The Hockey News Jul. 20, 2020 - Playoff Preview

FISHING IS NOT MY thing, but I get the allure. The serenity, the nature, the adrenaline rushes. Laws protect fish populations via catch-and-release, but I know the creatures are often returned home out of compassion. But what to do when you hook the truly big one? Do you keep it and eat it, mount it as a trophy, or set it free? Occasionally, we’re faced with similar philosophical questions when we receive tips on hockey-related stories. Sometimes the answers are obvious, sometimes our ethics are tested. This summer, on back-to-back days, we had to look inward before moving forward. First, senior writer Ken Campbell learned of a class-action lawsuit filed by Dan Carcillo and Garrett Taylor against the CHL, OHL, QMJHL, WHL and their 60 teams. Ken promptly tried to get the…

Dear readers, In a story that was published towards the end of June, the New York Times reported a growing number of advertisers are boycotting social media and that “the primary target” is Facebook. The article said there is unease among some marketers with how Facebook handles “misinformation and hate speech.” The Anti-Defamation League keeps a running list of advertisers that are withholding their dollars from social media platforms at StopHateForProfit.org. Among the companies listed is Ford, a decades-long and valued advertiser with The Hockey News. Our readers, and advertisers such as Ford, support independent and responsible journalism with every dollar they invest in our brand. Again, I’d like to extend our thanks to all of you. Without this support, The Hockey News would not exist. Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets provide…

NEVER HAS HOCKEY culture encountered an icy bucket of water to the face quite like the 2019-20 season. It started with the ousting of longtime Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Don Cherry after he made anti-immigrant comments during a live telecast in November. It changed forever a couple weeks later when former NHLer Akim Aliu came forward about racist treatment years earlier at the hands of coach Bill Peters, who resigned from the Calgary Flames in the days that followed. And that was just the beginning. New York Rangers prospect K’Andre Miller was victimized by a hate-crime attack, repeatedly pelted with the N-word during a live video chat with fans in April. Then, the war on racism transcended hockey when George Floyd was killed in Minnesota. That incident, along with the death…

ROBIN LEHNER >VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS FANS VOTED LEHNER and artist Dave Gunnarsson’s mask collaboration the NHL’s best last season, and similar themes remain for this sharp new lid after Lehner was dealt to Vegas. The demons, which symbolize Lehner’s battle with bipolar disorder, remain prominent, as does the #SameHere hashtag for mental-health awareness. The scuffed-looking matte finish represents his rawness. The fierce panda knight on the left cheek honors his nickname: Panda.…

IOWA WILD >2019-20 THE AHL HAD SOME sweet throwback sweaters this season, from a Miracle on Ice-inspired creation in Springfield to San Antonio reppin’ the Iguanas of the old Central League. But my favorite was Iowa going retro with a Des Moines Oak Leafs jersey. The Oak Leafs played in the IHL from 1963 to 1972, rocking North Stars colors with a Toronto vibe on the crest. But much like the classic Fort Wayne Komets, the Oak Leafs distinguished themselves with a fun little hockey guy mascot within the leaf. Iowa brought back the look for a heritage night, which featured high-school games that included the current Des Moines Oak Leafs.…

THUNDERBUG >TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING THOUGH HIS BIRTHDAY IS listed as “Bugtober 7th, 1992,” Thunderbug – a black and yellow lightning bug with white and purple antennas – was actually born on the same day as his Tampa Bay Lightning, on Oct. 7, 1992. Mascots should be known for their humorous antics and spreading joy, but Thunderbug is perhaps best known for an incident with a heckling Boston Bruins fan in 2012. As can be seen in a YouTube clip with hundreds of thousands of views, the mascot, who was being played at the time by Kelly Frank, sprays silly string all over the fan. The fan retaliates by pushing Thunderbug from behind onto the stairs at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Bruins fan was ejected from the game, while Frank was later…