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Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Boumedienne always rises to the occasion
Hockey is me. Three simple words were all Sascha Boumedienne needed to wrap up a thoughtful answer about how the sport became his passion. The Winnipeg Jets 2025 first-rounder was holding court after an on-ice session at development camp on Thursday afternoon and it was easy to see the smooth-skating defenceman was in his element. Gregory Payan / The Associated Press files Jets prospect Sacha Boumedienne will return to the Boston University Terriers this fall to develop his game. As someone who has been living a nomadic lifestyle for the better part of his 18 years, Boumedienne has a bubbly and engaging personality — which was evident when he held a Zoom call with reporters last Friday after he was chosen 28th overall by the Jets in the NHL Draft. With a father, Josef, who played professional hockey for nearly two decades – including 47 games in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals — Boumedienne has embraced the bouncing around and it's safe to say it hasn't stunted his development as a top prospect. 'It mostly comes from my dad,' said Boumedienne, who was born in Oulu, Finland, but raised in Stockholm, Sweden. 'My dad played professional hockey and I just fell in love with it. I was around it, 24/7. We were with him everywhere he played and I was able to be in the locker rooms, wherever he was. It was just kind of natural. Since I remember, I've always been in a hockey locker room and that's just been second nature.' That's when he inserted the exclamation point — hockey is me. Hockey doesn't define Boumedienne, who has lived in six countries and speaks two languages (English and Swedish), but you can tell it's a driving force in his life. 'I moved around to a lot of different places and I've had a blast everywhere that I've been,' said Boumedienne. 'We moved around quite a bit when I was younger, so I was used to it. But yeah, maybe my outgoing personality helps a little bit.' Boumedienne wasn't drafted for his personality, though the confidence he exudes — in a positive way — is part of the reason his play stood out over the course of the past year, first at Boston University for a Terriers squad that reached the Frozen Four championship final and then for Sweden at the U18 World Championship in Texas. Thanks to his elite skating ability, Boumedienne adapted well to the college game and then was named top defenceman at the U18 event when he went back to playing for his peer group and set a tournament record for assists (13) and points (14) by a defenceman. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff pointed out last week one of the impressive things about Boumedienne was his ability to play his best hockey in the biggest moments. The stage doesn't get too big for him, no matter what his birth certificate might say. Boumedienne got plenty of encouragement from his parents to pursue hockey, but the internal drive is what fuelled his passion. Rollerblading to the local rink was a common exercise for Boumedienne and his brother. 'Whenever there wasn't snow outside or ice or whatever on the sidewalks, me and my little brother, we'd get fully dressed and put our helmets and gloves and hold our sticks in our hands,' said Boumedienne. 'We'd put our skates in our backpack and put the backpack on. The rollerblade down took 10 or 15 minutes, and then, we'd go on the bench and put our real skates on. So that was a good childhood memory, but yeah, fortunate that I got to live so close to the rink.' Earlier this week, fellow 2025 Jets' draft pick Viktor Klingsell mentioned Boumedienne was a skilled centre long before he made the switch to playing defence and his childhood friend corroborated the story. 'I was a centre until I was about 13 or 14 probably,' said Boumedienne. 'I liked being up there, but then I tried D once, because I wanted to be like my dad and my dad was a D. I thought it was a blast playing D and setting up plays from the back end and being able to defend.' When asked who he patterns his game after, Boumedienne mentions a Dallas Stars blue-liner who Jets fans are quite familiar with from his time with the Central Division rival. 'I love to watch Miro Heiskanen,' said Boumedienne. 'A guy who skates like the wind. A big, left-shot defenceman. He's out there against the other teams' top line and able to shut them down and kind of make it hard on them with his skating all over the ice — and then, he's obviously really good offensively. 'He's on his team's first power play and is really good both ways. Really strong on the puck and really hard to play against. Someone I like to model my game after.' The aforementioned qualities are what Boumedienne plans to refine during his sophomore season at BU, where he followed a detailed plan to improve in Year 1 with the program. 'We obviously had a lot of talks about me going in a year early and it's a pretty big decision. We had a lot of phone calls and talks with them and really set up a plan for me to develop in every aspect of the game,' said Boumedienne. 'To get bigger and stronger and grow my defensive game — and all areas of the game. We sat down and had a plan for every week. I had a detail for every practice and meaning with every rep. Something to focus on every day to really get better.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. He'd love to get back to the Frozen Four final, while changing the end result. Boumedienne is also hoping to suit up for his country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and it's possible one of his teammates could be Jets' 2024 second-rounder Alfons Freij. 'We didn't even know each other before this,' said Freij. 'We've become good friends in a short time. He's a stud.' X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
New York Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How will Penguins' style of play change under new head coach Dan Muse?
Dan Muse has won wherever he's been. The new Pittsburgh Penguins head coach got his start as an assistant coach for Yale University, where he piloted the defense and focused on team structure. Yale's 2013 national championship win propelled him to become head coach for the USHL's Chicago Steel. The Steel won the 2017 Clark Cup, the first in their history, by playing a dynamic, fluid style focused on speed and puck support. That was enough to make Muse the first-ever USHL head coach to jump directly to an NHL assistant coach. Under Muse, the Nashville Predators penalty killing finished sixth in the league in back-to-back seasons. Muse then landed with the United States National Team Development Program, where his 2023 U18 squad ripped off a record 16 wins against NCAA Division I opponents and won gold over Sweden at the 2023 U18 World Championship. That landed him back in the NHL with the New York Rangers, whose penalty kill finished third in the league under Muse. Though we won't know exactly how Muse's Penguins will play until training camp, let's look back at Muse's time as a head coach in the USHL and U.S. NTDP for some common threads in his coaching philosophy. This has been Muse's specific focus in the NHL. The Rangers scored 18 short-handed goals last year, leading the second-place Florida Panthers by six. That was due, in part, to the Rangers' aggressive diamond structure, seen in this screenshot: The diamond features one forward high, one forward and one defenseman on each flank, and one defenseman in front of the net to protect the crease. The formation is particularly effective against the league's most popular power-play formation, the 1-3-1 umbrella. In the diamond penalty kill, the high forward acts as a sort of spear, having the freedom to attack the lone defenseman at the top of the 1-3-1. The flank players cover the half-walls and inner seams for protection against high-danger slot passes and one-timers. Having a player low means you don't have to sacrifice the net front for pressure. I noticed Muse's U.S. NTDP teams ran the same penalty kill as the Rangers did last season. In the next video, take a look at the Americans' diamond alignment on the PK: Muse's U.S. team allowed only two power-play goals on 22 total opportunities en route to the 2023 gold medal, finishing the tournament with a 90-plus-percent success rate on the kill. The structure wasn't the entire reason for that success. Muse's high-energy, tandem forecheck allowed forwards to work off of each other in waves to disrupt the opponent's breakout. In the tandem system, the first forward (F1) pressures the puck carrier hard, often forcing the carrier to rim the puck around the boards or rush a defenseman-to-defenseman pass behind the net. The second forward (F2) reads the F1's angle and mirrors it, cutting off the first outlet or engaging in a secondary puck battle. The forwards interchange depending on the read, which means F2 can become F1 on the fly — this keeps puck-pressure high and reactive. Tandem forechecking allows for quick counterpressure if the first wave doesn't force a turnover, essentially trapping teams in a sequence of poor exits. Muse taught this with a layered-support mindset: Each action has a coverage fallback (such as a defenseman filling in when F2 overcommits). In those clips, you can see the forwards working off of each other to align themselves in the most annoying way possible. These same tendencies exist as far back as Chicago's run through the Clark Cup in 2017. You can see what's important on the penalty kill for a Muse-coached team: layers of puck support, read-based attacks that aim to make the second and third pass difficult, and structural alignment that permits aggression without sacrificing important real estate. The breakout reveals another common thread between Muse's teams. Both the U.S. NTDP and Chicago Steel worked the puck laterally to shift the forecheck and create space in the middle of the ice. Rather than relying on static wing support or long stretch passes, Muse's breakouts favor a five-man approach — defensemen hinge behind the net, forwards collapse low in layered routes, and outlets are built through short, high-percentage reads. It's a system designed to beat pressure with poise. When the defensemen hinge behind the net, the lead forechecker becomes trapped on an island in the middle of them. The forwards are back exceptionally deep, and an easy transitional pass is made. There is so much runway to attack, and the Steel blaze down the ice for a scoring chance. I noticed similar themes from the U.S. NTDP with Muse at the helm. The focus is on the middle of the ice. Muse doesn't ask young defensemen to make hero stretch passes or wingers to win 50-50 wall battles under pressure. He designs exits with predictable layers of help. Rather than sending the wingers high and risking a turnover at the line, Muse's teams pull their forwards deep, functioning like mobile outlets. As you'll see in the next clips, this setup beats the forecheck not with a single-thread pass but by offering sequential support — every move creates the next option, and as we saw in the penalty kill, tandem work is key. All of their forwards operate under the same center-like mindset. Being so deep at the genesis of the breakout gives faster forwards the opportunity to use a lot of runway to gain speed and burn through the middle of the ice, making easy lateral passes when necessary to layered support that can carry the torch. Advertisement Let's talk about Muse's pièce de résistance. In the 2023 U18 World Championship gold medal game, Muse's Americans faced a 2-0 deficit in the third period. Sweden utilized its speed and support along the wall to beat the U.S. forecheck and exploit the American defense in transition. The Swedes exhibited frustrating control over the neutral zone and seemed to be coasting their way to gold. Until they weren't. Halfway through the third period, the U.S. stopped trying to force possession-based zone entries. Instead, the Americans started simply dumping the puck into the Swedes' zone and punishing their defense. It worked. The U.S. overwhelmed Sweden and started creating intentional chaos in the zone by springing toward dumped pucks with speed. Muse's change worked. With a faceoff deep in their own end, the Americans crashed and banged their way to a goal. Off the ensuing faceoff, the Americans made it clear they'd heard their coach's message. They went straight north, dumped the puck in and kept applying the pressure. But this was a well-coached, mobile Sweden team that began to use the Americans' overzealousness on puck pursuit against it. Utilizing the wall, Sweden made short, strong-side passes that bypassed the U.S. forecheck. The pendulum swung back in favor of the Swedes, courtesy of some tactical work in the face of the Americans' fury. The U.S. tied the score with a power-play goal off an offensive-zone penalty by Sweden, but the Americans remained under duress. So, seeing that his team's pressure was risky, Muse called off the dogs and forced Sweden to try to knife its way through a U.S. trap. Muse put forth a token forechecker to apply feigned pressure while the rest of the team sat behind the red line, ready to pounce. The decision cooled the Swedes' jets and allowed the U.S. to make some possession-based zone entries off turnovers. In this clip, notice how much the U.S. changed its forechecking approach to sit back and allow Sweden to try to navigate the mess of bodies in the neutral zone. The strategy shift got the U.S. into overtime, where Ryan Leonard took over to cap the comeback and win gold. The Penguins needed a coach who could be a builder and developer without sacrificing the tactical side. Muse may be a first-time NHL head coach, but it's very clear why he reached this point. He's shown he prefers intentional puck support in all three zones and structured systems. Crucially, though, he also has shown he can adapt on the fly. How well will that philosophy translate to an NHL roster? We'll see, but Muse's foundation is clear. That might be exactly what's needed as the Penguins enter a new phase.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Eddie Genborg: The Canucks' big decision at 2025 NHL draft
Eddie Genborg fuels Canucks' 2025 NHL Draft choice (Image via: Getty Images) The Vancouver Canucks stand at a critical juncture for their future. As the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaches, all eyes turn to their 47th overall pick and one controversial name: Eddie Genborg. This isn't just about drafting another prospect; it's about defining the team's very identity. Will this Swedish power forward be the missing piece, or another gamble that haunts the franchise? Breaking down Canucks' 2025 NHL Draft prospect Eddie Genborg The Vancouver Canucks face a key decision at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Holding the 47th overall pick, they're weighing their usual choice: prioritizing skill or power. All attention is on Eddie Genborg, a 6'1" Swedish winger, who brings both excitement and questions. He's more than a simple prospect; Genborg symbolizes the Canucks' ongoing quest to define their team's future. Genborg is a strong player, weighing 205 pounds. He showed his strength in junior hockey with Linköping HC and played well in Sweden's top league (SHL). He even helped Sweden win silver at the U18 World Championship. While his past play looks good, Canucks fans remember other draft picks who didn't pan out. Hype doesn't always lead to NHL success. NHL Combine | Eddie Genborg - 07.06.25 Why is Genborg interesting? He hits hard, plays tough, and makes it difficult for opponents. He wins puck battles, gets in front of the net, and causes trouble on the forecheck. Coaches like this kind of play, and fans wanting more grit will likely support it. But the NHL has changed. Today's game values speed and skill, and players who rely too much on size can struggle. Genborg's game isn't perfect. His puck handling is average, his offensive smarts are still raw, and his playmaking vision needs work. He can push through defenders, but he also misses passes or fumbles the puck entering the attack zone. The Canucks need more than just muscle; they need hockey IQ, creativity, and players who can score. Genborg isn't strong in all these areas, at least not yet. Also Read: Brad Marchand's wholesome breakfast with NHL Draft prospects Schaefer, Misa, Hagens, and O'Brien steals spotlight before 2025 draft Whether Genborg is worth the 47th overall pick depends on how much the Canucks believe they can help him grow. If he improves his overall game, Genborg could become a relentless power forward, perfect for tough playoff games. But if he doesn't, he might join other physically gifted players who never found their way in the NHL.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Vancouver Canucks target speedy winger Vit Zahejsky as late-round gem for 2025 NHL Draft
Vít Záhejský (via Getty Images) Vít Záhejský is coming up as a dark horse prospect for the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, with a complete allotment of picks on their side. One of a handful of compelling candidates in the later rounds, Vít Záhejský — an energetic Czech forward with the Kamloops Blazers — may be a high-upside gamble for the Vancouver Canucks in the sixth round (175th overall). With his combination of speed, skill, and tireless work ethic, Vít Záhejský may be the kind of low-risk, high-reward option the Canucks want to add to their system. Vit Zahejsky's skills and speed made him Vancouver Canucks' sixth-round option View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Vít Záhejský raised his profile with a strong second half of the season and an impressive performance at the U18 World Championship. Playing for Czechia, the 17-year-old netted four goals and contributed five points in five games, demonstrating the goal-scoring savvy and skating ability that NHL scouts covet. What makes Vít Záhejský so appealing to the Vancouver Canucks is his world-class skating and playmaking at full speed. Cited as one of the fastest skaters in the WHL this year, Vít Záhejský beat defenders in puck battles and amazed with shifty puck-handling moves regularly. His game is predicated on movement — he's always on the move in both zones, and in the defensive zone, he applies the motor to harass puck handlers and blow up plays. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Website Builder — Create a Website in Minutes — Shopify Shopify Get Offer Undo But as with most raw talents, Záhejský has aspects to work on. His offense-zone performance is still a work in progress, especially in getting the puck into high-quality areas such as the slot. His defensive zone sense can also disappear at times, with the young winger sometimes leaving his man to go after loose pucks. These are aspects that NHL developmental programs are designed to correct. Standing 5-foot-10 and 167 pounds, Záhejský doesn't necessarily offer imposing size but makes up for it with effort and potential. He's a pick that can end up paying long-term rewards for a team that wants to be patient and invest in his development. Also read: Basile Sansonnens Memorial Cup performance raises questions for Vancouver Canucks With a strong draft class coming forward, the Vancouver Canucks can go for the upside in the deeper rounds — and Vít Záhejský fits many of the criteria. His combination of speed, competitiveness, and raw talent makes him a tantalizing sixth-round prospect who might develop into a surprise NHL contributor with proper instruction. Although he's not ready for prime time, Záhejský is precisely the type of prospect every team wishes to find late on draft day.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Here's why James Hagens is declining in the NHL Draft as Matthew Schaefer moves up
James Hagens (via Getty Images) What was once the clear top prospect of the 2025 NHL Draft, James Hagens' stock has dropped—and the New York Islanders are faced with a franchise-altering decision. Following an MVP performance at the 2024 U18 World Championship and a prohibitive USHL season, he was a strong favorite to be taken No. 1 overall. Then why is he no longer at the top of most draft boards? Concerns about James Hagens' NHL game change View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) For all his bloodlines and offensive skill, NHL scouts have started to wonder how James Hagens' game will translate to the next level. He's a bit undersized at barely 5-foot-11 and lacks a physical component. Scouts have noted stretches of his NCAA season where he vanished in even-strength play, failing to get inside versus more physical defenders and landing with a less-than-expected goal total. James Hagens, born-and-raised Long Islander and lifelong Isles supporter, would be the sentimental choice. Comparisons to Tavares are unavoidable. But sentiment won't win playoff series — and currently, scouts overwhelmingly think defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the best player in the class. Matthew Schaefer, a 6-foot-2 blueliner with exceptional skating and excellent two-way skills, is considered a potential top-pairing NHL blueliner of the future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo Even in struggling with injuries this year, he dictated games on the back end with a physicality and composure Hagens has not yet matched. 'Schaefer is the only truly special player in this draft,' a scout told The Athletic. 'Other than maybe Misa, Schaefer is in a tier of his own.' The Islanders seem not to be in rebuild mode or fighting for survival anymore. With a new arena, playoff seasoning, and sound ownership, they can't miss on a franchise defenseman like Schaefer. 'They'd be going way off the board in the eyes of most teams if they took Hagens,' said one NHL scout. Also read: James Hagens continues to shine despite quieter season at Boston College The bottom line James Hagens is still one of the best-scoring players in this class. But for a top-six team drafting first overall — especially one that has true playoff hopes — the selection has to be made with an eye toward constructing a championship core. That choice, according to almost everyone in scouting, is Matthew Schaefer. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
