Browsing: general

Vinesh Phogat (Getty Images) NEW DELHI: India’s trailblazing wrestler Vinesh Phogat has officially reignited her Olympic journey. On Friday, the 31-year-old announced her return to competitive wrestling — ending her 18-month retirement with a powerful declaration that her “fire never left,†and that she is ready to chase her dream of stepping onto the Olympic podium at Los Angeles 2028.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Vinesh, who had retired in the aftermath of the Paris Olympics controversy, shared an emotional and introspective post on Instagram confirming her comeback. Her retirement had followed one of the most heartbreaking episodes in Indian sporting history: she reached the gold-medal bout in Paris, but was disqualified hours before the final for being 100 grams overweight, losing the opportunity to become the first Indian woman to fight for an Olympic wrestling gold.

Inside a championâ€s mind | ft. Shafali, Deepti and Saiyami | TOIâ€s Ideas for India

“For the first time in years, I allowed myself to breathe,†Vinesh wrote, describing how stepping away from the sport helped her confront the highs, heartbreaks and sacrifices of the past decade. “And somewhere in that reflection, I found the truth — I still love this sport. I still want to compete.â€She revealed the emotional reconstruction that happened during her time off the mat. “In that silence, I found something I’d forgotten — the fire never left. It was only buried under exhaustion and noise.†Vinesh’s comeback is also intertwined with a new chapter in her personal life. The Olympian, who won the Julana Assembly seat in 2024 before taking maternity leave, welcomed a baby boy in July 2025. This time, she says, she returns with her “biggest motivation†by her side. “My son is joining my team — my little cheerleader on this road to the LA Olympics.â€Her Olympic journey has been turbulent: forced withdrawal due to injury in Rio 2016, a shock early exit at Tokyo 2021 despite being world No. 1, and the devastating disqualification in Paris after defeating three continental champions en route to the final. Her appeal to UWW was rejected, and even her escalated plea to the Court of Arbitration for Sport could not overturn the decision.The emotional toll pushed her into retirement — but today marks a new beginning.With her comeback officially underway, Vinesh Phogat is set to rejoin the elite cadre of Indian athletes who have returned stronger after motherhood.

Source link

VANCOUVER — When play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse wondered Thursday for his Sportsnet audience if he had just felt an earthquake inside Rogers Arena, it seemed plausible that the Earth might simply crack open beneath the Vancouver Canucks and swallow them.

Already last in the National Hockey League, it would be the only way the Canucks could fall any lower. But then they lost 3-2 to the Buffalo Sabres, who are the worst team in the Eastern Conference and looked it on Thursday.

The Canucks are now lower than Death Valley, with one win in eight games and two in 12 and suddenly trailing the other 31 teams by daylight — three points adrift of the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators.

It was the Sabres†first road win in regulation time since last April.

This is the new low point for the Canucks. But check back soon because they open a five-game road trip Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.

On Thursday, the Canucks finally scored a couple of goals and broke a six-game power-play drought. And it didnâ€t matter. They got star goaltender Thatcher Demko back from a month-long injury, and that didnâ€t change the outcome of the game. They still lost.

The Canucks outshot the Sabres 32-15, including 12-2 in the third period when high-danger scoring chances were 7-1, but couldnâ€t get a third puck past goalie Alex Lyon.

“Right now, or any day, it’s the NHL,†Canucks goal-scorer Max Sasson said when asked about the Basement Bowl. “But obviously, we know that they’re at the bottom of the standings, and weâ€re at home in front of our fans. Weâ€ve got to find a way to win.

“It’s extremely hard. I thought the last three losses, I mean, I know it’s getting old saying it, but we (frickinâ€) dominate them. Especially tonight, it felt like we’re in their zone all game, and have Grade-A after Grade-A (scoring chance) and nothing’s going in. So it’s frustrating. Youâ€ve just got to think that if we keep playing like this, the tideâ€s going to turn and we’ll string together some wins.â€

The Canucks havenâ€t strung together two wins since Oct. 19. Theyâ€ll soon be at the two-month anniversary of their last winning streak.

But Sasson is correct: the Canucks have been frickin†outplaying teams recently while still frickin†losing.

They had one win in their four-game homestand and in the other losses they outshot the Detroit Red Wings 39-21 and the Utah Mammoth 33-18.

So, including the Buffalo game, the shots were 104-54 for the Canucks. And the score was 11-3 for their opponents. And the points in the standings for Vancouver were zero.

“Kind of weird, just because I feel like we’re playing… playing pretty good and creating lots of looks, but it just hasn’t gone for us,†Canucks captain Quinn Hughes said. “Youâ€ve got to stay positive knowing that weâ€re playing pretty good hockey. I think weâ€re actually in every game, for the most part, and getting quality looks. Just got to be positive about where our game is trending, but obviously you want a better result.â€

The Canucks augering their way to the bottom of the NHL, 2-8-1 since last “peaking” at .500, roughly coincides with the groin injury Demko suffered on Nov. 11. Amid a sea of Canucks injuries, itâ€s his absence that sank the team.

But any notions that the 2024 Vezina Trophy runner-up might suddenly produce his superpowers and instantly turn around the Canucks†season were shattered when Rasmus Dahlinâ€s heavy, unscreened one-timer went through Demko to make it 1-0 for the Sabres 7:36 into the game.

“Yeah, obviously, Iâ€m not super happy with that,†Demko told reporters afterwards. “I felt a little late on it, maybe a little slow. Maybe just trying to acclimate back to game speed. I mean, yeah, that’s one that I think that I can save.

“I’m not going to make any excuses about anything. I felt ready to play (but) definitely didn’t feel perfect tonight. Definitely need to be better.â€

With his first point in nine games, Kiefer Sherwood scuffed a loose puck through Lyon to tie it on a Vancouver power play with 14 seconds remaining in the opening period.

And when Sasson used a speed burst to skate onto Jake DeBruskâ€s pass and past Buffalo defenceman Bowen Byram, his shot between Lyonâ€s pads put the Canucks ahead at 6:15 of the middle period.

The lead lasted less than three minutes.

At 9:12, Buffaloâ€s giant sniper, Tage Thompson, had space in the high slot to drag the puck and change his shooting angle before whipping a wrist shot cleanly past Demkoâ€s blocker to make it 2-2.

And at 14:46 — after Filip Hronekâ€s penalty for pulling off Jack Quinnâ€s helmet in front of the Canuck net — Sabre Zach Benson scored his first goal of the season when he was given too much room in the slot by Brock Boeser and one-timed a low-to-high pass from Josh Doan past Demkoâ€s catching glove.

Buffalo had three goals in 13 shots in the first two periods, the same high yield that Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen allowed in Mondayâ€s 4-0 loss against the Wings.

The third period included point-blank chances for Boeser and Drew Oâ€Connor, a high-speed redirect by DeBrusk and a couple of six-on-five one-timers by Sherwood that were blocked.

“Yeah, it’s frustrating,†Sherwood said. “It’s kind of how things are going right now, but… we continue to fight till the end. Eventually, things are going to start to go our way if we keep playing the right way and keep out-working and dominating these teams for long spurts.

“I know it’s tough right now… but you can’t get dissuaded by the results, right? Like, those things sometimes are out of our control. We just try to focus on the process, and eventually things will go in. Obviously, we deserve (the win) tonight, but continue to fight for each other and build towards our identity.â€

“I mean, thereâ€s no sugar coating it,†Demko said. “It’s no fun when you’re not winning games. Unfortunately, itâ€s part of the job sometimes. Youâ€ve got to show up and youâ€ve got to stay working hard, and you have to do your best to do your job. That’s the reality we’re in right now. You know, the shipâ€s not going to turn itself around.â€

• Asked post-game about coach Adam Footeâ€s comments this week that “noise†regarding Hughes†future can be heard in the dressing room, the Canucks captain said: “I think guys are focused about themselves, too, and trying to get their own games going and trying to be productive and bring their best. I think at the end of the day, when guys are lacing up the skates, theyâ€re not necessarily thinking about me. They’re probably thinking about other things.â€

Source link

Battocletti became the first woman in championship history last year to win individual titles at U20, U23 and senior level. She looks primed to defend her title this year, but will face tough competition from Turkey’s Yasemin Can, although the 29-year-old is yet to find her earlier career form that saw her win four successive titles between 2016 and 2019.

Belgian Jana van Lent, Great Britain’s Megan Keith and Portugal’s Mariana Machado will all pose a threat to the title.

Jimmy Gressier has won golds in both the 10,000m at the World Championships and the half marathon at the European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven in 2025.

The world champion will be aiming to complete a set of three titles on three different surfaces this year in what will be his first appearance at the Cross Country Championships since 2021.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen was due to race for his fourth senior men’s title after winning gold in Antalya last December.

It’s been an injury-plagued 2025 season so far for the Norwegian, whose withdrawal this week came after previously announcing that he would return to competition where he made his debut as a 16 year-old.

Dominic Lobalu, of Switzerland, also poses a threat to Ingerbritsen’s title in the men’s race, with Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo and Ruben Querinjean of Luxembourg also in contention.

Source link

Zelina Vega joined her husband, Aleister Black, on-screen for his feud with Damian Priest on an edition of SmackDown in September. Since then, she has been instrumental in the rivalry by sending messages on Black’s behalf and ensuring Priest loses in his other matches.

However, a couple of weeks ago, Vega’s plans failed when her intimidation tactic at Damian Priest resulted in his reunion with his Terror Twin – Rhea Ripley. A mixed tag team match was made official for SmackDown this week.

NEXT WEEK

THE TERROR TWINS vs. ALEISTER BLACK & ZELINA

Looks like you messed with the wrong person, Aleister Black… 👀 pic.twitter.com/bmhE62xHnf

— WWE (@WWE) December 6, 2025

Zelina Vega Reveals Her Uncle Passed Away, Pens Heart-Melting Message

Recently, Zelina Vega shared that her Uncle, Michael Padilla, passed away. She penned a personal message citing his influence in her life and how he was always there for the important moments.

Zelina Vega tragically lost her father in the 9/11 attacks of 2001. She has often shared throwback moments with her father and immensely referenced him after WWE landmark wins and moments.

Vega wrote a detailed post reflecting on the wonderful memories with her uncle:

“This is a post I never thought Iâ€d have to make.. it still doesnâ€t feel real. How do I say goodbye to my Michael Michael? How do I combine the right words to describe how incredibly amazing he was? I canâ€t. lâ€ve tried to keep a happy face on for everyone and the obligations I have.. but lâ€m heartbroken. He was like a second father to me and I canâ€t believe we went from celebrating our birthday together last year to where we are today. I went thru losing my dad in 2001 to having the highest anxiety knowing that Iâ€ll have to say goodbye to you at the funeral on Sunday. I just feel so lost and without meaning.

Iâ€m so grateful that l had the BEST uncle a girl could ever hope for. You were there for me in times where no one else was nor would have understood. You supported my dreams and my god was I so excited to FaceTime you when I won the US championship. You cried and were so happy for me, you took pictures with the title belt and wrote about my match in PR at Backlash in your journal with pride.

Iâ€ll never get over how insanely cool you always were, from sleepovers, to bowling to Yankee games, to watching wrestling with me, to putting me on to STP, Elvis, Pearl Jam, Disturbed etc, to singing Plush with you every chance I could.. you were so loved and deserved so much more.

When I hear “MAH ADIDAS†Iâ€ll always think of you. I love the fact that I was the one who gave you that name Michael Michael (bc I couldnâ€t say uncle when I was little) and it stuck. Iâ€ll forever cherish that sweet 15 video of you telling me that I was more than your niece, I am your daughter. I knew that to be true from the beginning. I felt connected to you always.

The same day you passed, later that night we saved this adorable baby boy kitten off the highway, only 6 weeks old, super sweet, cool and fun, just like you.. so we gave him the middle name of Michael.

Iâ€m glad I got to sing Plush with you one more time, hug and kiss you and tell you I love you. Just like in the room, I didnâ€t want to leave, nor did I know how to end it.. so Iâ€ll just say this.. I wish I could have you forever. I love you, my Miko Miko. Rest In Paradise with Papa, Joey, my Dad, Eric and grandma.”

We at ITR Wrestling offer condolences to Zelina Vega and her family during this tough time.

Source link

EDMONTON — The Olympic dream still flickers for Zach Hyman, who has five goals in his last six games alongside the unstoppable Connor McDavid.

Hey, a flicker is better than where we were a few weeks ago, with Hyman waiting for the doctors to let him back into the lineup after dislocating his wrist in last springâ€s playoffs.

“I donâ€t even think about it anymore,†he said of the Olympic dream, answering questions after his sixth hat trick as an Oiler in a 4-1 win over Detroit. “It would be a massive honour … just to be in the conversation is an honour. To be at that (orientation) camp in the summer was an honour.â€

If the hands that scored 54 goals two seasons ago — and another 16 in the playoffs — havenâ€t fully returned for Hyman, he can see them from here. On Thursday, in a solid team win over a game Red Wings squad, Hyman did what heâ€s been paid to do ever since he came out West from Toronto:

He buried three passes from McDavid: a re-direct from the blue paint; a one-time snipe from the slot, and an empty netter to put Detroit out of its misery.

McDavid closed the night with four primary assists in the 4-1 win, and we know heâ€ll be in Milan for the Games.

If Hyman catches fire and becomes the same triggerman for McDavid that heâ€s been in past years, is it fantasy to say that the Team Canada brain trust would see value in bringing him to Italy, the way they brought Chris Kunitz to play alongside Penguins teammate Sidney Crosby back in 2014?

“Obviously Iâ€m biased, but I think all of our Oiler guys should be in the conversation,†McDavid said.

There is some value in the chemistry McDavid and Hyman have forged over the years.

For every Gretzky thereâ€s a Kurri, for every Trottier a Bossy.

Somehow, the inside game Hyman plays meshes perfectly with McDavid’s many strengths. McDavid tends to draw defenders away from the net front and out of position, while Hyman has mastered the art of finding the soft spots that are left unattended.

Heâ€s the net front bag man for the gameâ€s best attacking forward. Itâ€s a match made in heaven.

“It’s just a mentality,†Hyman said. “For me, Iâ€m around the net, so youâ€re at the net to score. Youâ€re at the net to try and get open — not just getting tied up. Thereâ€s so many little things that go into getting open and trying to score than just the puck hitting your stick and it going in. You really have to work when you donâ€t have the puck.â€

Suddenly, Edmonton has found stability in its lineup, starting with a Top 6 that has remained the same through a 3-1-1 homestand that has produced a far more recognizable team than weâ€d seen even two weeks ago.

McDavid has been furnished with his familiar wingers: Hyman on the right side and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the left. Leon Draisaitl gets Vasily Podkolzin and — with Jack Roslovic injured — the feisty Matt Savoie on his right side.

That allows the Bottom 6 to stabilize as well, and lo and behold, you end up with a team that has the ability to repeat its performances night after night, a prerequisite of consistent play.

“It’s so important,†began McDavid. “We’ve been flip-flopping (line combinations) like crazy all year long, and just to get some stability throughout the lineup… It’s not easy to build chemistry. It’s not something that happens overnight.

“To have a little bit of continuity, lines that can start to meet, and talk, and figure out where each other are going to be. I think you’re starting to see that.â€

Evan Bouchard gave his team 24:34 of solid defensive play Thursday. The penalty kill was perfect in two chances. Stuart Skinner was outstanding in goal.

When all the parts begin to do what theyâ€re supposed to, you get a team that can find some mojo, grabbing seven of the last eight points available on this homestand.

“Itâ€s an insanely competitive league,†said Skinner, his save percentage climbing back up to .891 on the season (.913 since Nov. 22). “Every team is finding ways to win and climbing up the ladder in the standings. For us to get a few wins here was really important. Especially on a homestand, you want to bank as many as you can.â€

OIL SPILLS —With two assists Draisaitl edged closer to 1,000 career points. He has 996 … Mattias Ekholm scored a goal to stretch his points streak to four games (1-4-5) … Andrew Mangiapane was dropped to the fourth line Thursday, swapping spots with Trent Frederic, who moved up to Line 3 … After calling up Max Jones Thursday, head coach Kris Knoblauch said theyâ€ll have a defenceman from Bakersfield meet the team in Toronto.

Source link

Matt Cardona is out, and Santino Marella is in for the WWE NXT vs. TNA steel cage match on the December 18 Impact episode.

Cardona was the victim of a post-match attack at the hands of Lexis King and Stacks from NXT in an angle on this week’s Impact show, with it later announced that Cardona will be replaced by authority figure Santino Marella for the TNA vs. NXT steel cage match set for next week’s episode.

Marella and Stacks are at the center of the current NXT vs. TNA angle, with Stacks engaged to Marella’s daughter Arianna Grace.

It was also revealed on Impact that the steel cage match will have rules similar to WarGames, with the King vs. Cardona match on Impact deciding the order of entry advantage for next week.

Newly announced for the December 18 Impact, a battle royal will be held with the winner earning a TNA World title shot on the first Impact of 2026.

A tag team bout with Knockouts World Champion Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside taking on Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore is also on tap for the December 18 episode.

TNA Impact, Thursday, December 18 —

• Steel cage match: Team WWE NXT (Lexis King, Stacks, Brooks Jensen, Tyson Dupont, Tyriek Igwe) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Steve Maclin, Santino Marella)
• Battle royal for a TNA World title shot on the first Impact of 2026
• Angel Warriors (Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside) vs. Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore

Exclusive access to podcasts and newsletters

Ethan Renner

An F4WOnline Editor since 2019, Ethan has been covering wrestling and MMA since 2011. He has hosted The Wrestling Life Podcast since 2014, and is a former Baltimore Sun TV/Tribune Media contributor. He is also a Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles fan.

previous story

Source link

• Devils trying to get business done
• Why the cap isn’t likely to rise more than projected
• Fate of the Olympics is with the players

Letâ€s open with a few thoughts on Quinn Hughes. Everything I think I know and admissions on what I donâ€t.

WEâ€RE HERE SOONER THAN EXPECTED

Back at the NHL/NHLPA media tour in Vegas, Hughes deflected questions about his future, stating his sole concern was getting off to a good start. Everyone — including both Hughes and the Canucks — thought weâ€d see how this season went, and go from there. Unfortunately, the Canucks arenâ€t anywhere near where they hoped, and recently let teams know they were willing to discuss their veterans.

That wasnâ€t supposed to be about Hughes, but, as Brian Burke said in 2005 after not realizing Joe Thorntonâ€s availability until too late: if you snooze, you lose. So they asked. Rutherfordâ€s reputation for moving early put other GMs on alert. Plus, you donâ€t want to move your best assets elsewhere if Hughes is what you crave.

Before they were really prepared to, the Canucks had to consider an acquisition cost. And, Hughes had to wrap his head around the fact he might not finish the season in the Lower Mainland. There were rumours Hughes informed the Canucks last summer he wouldnâ€t re-sign, but this has been ferociously denied by multiple sources. I donâ€t think he was expecting this when the puck dropped in October.

This is what Iâ€m least certain about. Vancouver has to get this right. Iâ€ve heard the ask is very high, as it should be. One exec told me it is “outrageous.†I replied, “Probably not outrageous enough.†He laughed.

A young, impactful centre is very important to them. A deal is not impossible without one, but it will require something special to offset that desire. I got a few notes wondering if Detroit was “hiding†Marco Kasper Monday in Vancouver as a winger, but, as a lefty, he splits faceoffs with righty Nate Danielson, depending on where it is. That game, he took six and Danielson four.

Not impossible they wait until the draft, preferring no deal than a bad deal. But all of this noise exists for a reason. Talks are underway.

I always believe there are teams I donâ€t see. This is Quinn Hughes, for Godâ€s sake. Who wouldnâ€t want him?

New Jersey is obvious. Iâ€ve been on Detroit for a while. Washington is around, but I donâ€t think the Canucks can snare the Capitals†best young players. I know thereâ€ve been suggestions about the Rangers, but I donâ€t see the trade match. Philadelphia doesnâ€t have the centre, so what else can the Flyers come up with? I mentioned Pittsburgh, but a few sources pooh-poohed this brainstorm.

Team I always assume tries: Carolina.

This, however, ignores the entire Western Conference. You know who has a lot of picks and prospects? Utah. Which brings us to…

HOW MUCH SAY DOES HUGHES HAVE?

This is a multi-layered question.

Hughes does not have no-trade or no-move protection. Therefore, the Canucks can trade him anywhere they wish, and have indicated they are prepared to do just that. While itâ€s believed Hughes prefers East long-term, the Canucks could send him West if one of those teams stepped up and took a chance.

Of course, thereâ€s no tampering in the NHL, but you can be certain any landing spot will want an idea if it appeals to the 2024 Norris Trophy winner. A few teams believe Washington, depending on the price, would consider a two-year stay, because thereâ€d be something very special about another Stanley Cup run while Alexander Ovechkin remains a Capital.

Again, I always ask myself what I donâ€t see.

Thereâ€s one option we havenâ€t considered: the Canucks canâ€t extend Hughes until July 1, but nothing prevents them from talking to him. They could promise eight years at a monster number. It would require Hughes committing for a few more seasons, with the understanding that if he doesnâ€t like what he sees at a certain point, he would be moved.

On Sept. 15, 2026, new CBA contract rules kick-in, with maximum term dropping to seven years and tighter limits on bonus payments. Youâ€d think, if Hughes is traded, heâ€d get an extension before then, but itâ€s not guaranteed. And, if Vancouver holds him into next year, he might not get one until the rules change.

My only question is if this would work. Hughes might not get what the Canucks are willing to do somewhere else, but heâ€s still going to be handsomely paid. If he doesnâ€t believe in whatâ€s around him, I donâ€t see this working.

A lot of variables, no doubt. Which path is really the Canucks†choice.

1. Best quote from the Board of Governors: Was talking with an executive about how close the standings are. I said there used to be a joke about long-time NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle wanting pure parity, every team at 8-8. “We donâ€t have parity,†the governor said, deadpan. “We have Gar-ity,†a nod to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Iâ€m still laughing.Â

2. On the Devils: they are legitimately trying to get business done, but to add, they have to subtract. If the team they are trading with isnâ€t willing to take back salary, they must find other options — which they are trying to do. There are several no-trade or modified no-trade clauses, harder to thread the needle. Thatâ€s why I believe things got out, they have hands in a few different places. (And all the best to Timo Meier, away for family reasons.)

3. In addition to Tristan Jarry, I believe the Oilers poked around Alex Lyon. Not as seriously as Jarry, but it was there. One thing I should have mentioned last Saturday about Jarry, in addition to Pittsburghâ€s unwillingness to eat salary, is that the Penguins†surprise addition to the Eastern Conference race gives them less motivation for an in-season sale. Not impossible, but not as high a priority.Â

4. Also with Pittsburgh: the Hoffman familyâ€s exclusive window to purchase the Penguins has expired. Doesnâ€t mean the sale canâ€t (or wonâ€t) happen — I’ve heard they are still pushing to close — but the process is once again open to other bids.Â

5.I had several sources indicate Los Angeles is not inclined to deal Phillip Danault without very good reason, because it is so hard to find centres. No matter his current struggles now, heâ€s been very good for the Kings in the playoffs, despite their inability to climb the Edmonton mountain.Â

6. Those looking for a middleman are keeping a closer watch on Anaheimâ€s Ryan Strome. Delayed start to the season, in-and-out of the lineup. Ducks surging, is there a spot for him? If not, there will be interest.Â

7. Some other names to keep an eye on as they fight for lineup time: Maxim Tsyplakov (Islanders) and Matias Maccelli (Toronto). Iâ€m surprised at Tsyplakov, I think thereâ€s a good player there. He had a strong NHL debut in 2024-25, but struggled to start this year and was squeezed out of the now-deeper Long Island lineup. Thankfully, Patrick Roy said Bo Horvatâ€s injury isnâ€t serious, so there may be a short window for Tsyplakov re-establish himself, but I heard other teams are poking around.

Maccelli, unfortunately, hasnâ€t been a fit for the Maple Leafs. I donâ€t believe they were the only team who looked at him in the summer, so some of those clubs may circle back.Â

8. It probably wonâ€t happen until Jaden Schwartz returns, but keep an eye on Seattleâ€s Mason Marchment. Heâ€s another one who had several pursuers that could re-visit trading for him.Â

9. Itâ€s very clear now the fate of the highly-anticipated, long-awaited 2026 Olympic menâ€s hockey tournament is with the players. As Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Monday, “If players feel the ice is unsafe, then weâ€re not going to play.â€

We know this: if the event was being played on a surface made of pancakes and syrup, the players would shrug and compete pedal to metal. The Olympics matter to them. They fought for it in this CBA, more of a priority to them than many financial issues. And, we all know what physical punishment they will ignore in games of high-consequence.

This whole situation reminds of the 2003 Montreal/Edmonton Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium. It was so cold and the ice so brittle that the late Bob Goodenow told the players they had the option not to play. Led by captains Saku Koivu and Jason Smith, the two teams felt cancellation was not an option and agreed to make it a no-hitter. The show was so successful that outdoor games are a yearly event.

The most interesting voice will be NHLPA assistant Executive Director Ron Hainsey, who said last weekend that “the health and safety of our players while playing on any ice surface will not be compromised.†During his 1,132 NHL games, Hainsey fought hard for player rights, so if he gets to Milan and thinks the ice is dangerous…weâ€ve got a serious problem. But, hearing Daly say what he did convinced me more than ever only an absolutely epic screwup of historic proportions will prevent this tournament from happening — because the players will make it work.Â

10. My attitude there will be: no matter what happens, Iâ€m going to enjoy it. That said, you can feel the frustration, concern, and anger among the league/governors, who feel they were given more empty promises than a parent asking a teenager to clean their room. Whatâ€s happened is “laughable, but not funny,†one said. Even those who support NHL participation “because of the big picture†are shaking their heads.

Then-Ottawa GM John Muckler always felt Dominik Hasekâ€s 2006 Turin injury cost the Senators the Stanley Cup. The Islanders were furious at John Tavares†2014 broken leg. The construction delays increase their worries of a 2026 version ruining this season. Part of the deal the NHL made with the International Olympic Committee was that team owners received tickets and access to the games. Daly said Monday the league also learned that Hockey House — for hospitality — wonâ€t exist at all. Itâ€s a smaller thing, but part of the overall annoyance. Hopefully, on Feb. 22, when the gold medals are awarded, we are celebrating such a phenomenal tournament we will laugh at how concerned we were.Â

11.Teams certainly sound like they donâ€t want the cap raised from the targeted $104M in 2026-27. If revenues continue at the current pace (Bettman said between $6.8-$6.9B in US dollars), there would be room to rise. But, now it appears they would rather send a “top-up†payment to the players (to ensure the revenue split is 50/50) rather than raise the cap. Thatâ€s new, but it shows how much they are wary of the rapidly-rising ceiling — even with new revenue-sharing rules to help the middle-class.

12. Okay, now we arrive at hand-pass craziness, which has only gotten worse this week. Iâ€m very impressed the Situation Room remembered a 2024 Yegor Sharangovich score as precedent for why the puck hitting Brad Marchandâ€s glove should not erase the goal that started Floridaâ€s 7-6 comeback against Columbus. But, itâ€s not right the Blue Jackets were penalized.

Two days after the Lightningâ€s tying goal against Pittsburgh was erased, how could Dean Evason not challenge? Is it reasonable for him to remember something from 13 months ago? Within 10 seconds of Floridaâ€s goal being ruled good, one GM texted, “Letâ€s see you explain this one.†In fairness, there are some who felt that if the puck deflects backwards, thatâ€s not a hand-pass. Anyways, I think replay rules should be amended, and a wrong challenge on your first attempt should not be penalty. There are too many inconsistencies, too many plays — especially goaltender interference — that look similar and are ruled differently. You get one freebie. Second miss (and on from there), bench minor.

Some coaches feel very strongly there should be no penalty ever, that it should simply be about getting it right, but, then replay gets used as a tactic, an extra timeout to slow opponent momentum. Thatâ€s awful to watch, too. But too many people who watch too much hockey cannot differentiate between too similar plays. Maybe thatâ€s life in a judgement-call world, but I donâ€t feel anymore it should be an automatic penalty on first offence.Â

13. As for hand-passes themselves, there has to be a better way to define them. Montrealâ€s winning goal in Buffalo on Remembrance Day 2024 counted because the puck hit Mike Mathesonâ€s glove when he was reaching with his stick. He wasnâ€t trying to use his hand, it just hit him there. Maybe itâ€s that simple: if you try to play the puck, itâ€s no goal no matter where it goes.

The great Lou Nanne suggested allowing players to use their hands everywhere, since it’s already allowed in the defensive zone. Iâ€m not as crazy about that idea. Iâ€d actually prefer no hand passes anywhere, but was reminded the league would rather not have more whistles blowing play dead when defenders do this under pressure — because they will.

14. As promised, the NHL did warn teams about players not wearing helmets as mandated for pregame warmups. (Exemptions: players in the league before 2019-20 and rookie laps.) Clubs were notified of $25,000 fines to either them or the head coach for a first offence, increasing “exponentially for each successive violation.â€

15. The NHL said it would announce 2028 World Cup venues sometime after the Olympics. Vegas was one of the bidders. It makes a lot of sense for what the league and NHLPA are going for. Biggest challenge: in the past, they have said they donâ€t like a Western North American location when teams are coming from Europe for the final rounds. Really long travel. Extra few hours.Â

• 
• 32 Thoughts: The Podcast

  Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.

  Latest episode

16. Idea that may make sense to only me: Canada names Adin Hill to its initial Olympic roster. Hillâ€s earliest return date was Christmas, which is unlikely. So they name him, and replace him with someone else who steps up — or continues to play well — in January. Maybe Hill comes back and keeps the job himself. Of course, Canada could just name Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson right away.Â

17. Went to Washington on Wednesday to do a piece on Tom Wilsonâ€s bid for a Team Canada berth. Boy, are his teammates and the Capitals organization lining up in support of him. Whenever we enter a post-Ovechkin world, very good chance Wilson is the Capitals†next captain. His brother Jamie is a huge Blue Jays fan. After they lost the World Series, Tom texted condolences. Jamie didnâ€t respond for days. Many Canadians can identify with that.Â

18.John Carlson — without a second of pause — destroyed any rumours about retiring. “No chance.â€

19. Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis, asked if heâ€d called Jon Cooper on behalf of Nick Suzuki: “I pleaded my case in the summer.â€

20. Teammate Luke Gazdic did a segment on a recent Canadiens broadcast praising Cole Caufield because he doesnâ€t stick-handle a ton. “Catch and release. Trusts the puck,†Luke said. Asked about that last weekend, St. Louis said he thinks many young players “stickhandle too much.†He prefers lacrosse-style, always in position to shoot. He also pointed to Nikita Kucherov, saying heâ€s always got his stick in a place where it is dangerous.

21. Toronto promised to be very careful with Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildebyâ€s strong performance gave them room to breathe. He could play as soon as this weekend, and if not, early next week. But they wonâ€t push him too hard as he returns, again.

22. Have mentioned a few times now that the NHL wants to increase its footprint into Germany. Edmonton (Leon Draisaitl) vs. Ottawa (Tim Stutzle) makes too much sense not to happen. In his Board of Governors interview with Kyle Bukauskas, Senators owner Michael Andlauer sure made it sound like thatâ€s as inevitable as Thanos.

23. For record-keeping purposes, percentage of teams to make the playoffs who held a spot on American Thanksgiving, post-COVID; 75 per cent in 2021-22, 2023-24 and 2024-25; 81.3 per cent in 2022-23.Â

24. Another note about how close NHL games are: a couple of weeks ago, a friend did a calculation of what every teamâ€s record would look like if we still had ties. The NHL record is 24, set by the 1969-70 Flyers. He found 11 teams en route to break it, and 11 more “just off the pace.†Â

25. Through Wednesday, Sidney Crosby is on-pace for 51 goals. Now 38, he has a chance to break Alexander Ovechkinâ€s record as the NHLâ€s oldest 50-goal scorer. The Great Eight was almost 37 when he did it in 2021-22.

26. As I write this Thursday night, Nathan MacKinnon is plus-38. Only one player since 1986-87 has reached the Top-50 for a single-season plus/minus in NHL history. Thatâ€s Johnny Gaudreau, plus-64 in 2021-22, tied for 45th place. Brad Park (1971-72), Al Sims (1973-74), Mike Bossy (1978-79) and Brian Engblom (1980-81, better broadcaster than a defenceman) are in a four-way tie for 47th at plus-63. MacKinnon has a shot at that extremely rare air. Bobby Orr holds the record, a ridiculous plus-124 in 1970-71.

27.I’ve had a few debates about Mark Stoneâ€s Olympic candidacy, mainly because of the injuries. The smaller ice makes him more of a lock for me. Plus, heâ€s got 24 points in 14 games. He leads the NHL in points-per-game at 1.71, slightly ahead of MacKinnon.

28. Some good podcast Thoughtline help this week. One listener asked if the Olympic break counted towards the 75 days necessary between trades, allowing a playerâ€s contract to be eligible for double-retention. We checked with the NHL, and were told the answer is yes. Anyone moved before the Dec. 20 Christmas freeze can have retention a second time. If that pause in the schedule did not count, no one traded now would qualify.Â

29. Detroitâ€s 1-0 goal last Saturday in Seattle was Emmitt Finnie from Nate Danielson and Axel Sandin-Pellika. Several Red Wings fans asked if that was the first time in NHL history three players from the same draft combined for a goal in their Rookie season. Great question. Shockingly, it was the 10th. (I would have guessed it happened, like, three times.) The last was Dec. 13, 2006 in a game Philadelphia lost 8-4 to Pittsburgh: Ryan Potulny from Stefan Ruzicka and Alexandre Picard.

30. The excellent Florida broadcaster, Steve Goldstein, has a son, Jake, who spent four years as a team manager for Western Michiganâ€s hockey program. He then went to grad school at St. Thomas University in Miami, which decided to start a hockey program at the club level. They will play out of the Panthers†practice facility and Jake is running things. If youâ€re interested in playing, email him at JGoldstein@stu.edu. Iâ€m always happy to spread the hockey gospel and why not play where you can get a tan?

31. Shoutout to Eli Pulver from Vancouver, the backup to Daniel Hauser at NCAA Wisconsin. An old friendâ€s son, Eli beat then-No. 1 Michigan State 5-4 and 2-1 on back-to-back nights in his first career starts at the end of November.Â

32. When I left the Fan in 1997, Eric Smith took over from me on the Raptors beat. He did a far superior job than me, for sure, and has now written a great book We The Raptors about 30 of the players heâ€s covered throughout the teamâ€s 30-year history. He has a great story in there about Doug Christieâ€s daughter wanting Michael Jordanâ€s autograph after Toronto beat the Bulls, and he initially says no, because Pat Riley taught him thatâ€s not what you do. Of course, Christie relents, because itâ€s his daughter. Weâ€re all suckers for our kids.Â

Source link

It takes a lot for cricketers to be left starstruck by other cricketers.

It is the morning of the second day of the second Ashes Test. John Aiken is chatting in the courtyard of a Brisbane hotel when he is spotted by two former England spinners – Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley.

Tuffers asks for a video to send to his wife and her friends. Hartley gets a selfie to put in the girls’ WhatsApp group.

All standard stuff. As a relationship expert on Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS), Aiken is one of the most recognisable TV personalities in the country. If you’ve not seen it, the show does exactly what it says on the tin – strangers are matched then meet at the moment their wedding begins.

There are numerous versions, including in the UK, but it is the Australian brand that has a cult following across the globe.

But here’s the thing. Neither Tufnell nor Hartley are aware they have just met a former first-class cricketer.

Aiken, a left-handed opening batter, had an 11-year career on the New Zealand domestic scene between 1990 and 2001. His Wikipedia page has the heading “John Aiken (cricketer)”.

“I’ve kept in contact with a lot of the Black Caps that I played with as I was growing up,” Aiken tells BBC Sport.

“I’ve stayed in touch with Mark Richardson, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Craig McMillan.

“What’s strange now is they see me as the guy from MAFS, not so much the left-hander who played for Wellington.”

Aiken is now 55. His post-cricket career has made him a household name in Australia. The day before, he was in the crowd at the Gabba and approached by a man in a “pink Hawaiian shirt” wanting to know about the 13th series of Married at First Sight, due to air in the new year.

Almost four decades ago, Aiken was taking his first steps in professional cricket. Born in Sydney, he moved to New Zealand at the age of 12 and made his way through the Wellington system.

In 1989, he was alongside Cairns, Harris and Adam Parore in a New Zealand Under-19s team that toured England to take on a home side including Mark Ramprakash, Dominic Cork and Darren Gough. Aiken even got to taste playing at Lord’s.

“Nick Knight put us to the sword every single time we faced him,” says Aiken.

Six months later, Aiken was making his first-class debut for Wellington. He made 156 not out against Canterbury at the famous Lancaster Park in Christchurch.

“I was a bit more conservative than the likes of Ben Duckett, Michael Slater or Matthew Hayden,” says Aiken. “If I was playing today I’d have to change my game and be more attacking.

“The one thing that held me back was that I would over-analyse pretty much everything. I’d be up at night in front of the mirror, shadow batting, all that sort of thing.”

Aiken combined his early years as a professional cricketer with studying for a master’s degree in clinical and community psychology. Though he graduated at the age of 25 and psychology would eventually become his life, Aiken’s first ambition was to play cricket for New Zealand.

He thinks he got “close”, but never managed the weight of runs to earn a black cap.

Instead, there were brushes with greatness in domestic cricket. New Zealand legends Martin Crowe and Stephen Fleming were team-mates at Wellington and an opponent was left-arm spinner and current Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori. “He landed it on a handkerchief,” says Aiken.

Aiken regularly played against touring international teams and was run out in a one-day game by South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes, probably the best fielder of all time.

“Any day of the week it was an easy single,” says Aiken. “I hit it into the gap, I said, yes, easy one. He ran me out by half the pitch.”

When Aiken left Wellington to join Auckland, he came up against a West Indies team including the great Brian Lara.

“We had a meeting the night before and we just said: ‘Nobody say anything to Brian Lara,” recalls Aiken. “We greet him as Mr. Lara. We are polite. And if he gets bored, he may get out early. We all know that if you sledge him, he’s likely to get 400.

“So sure enough, he walks out. ‘Hello Mr Lara, how was your stay? How’s it going?’ It was delightful. He must have pumped our opening bowler out of the ground twice, then hit one up in the air and he was out. We all just breathed an immense sigh of collective relief.”

Another opponent was a young wicketkeeper-batter from Otago called Brendon McCullum – now a MAFS watcher, on orders of Australian wife Elissa.

“Anyone from Otago, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up because they’re going to come hard at you,” says Aiken.

“He had a style where he was going to really make a name for himself right from the word go. I don’t know him very well, but he doesn’t seem someone who worries too much about what others have to say.”

By the age of 30, Aiken realised the dream of international cricket was fading. After a season playing club cricket in the UK for Yorkshire side Gomersal, he called time on his playing career.

He registered a pair in his final first-class match, in February 2001. Aiken ended with four hundreds in 46 first-class matches, averaging just under 29. He made another ton in 39 List A matches.

Seven years later, Aiken moved back to Australia and set up his own private practice “seeing couples, singles, and minding my own business”. He had dabbled in some slots as a relationship expert in daytime TV, but it was an email he received in 2014 that would change his life.

Aiken was invited to audition for Married at First Sight and got the role. More than 11 years on, the show will air its 13th series in Australia in January and will follow in the UK in the spring. It is an Australian phenomenon, probably behind only children’s cartoon Bluey as the current biggest TV export from this country.

The fascination of the show is not only whether two strangers can fall in love, but also the interactions of 12 different couples – usually with fiery consequences.

“It is unscripted, it is real and it is authentic, and you don’t know what they’re going to do,” says Aiken.

It is Aiken’s role to guide the couples and “hold them to account”. The tongue-lashings he delivers are up there with the most entertaining parts of the show. Quite a character swerve from the opening batter who over-analysed himself in front of the mirror.

“I’m not inside my head when I’m in MAFS and doing my role,” says Aiken. “When I was playing cricket I was inside my head.

“Over-analysing things generally slows you down and in cricket, if you’re thinking about your technique all the time, I found that it would ultimately lead you to getting out and feeling insecure about your game.

“TV is about getting there and just dealing with whatever’s in front of you, call it out and just roll with it. I feel like I’m much more relaxed in the world of media than I was when I was playing cricket.”

In terms of his two distinct careers, Aiken says the “excitement” of Married at First Sight has the edge over the “anxiety” of opening the batting, and he would not exchange his place on the MAFS couch for a coveted New Zealand black cap.

“Cricket gave me some great moments, but I wasn’t able to flourish, to sit back and enjoy the ride,” says Aiken.

“On Married at First Sight that’s all that I do. MAFS is something that just has given me such joy.

“And you know what? It can work. Strangers can fall in love. This year we have some love among the chaos.”

Source link

The first matches for TNA Wrestling’s first pay-per-view of 2026 are official, including a World title rematch.

TNA made two matches for the Saturday, January 17 Genesis event official during this week’s Impact episode, including Frankie Kazarian defending the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana. The World title bout is a rematch from the November 13 Impact episode where Kazarian defeated Santana for the gold in what was ostensibly his first title defense, a bout with Ryan Nemeth that went to a no contest moments before notwithstanding.

In another bout for Genesis, JDC will take to the ring for what is billed as his retirement match against his The System stablemate Eddie Edwards.

Genesis takes place from Garland, Texas on Saturday, January 17 on TNA Plus and pay-per-view.

TNA Genesis, Saturday, January 17, 2026 —

• TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian defends against Mike Santana
• JDC retirement match: JDC vs. Eddie Edwards

Exclusive access to podcasts and newsletters

Ethan Renner

An F4WOnline Editor since 2019, Ethan has been covering wrestling and MMA since 2011. He has hosted The Wrestling Life Podcast since 2014, and is a former Baltimore Sun TV/Tribune Media contributor. He is also a Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles fan.

previous story

Source link

90 seconds on the clock. 10 football questions to answer. We’re back with another Quickfire Quiz.

You’ve smashed our latest Quickfire Quiz. Ready to step up to a whole different level? We’ve gathered some of our trickiest brainteasers that we know you’ll enjoy too, all available courtesy of Kwizly. Let’s see what you’ve really got.

FourFourTwo’s Big Badge Quiz asks you to name 100 club and country crests from all over the world of football, and we have an equally difficult quiz about unique Premier League nationalities.

You may like

Our Premier League spot the ball recalls 10 famous and infamous moments in England’s top flight. Maybe it’s because you’re a Londoner that you’ll enjoy our London derby quiz focused on Arsenal and Chelsea.

We’re also off to Bavaria to ask you to name Bayern Munich’s top 25 Champions League appearance makers, and to the jungle for a laugh as well.

Get the FourFourTwo Ultimate Quiz Book

We also have specific Arsenal quizzes, Chelsea quizzes, Liverpool quizzes and Manchester United quizzes, as well as an especially difficult challenge to name the Premier League players with the most appearances for a single club.

Have you tried FourFourTwo’s Dating Game? Our daily challenge asks you to guess the year of a significant football event in six tries or fewer. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get more quizzes direct to your inbox daily.

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Source link