Latest news with #Zamboni
Winnipeg Free Press
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hockey's beloved emergency backup goalies face an uncertain future with new NHL rule
Former Zamboni driver-turned-arena manager David Ayres became an immediate sensation when he pulled on the goaltending gear and took the ice in an NHL game on a Saturday night in Toronto and beat his hometown Maple Leafs. Before that, accountant by day/beer league goalie by night Scott Foster won a game for Chicago. It's the stuff of legend, possible only in hockey thanks to the existence of emergency backup goaltenders, the beloved 'EBUGs' who are ready to step in when the two goalies on a team's roster are suddenly not available for a game. The new collective bargaining agreement that goes into effect for the 2026-27 season will change the EBUG program, with each team now required to employ a full-time, traveling replacement to play in the event of multiple injuries or illnesses. There is already a sense of nostalgia across the tight little community of EBUGs, which date to the early days of the league a century ago. 'I like that the EBUG position got so much attention over the last five, six years,' Ayres said. 'There's no other position in sports like it. It kind of sucks that it's going away in a sense. I know there are a lot of guys on the EBUG lists that were hoping to get their shot at playing in a game, but I think it's smart.' Foster expressed gratitude and pride for getting the chance and figures the next generation will be just as lucky. 'Like most things, change is inevitable,' Foster said. 'The EBUG role maybe outgrew the current model, as it seems like you see more and more times popping up.' Initial reactions Part of the joy around actually seeing an EBUG in a game is because it is so incredibly rare: An EBUG has entered a game just six times in the 13,068 regular-season games over the past 10 seasons (none have been on the ice in the playoffs in the modern era). As the first word spread that EBUG changes were coming, the group chat involving many of the goalies lit up with buzz and speculation. 'They weren't very happy, I know that,' said Tyler Stewart, who dressed for St. Louis in pregame warmups in December 2017 as a then-25-year-old vending machine worker. 'Some of the comments were like, 'It was a good run, fellas.'' Justin Goldman, who was a Colorado Avalanche EBUG for several years in addition to founding the Goalie Guild developmental program, said the sport has gotten faster and more taxing physically. That requires more rest. 'The demands on goalies that play full time and the demands for goalies in practice, it was becoming really apparent that teams needed support from a third goalie,' Goldman said. Still, the idea that someone not in the league can get called down from the stands to play in a game on a moment's notice is one of hockey's most unique traditions. 'The EBUG position is the most universally loved and cool story in all of sports,' said Ben Hause, an EBUG in Colorado for eight seasons who was once on the verge of playing for New Jersey. 'I don't love the fact that what was kind of the last real wholesome story in the sports world is potentially going away.' End of an era? It might not go away completely, considering the details in the memorandum of understanding for the new labor deal. Any emergency goalie cannot have more than 80 games of professional experience, been in pro hockey over the previous three seasons or played an NHL game on a standard (non-tryout) contract. Three-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-Andre Fleury joked after retiring that he would love to be Minnesota's EBUG. That can't happen even under the new rules but the guidelines do allow the potential for more fairytale moments, even if it's less of a mystery who is coming in. 'It would be a blast,' said Minnesota EBUG Connor Beaupre, whose father, Don, tended goal for nearly 800 NHL games from 1980-96. 'I know a handful of guys that have done warmups or something like that, which is a pretty cool experience and I've backed up a few games. It's so few and far in between, so it's hard to expect it.' Word of the change brought some confusion and, to Stewart, a bit of delusion from some counterparts who thought they were now shoo-ins for the part. Equipment managers reached out to Tampa-based goalie Kyle Konin, who has dressed for the Lightning, Blues and Flyers, to say it could be awesome for him. 'I'm like, does this mean I'm out of a job, or does this mean I'm going to get paid a salary to do basically the same thing?' said Konin, who paints goalie masks for a living. 'Every team's completely different with the current system that we have, so even moving forward, no one even really knows.' The future Organizations have more than a year to figure out how to approach the new rule, which replaces the one that had been in place since 2017. Since then, only a handful of EBUGs — Ayres, Foster, Tom Hodges, Jett Alexander and Matt Berlin — actually got into a game. Combined, their 65-plus minutes of action accounted for less than 0.0001% of time played by goaltenders over the past eight regular seasons. 'It's such a microscopic amount of time that it happens,' Hause said. 'I'm surprised that there was enough owner momentum to be able to add relatively a lot of costs to their annual budget for relatively no real gain as more of an insurance policy.' It may be as much about practice time as anything else. Still, questions remain, including how much it will cost to pay someone to be on the roster and fly him — or her, as there is nothing preventing women from filling the role — to road games around North America. The CBA does allow for the EBUG to work for a team in another capacity, so someone like Carolina equipment manager Jorge Alves could reprise his role after playing 8 seconds for the Hurricanes at the end of a game on Dec. 31, 2016. Same perhaps for Washington assistant and video coach Brett Leonhardt. Maybe it will be a dual-use role on the coaching staff or in hockey operations. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I look at this role as a potential for organizations to groom not just a practice goalie but you can groom a video coach, you can groom a future goalie coach,' Goldman said. 'It's an opportunity for someone to come in, learn the system, understand the strategies and the style of play of that organization and learn about what happens in the coaches' room.' Goldman said he thinks third goalies are just the beginning and envisions a future with practice squads closer to what the NFL employs as the NHL becomes faster and more science is put into rest and recovery. That might be part of the next round of labor talks a few years from now after this one included closing a chapter on EBUGs that has some bittersweetness to it. 'I was one of the few guys who got to kind of live out their dream for a little bit,' Konin said. 'It's sad, but it's also kind of a cool way to just say that you were part of one of the rarest things in all of pro sports.' ___ AP NHL:
Toronto Star
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
How these women fell in love with hockey in Kenya — and found their way to a rink in Toronto
Chumbana Likiza had never seen a Zamboni so large. Back home in Nairobi, Kenya, at the hockey rink where she learned the game — the only rink in east and central Africa, about a quarter the size of an NHL rink and housed in a local hotel — the Zamboni is no longer than a metre. It doesn't carry water, so the players have to pour water on the ice themselves.
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
NUBURU Stockholders Green-Light Strategy to Finance Transformation in Key Stockholder Vote
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU) ('NUBURU' or the 'Company') is excited to announce that its stockholders have overwhelmingly approved key proposals in support of its financing strategy, a pivotal milestone in the Company's strategic transformation into a leader in defense-tech and operational resilience through its Defense & Security Hub initiative. This stockholder approval enables NUBURU to advance key strategic objectives, including: Electing Alessandro Zamboni as a Class III director to hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2028 and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Increasing authorized share capital and access to equity financings to facilitate strategic growth initiatives. Ratifying financing agreements to support the working capital needs of the Company, which also provide us with the opportunity to eliminate the market overhang relating to the outstanding preferred stock (which is now classified as a current liability) and extinguish liabilities to key vendors, all of which will strengthen the Company's financial position and make the Company more attractive to investors. 'This stockholder vote is a resounding endorsement of the strategic goals of our transformation plan commenced in early January ' remarked Alessandro Zamboni, Executive Chairman of NUBURU. 'With key components of our ongoing financing structure now in place, we will continue to devote our time and attention to consummating our previously announced strategic investment in Tekne S.p.A., which will be core to our Defense & Security Hub initiative.' The strategic investment in Tekne S.p.A. ('Tekne') remains central to NUBURU's Defense & Security Hub initiative, also by leveraging the Company's high-performance blue laser technology know-how alongside Tekne's product roadmap, which includes its 'Tactical Bubble' defense products, currently operational in Italian military exercises, projected to generate revenue exceeding €50 million. The Tactical Bubble enables secure command-and-control networks, countering threats like drones and electromagnetic warfare, and is a key part of Italy's defense modernization. Management notes that this vote was a pivotal step for NUBURU, allowing for a critical restructuring process and providing the necessary financial flexibility to support the Company's announced business plans. Mr. Zamboni, re-elected for another term as a Director by this vote, has been central to that process. Mr. Zamboni also continues in his role as Executive Chairman of the Company. The completion of the Tekne strategic investment is contingent, among things, upon obtaining the 'Golden Power' authorization as mandated by Italian law. The review process for such authorization is anticipated to conclude by August 5, 2025, unless suspensions are invoked as a result of additional requests for clarification issued by the Italian authorities. Such suspensions would legally extend the review timeline and could consequently defer the expected deadline. The vote also included stockholder authorization for a potential reverse split if necessary to meet major exchange listing standards. That said, management states it will prioritize minimizing stockholder dilution as market conditions allow. Zamboni continued, 'A reverse stock split is a non-priority unless required for driving long-term sustainable growth through improved market positioning. We prefer to focus instead on driving shareholder value through execution and strategic partnerships.' About NUBURU Founded in 2015, NUBURU, Inc. has developed and previously manufactured industrial blue laser technology. Under a renewed strategic vision led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, the Company is expanding into complementary sectors including defense-tech, security, and critical infrastructure resilience. NUBURU is leveraging a combination of internal innovation and strategic acquisitions to build out its Defense & Security Hub, targeting long-term, sustainable growth across high-value government and enterprise markets. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements, identified by words such as 'may,' 'should,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'predict,' 'plan,' 'seek,' 'targets,' 'projects,' 'could,' 'would,' 'continue,' 'forecast,' or their negatives or variations. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to: (1) the ability to meet security exchange listing standards; (2) the impact of the loss of the Company's patent portfolio through foreclosure; (3) failure to achieve expectations regarding business development and acquisition strategy; (4) inability to access sufficient capital; (5) inability to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (7) adverse economic, business, or competitive factors; (8) financial market volatility due to geopolitical and economic factors; and (9) other risks detailed in the Company's SEC filings, including its most recent Form 10-K or Form 10-Q. These filings address additional risks that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. NUBURU undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as required by law. Source: NUBURU, Inc.
Business Wire
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
NUBURU Advances Defense-Tech Transformation with Strategic Acquisitions and €50M Military Deployment
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU), a global leader in high-power blue laser technology, today announced significant progress in its strategic transformation, including developments within its planned Defense & Security Hub and key acquisitions. NUBURU, Inc. reports that the regulatory approval process for the acquisition of Tekne SpA ('Tekne') currently under review through Italy's Golden Power process is progressing positively and in line with expectations. NUBURU's team is working closely with the relevant Italian authorities, and current indications suggest a favorable outcome. Meanwhile, Tekne remains fully focused on its delivery plan, supporting, among its portfolio of clients, the Italian Ministry of Defense with pivotal technological solutions, with reference to its state-of-the-art "Tactical Bubble" systems, which are currently in full deployment. 'The Tactical Bubble is a next-generation battlefield system developed by Tekne and recognized by the Italian Armed Forces. It enables real-time communication, decision-making, and data sharing among military units, dramatically improving situational awareness and personnel safety in hostile environments,' said Alessandro Zamboni, Executive Chairman of NUBURU. 'This confirms that the targeted acquisition of Tekne will be a cornerstone of NUBURU's broader Defense & Security Hub strategy, which also includes the acquisition of a start-up Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance operational resilience across critical infrastructure and defense networks,' continued Mr. Zamboni. Designed to counter modern threats including hostile drones, cyber attacks, and electromagnetic warfare, the Tactical Bubble features integrated monitoring, identification, and countermeasure capabilities. It also establishes a robust, secure command-and-control network that supports fast, reliable mission execution in complex combat scenarios. Tekne's €50 Million Defense Project Under Full Deployment: Tekne continues to execute on its multi-phase contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense, focused on delivering its advanced 'Tactical Bubble' systems, which are now fully operational. This project - expected to generate over €50 million in revenue - was recently showcased during major military exercises, including 'Stella Alpina' and 'Scudo 25,' and is central to Italy's defense modernization efforts. Strengthening Position in Defense-Tech and Operational Resilience: NUBURU views the successful delivery of the Tactical Bubble system as a major validation of its strategy to expand into defense-tech, homeland security, and operational resilience sectors. These high-growth verticals are key to the group's broader transformation plan, which can also leverage the Company's leadership in high-performance laser applications into adjacent markets with long-term value potential. In parallel, NUBURU is moving forward with the completion of the due diligence and US GAAP/IFRS audit processes related to Tekne and the SaaS startup transaction. Both deals remain subject to customary regulatory review and stockholders approval. Commitment to Growth, Innovation, and Shareholder Value: NUBURU continues to invest in research and development to study the application of exponential technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (Agentic AI), and the business' synergies with the fintech solutions, by leveraging the recent strategic investment in the revolutionary inventory monetization platform powered by Supply@ME Capital Plc. Under the direction of Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, the Company is committed to executing its long-term transformation strategy, driving sustained growth through strategic partnerships, product innovation, and acquisition-led expansion. About NUBURU Founded in 2015, NUBURU, Inc. develops and manufactures industrial blue laser technology that transforms the speed and quality of laser-based manufacturing. Under a renewed strategic vision led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, the Company is expanding into complementary sectors including defense-tech, security, and critical infrastructure resilience. NUBURU is leveraging a combination of internal innovation and strategic acquisitions to build out its Defense & Security Hub, targeting long-term, sustainable growth across high-value government and enterprise markets. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including "may," "should," "expect," "intend," "will," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "plan," "seek," "targets," "projects," "could," "would," "continue," "forecast" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates, forecasts, and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Many factors may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from current expectations, including but are not limited to: (1) the ability to meet security exchange listing standards; (2) the impact of the loss of the Company's patent portfolio through the previously announced foreclosure; (3) failure to achieve expectations regarding business development and the Company's acquisition strategy; (4) the inability to access sufficient capital to operate; (5) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the initial business combination and the current transaction, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (6) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (7) adverse impacts of general economic, business, and competitive factors; (8) volatility in the financial system and markets caused by geopolitical and economic factors; and (9) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's most recent periodic report on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q and other documents filed with the SEC from time to time. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expected results. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The Rink at RBC Canadian Open is ready to rock. Will 2025 deliver the first hole-in-one?
The Rink at RBC Canadian Open is ready to rock. Will 2025 deliver the first hole-in-one? One year ago, during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open, Canadian golfer Mackenzie Hughes arrived at the par-3 13th hole at Hamilton Golf & Country Club and described the scene as pandemonium. Before he could hit his tee shot, the fans at The Rink, the hockey-themed hole wrapped in boards on both sides of the tee, goalie helmets as tee markers, a goal on the tee, and a Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine nearby, serenaded him with Canada's national anthem. 'The hair on the back of my neck stood up,' Hughes said. They sang 'Hey, Baby!' before Trace Crowe teed off and John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads,' in between groups, while Rory McIlroy was treated to a Ryder Cup-esque 'Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole!' When the pounding of hands slapping the boards slows down, there's organ music just like they used to play at the old Maple Leaf Gardens (now Scotiabank Arena) and DJ Summer Knocks, the official DJ of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs added some authenticity this year. The Rink, born eight years ago, might see its first hole-in-one It was a hare-brained idea that debuted eight years ago and is now part of the fabric of the RBC Canadian Open. This year, The Rink is slimmed down from 230 yards a year ago and is set up at the downhill, 144-yard par-3 14th hole at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Greater Toronto's Caledon, Ontario, and some players say this could be the year for the first hole in one at The Rink. 'It's on a shorter par-3 and there's a couple pin locations (including back left) where you could see an ace and hopefully a lot of birdies and give the fans something to cheer for and get loud for,' said Canadian pro Taylor Pendrith, who dunked one on just his third swing of the day during charity scramble last summer. Credit goes to the executive director of Golf Saskatchewan, who suggested a hockey-themed hole to combine Canada's most popular pastimes, golf and hockey. It debuted originally in 2017 at Glenn Abbey. The first year, rowdy fans lined the hockey-style boards, which replaced traditional roping, on one side of the seventh hole. The next year, at St. George's, the boards were positioned on both sides of the 16th hole, which created a different vibe, and it just keeps growing with a double-decker tent lining the left side of the hole last year. Former RBC Canadian Open tournament director Bryan Crawford told PGA "I don't think anybody could have dreamed when that idea was brought forward that it would have grown to what it is today.' Shades of TPC Scottsdale's 16th hole It creates an electric atmosphere that is shades of the infamous 16th at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course during the WM Phoenix Open, only these fans tend to be buzzed rather than three sheets to the wind and while they slap the boards and singalong to their heart's content, it becomes quiet enough to hear a pin drop before a player tees off. "They get it," two-time RBC Canadian Open champion Rory McIlroy once said. So, too, do the pros, who have bought into putting a slice of Canada's national pastime into the act, wearing their favorite hockey jersey. Mike Weir has worn a Detroit Red Wings jersey. Dustin Johnson, a past champion before departing to LIV, used to rock an Edmonton Oilers jersey of his father-in-law, 'The Great One,' Wayne Gretzky. Former touring pro Graham DeLaet used to sport a Calgary Flames jersey. Three years ago, Golf Canada introduced The Rink at the Canadian Women's Open, with Brooke Henderson donning a sweater of her hometown Ottawa Senators and Nelly Korda a Chicago Blackhawks jersey, the team that her boyfriend played for at the time. And the players aren't the only ones dressing the part. The volunteer marshals rock the black-and-white vertical-striped shirts and black shorts resembling referees, and have dubbed the area around the tee "The Penalty Box." Just like at a hockey game, the fans booed and chanted 'Referees suck,' when one of them confiscated a plastic hockey puck that was being toss in the stands. It's fast become one of the more unique experiences at a professional golf tournament without feeling too contrived or the fans getting too out of control. 'On that Rink, there's like no space. It's just like the boards are right there on the tee and they're banging and they're screaming,' said Hughes, who wore a jersey as a tribute to a late friend last year. 'Walking on that tee, again, just a total hair-raising moment where, I mean, I'm trying to play it pretty cool, but inside I'm thinking this is really, really cool.'
