champions: the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters in 1952 and the Guelph Platers in 1986.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade news: Evander Kane heads to Vancouver Canucks after controversial season with Oilers
Evander Kane returns home to Vancouver after Oilers exit (Image via: Getty Images) Evander Kane has been traded to the Vancouver Canucks after a disappointing 2024-25 season with the Edmonton Oilers. Injuries, playoff struggles, and criticism marked his year, leading to the Oilers moving him for a 2025 fourth-round pick. For Kane, it's a fresh start in his hometown and a chance to focus on hockey, family, and redemption. Evander Kane traded to Vancouver Canucks after controversial season with Oilers The Edmonton Oilers' 2024-25 Stanley Cup run was overshadowed by Evander Kane's inconsistent presence and performance. Injuries and surgeries kept the 33-year-old winger off the ice for much of the regular season, and his playoff return sparked criticism after several costly penalties during the Finals. Sportsnet's Mark Spector even labeled him 'a liability' in Edmonton's series loss to the Florida Panthers. Shortly after the Oilers' second straight defeat in the Stanley Cup Final, the team traded Kane to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. While the trade might look like a salary dump for Edmonton, Kane says the real motivation behind the move came from a personal place—his children. Is Evander Kane trade a win-win for both Canucks and Oilers? 'Anybody who has kids understands that they automatically jump up to be the No. 1 priority in your life,' Kane told Sportsnet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like India's first integrated Power Backup Solution - Livguard Lithium-X Livguard Learn More Undo 'I have four of them… they're all very young, and they're all very excited to cheer dad on.' His move to Vancouver not only brings him closer to his family but also marks a return to his hometown roots. Born in Vancouver, Kane grew up watching the Canucks and previously played junior hockey for the Vancouver Giants, winning the Memorial Cup in 2007. Now, after suiting up for five different NHL teams and recording 617 points (326 goals, 291 assists) across 930 regular-season games, he returns to the city where it all began. 'The fan base here is fantastic. They're passionate, they love their hockey… I know what hockey means in this city,' Kane said. 'I'm really privileged and honored to be part of that.' With the Canucks, he hopes to silence his critics and reset his narrative as both a player and a father. Also Read: Inside Matthew Schaefer's journey: How top NHL prospect endured unimaginable loss of his mother and more As for Kane, the opportunity to start over in a familiar city, supported by his family, could be just what he needs to find his form again. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Top NHL draft prospect Michael Misa welcomes the chance to put his new team first
LOS ANGELES — Michael Misa has already demonstrated during his brief career that he is quite willing to put his team first, which isn't a test that has been given to many players good enough to be top picks in the NHL draft. Misa is squarely under the spotlight this week as perhaps the best forward available, and he is eager to show his next club just what he will to do to be successful. The Oakville, Ontario, native will be one of the first players selected in the newly decentralized NHL draft in Los Angeles on Friday. When he walks up to accept his new sweater, Misa will be thinking about the steps he took to reach that stage. 'Everybody knows it's an exciting moment, but I'm glad I'll finally get the chance to experience it myself,' Misa said. 'For me, it's one step at a time. I've got to worry about getting drafted, getting better in the summer, training camp and then ultimately shift my focus to the NHL, if I do get the chance to play next year.' Misa burnished his reputation as an elite offensive force in the past year while scoring 134 points with 62 goals in just 65 games for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit. It was the league's best offensive season by an under-18 player since 2007, but it was even more impressive because Misa was able to demonstrate his full potential as a playmaking center. Misa entered the OHL at just 15 years old, becoming the eighth player in league history to receive exceptional player status, and was chosen first overall by Saginaw in the 2022 draft. When the Spirit asked him to play on the wing for a veteran-laden team while getting a bit less ice time, the natural center willingly made the move. He then played a major role while Saginaw won the Memorial Cup in 2024. 'That's hockey sometimes,' Misa said. 'I mean, that year overall was fun. We did win a lot of stuff. So just being a part of that team was something special for me. I did definitely play a little bit of a depth role that year, but I think just trying to improve my game and find ways to help my team win.' He led all three major junior leagues in scoring last season as the Spirit's captain. The last 17-year-old to achieve Misa's numbers in the OHL was John Tavares, who famously went No. 1 overall to the New York Islanders in 2009. The Isles have the top pick again this year, but are expected to select Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Misa also made some progress off the ice by growing a couple of inches. He measured in at 6-foot-1 at the draft combine, alleviating some concerns about his size. Frondell's future While Misa's thoughts shifted away from the draft to an imminent round of golf at Pacific Palisades' famed Riviera Country Club for all of the top prospects later Thursday, his possible competition for the honor of being drafted No. 2 was simply trying to stay awake. Anton Frondell, the Swedish center with a spectacular shot, was fighting a wicked case of jet lag after flying in Wednesday from Stockholm. He has risen up draft boards with his play for Djurgården alongside fellow top draft prospect Victor Eklund. 'I haven't seen much of LA,' Frondell said with a grin. 'I got here and fell asleep, and then I ate breakfast.' Thinking teal San Jose holds the No. 2 overall pick, and Misa loves the prospect of reuniting with Igor Chernyshov, his teammate in Saginaw last season and the Sharks' second-round pick a year ago. Misa chuckles when thinking about Chernyshov, who mostly communicated by laughing at things. 'He's one of the best players I've ever played with,' Misa said. 'He didn't even speak English, so it was pretty impressive how we found each other out there.' Braden Haché, another Saginaw teammate now in the Sharks' system, has been blowing up Misa's phone about a reunion. 'It would be a dream,' Misa said. 'Such a great organization. Some of the players you have there already, and their young core coming up, it's pretty cool to see what the organization will look like down the line.' '23 and me? The Blackhawks have the No. 3 choice, and some Chicago fans are hoping for a repeat of the scenario from the 2023 draft, when a California team fell in love with a Swedish center and chose him over a Canadian forward previously expected to be the No. 2 pick. That year, Connor Bedard went No. 1 to the Blackhawks, Leo Carlsson went second to Anaheim and Adam Fantilli went third to Columbus. It's too early to tell whether the Ducks' gamble paid off, but both Carlsson and Fantilli quickly cracked their clubs' NHL rosters and became productive players who have posted fairly similar statistics in their first two seasons. Misa and Bedard together? However it goes, Misa hopes to play in the NHL next season, while Frondell is likely to return to Djurgården for another year. Still, no prospect in the current draft class is an absolute lock to be in the show in October. Misa said he'll do what his new team believes is best. 'I'm just looking forward to the next step, but trying to appreciate this moment,' Misa said. 'It's an exciting time in our lives.'
