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UFC 205 predictions: Will Conor McGregor make history?
UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor will stake his claim on history Saturday at UFC 205 as he attempts to become the only UFC fighter to ever hold two belts simultaneously. But he faces a significant task in taking down lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, who has won 13 of his last 15 fights.
Watch the video above for Yahoo Sports analyst Kevin Iole’s opinion on how the match will play out.
Thursday
Conor McGregor goes full Conor McGregor, tries to throw chair at UFC 205 news conference
Conor McGregor does what he wants. That much is obvious.
After showing up late to the UFC 205 news conference at Madison Square Garden – frustrating opponent Eddie Alvarez to the point where he threw a tantrum and stomped off the stage – McGregor then waltzed over to Alvarez’s side of the dais and grabbed his lightweight belt.
That obviously didn’t sit well with Alvarez when he returned to the stage. He grabbed his title back and a scrum ensued, with UFC president Dana White having to try to hold both fighters from getting at each other.
Things seemed to be dying down when Alvarez slid his chair behind White in McGregor’s direction and, well, just watch the video.
McGregor is the gift that keeps on giving.
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Three cars set on fire outside of Ex-UFC champion Anthony Pettis' Milwaukee home
Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was the apparent victim of an attack that saw three of his vehicles set on fire in the driveway of his Milwaukee home early Thursday morning.
The news was first reported by Fox 6 when a witness noticed something wasn’t right in the neighborhood.
“I saw a car speeding through the neighborhood,” said Carson Blaszak. “Right around the same time as that happened, there was kind of a large bang. It was three cars caught on fire. I just, I ran outside, and I was hoping, you know, the house hopefully wasn’t gonna catch on fire.”
The cars belonged to Anthony Pettis, who recently had his next fight announced against featherweight Max Holloway at UFC 206 in Toronto, Canada. The fire was no accident as Milwaukee police are investigating as a case of arson and suspect that an accelerant was used on the first two vehicles, which caused the fire to spread to a third car.
Fortunately, the police and fire departments responded quickly and were able to contain the fire before it spread to the Pettis household.
After initially refusing interviews regarding the incident, Pettis took to Instagram to make a statement.
“I won’t be defeated by this,” Pettis said. “I am also extremely confused and saddened by the events that occurred. I am grateful that no one was harmed by this cowardly act. My life as well as my loved ones were put in danger. I cannot understand why someone would want to hurt myself or my family.”
Although Pettis said that he’s aware of the uptick of criminal activity, he held firm that this won’t push him out of Milwaukee.
“I will do everything I can to ensure that we find out who committed this crime and that they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he continued. “I’m constantly defending my choice to stay in this city. Regardless of the crimes that have been occurring lately, this is my home. I really hope the city that I rep has my back on this one and helps by reporting anything they know about this.”
Anthony’s younger brother, Sergio, who also competes in the UFC, also posted a statement on his Instagram account in front of the smoldering wreckage.
“The cars might be broke but we will never be broken,” the younger Pettis posted. “We might come from a violent sport but we are peaceful people. So let’s end the violence in our city and come together.”
Sergio Pettis has been sidelined with a minor injury after having to be pulled from his UFC Fight Night 96 bout with Louis Smolka. He has yet to be scheduled for another fight. As for Anthony Pettis, his co-main event bout with Max Holloway will take place on December 10th against the fast rising Holloway. Pettis is currently a +150 underdog according to Sportsbook Review as he will be facing Holloway in his second fight as a featherweight after the 29-year-old’s successful debut in the weight class against Charles Oliveira in August.
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Miesha Tate "wouldn't be against" fighting Cris Cyborg
It’s no secret that the UFC is struggling to find credible opponents for Cris “Cyborg” Justino. The #15 ranked pound for pound fighter by the UFC has destroyed her last two opponents, Lina Lansberg and Leslie Smith, with little trouble and fans have been clamoring for her to face one of the more recognizable names in women’s MMA.
Although a Ronda Rousey fight has been the women’s MMA equivalent to Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, it doesn’t seem close to coming to fruition anytime in the near future. But while so many other women don’t appear to be too interested in facing the Invicta 145 pound champion, a former UFC women’s bantamweight champ says that she certainly wouldn’t mind stepping up to face the powerful Brazilian.
Miesha Tate appeared on The MMA Hour to talk about her UFC 205 showdown with Raquel Pennington but made it clear that she’d be more than willing to fight Cyborg at a catchweight of 140 pounds if the opportunity presented itself.
“When I was the champ the UFC told me that they would not do a catchweight fight,” Tate said. She recently lost her title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 back in July. “But now that I’m not the champ I could fight her at 140. I wouldn’t be against it.”
Although she joked that a fight with Cyborg may “take a couple of years off” her life, the former UFC and Strikeforce champion sees the fight as a high risk, high reward prospect that could only enhance her career.
“I have nothing to lose in that fight,” Tate said. “I’d be fighting a girl that is such a powerhouse and just crushing girls. If I went in there and beat her or if I gave her a solid run for her money, it says a lot. I wouldn’t be opposed to doing it but it hasn’t been discussed yet.”
Obviously, Tate has her hands full with Pennington on November 12, but is more than willing to explore the possibility of the fight should Cyborg need an opponent.
The mere suggestion is more than can be said for most of the women in the UFC.
Sunday
Thursday
Daniel Cormier to defend UFC title against Anthony Johnson at UFC 206
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will defend his title against Anthony Johnson in the main event of UFC 206 in Toronto on Dec. 10. The fight, which will take place at the Air Canada Centre, was announced on FS1’s “UFC Tonight.”
The announcement follows speculation that Jon Jones – who had his disciplinary hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission for failing a UFC 200 drug test postponed – could face Johnson in an interim title fight. But with Jones’ hearing pushed back to November, the UFC moved forward with the rematch from UFC 187, where Cormier submitted Johnson to take possession of the championship that Jones had vacated when he was suspended last year.
“The city of Toronto is still buzzing after the Blue Jays’ walk-off home run last night,” Cormier said. “The only thing more exciting than that is that I am defending the undisputed UFC light heavyweight title in the Six on December 10 at UFC 206, only on pay-per-view. Down will go Rumble … again.”
Both Cormier and Johnson were interested in fighting each other and proposed that they “move on” from Jon Jones until his legal issues cleared up. However, Dana White proposed the idea that Jones could return to face Johnson if his suspension was lessened by the NAC, much to the chagrin of both Cormier and Johnson.
But with Jones out of the way, there is a clear path to the rematch. Cormier (18-1) is coming off a UFC 200 victory over Anderson Silva, who stepped in on short notice after Jon Jones was pulled from the card less than 72 hours before the event after the USADA violation. As for Johnson (22-5), aside from his loss to Cormier, he has been on a tear with 12 victories in his last 13 fights. He has won his last three fights by knockout to put himself right back into title contention.
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Alexander Gustafsson: Jon Jones getting immediate title shot "wouldn't be fair"
The future of Jon Jones’ MMA career may be up in the air, but the lingering impression is that the former pound-for-pound champion will get a title fight upon his return. Both light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and top contender Anthony Johnson expressed their displeasure with UFC president Dana White’s insinuation – and now you can add the man who pushed Jones to the limit to that list.
“It wouldn’t be fair, giving him a title shot,” Alexander Gustafsson said on The MMA Hour. “I’m not saying I’m going to get it. I’m just saying, after everything that happened, it’s not fair to other fighters too, who’ve been working their asses off and they’ve been fighting each other. So, not a title shot right away. Just give him a fun fight first and that’s it.”
Gustafsson gave Jones all he could handle at UFC 165 in 2013. Jones won a unanimous decision but was battered and bloodied by Gustafsson throughout the fight. Since the Jones loss, Gustafsson has gone 2-2 and recently pulled out a unanimous decision against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 203 after dropping back-to-back fights to Cormier and Johnson.
Jones has been sidelined with a temporary suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission for his failed UFC 200 drug test that saw the former champion pulled out of a title fight with Cormier three days before the event. Jones is set to attend a disciplinary hearing in October to see what punishment will be levied, if any. However, White stated that Jones did not take the supplements (Hydroxy-clomiphene & Letrozole) indicated on his failed drug test and the punishment could be lessened significantly.
Gustafsson is interested in being the one who welcomes Jones back to the UFC whenever he is able to return.
“I’m up for suggestions (for my next opponent), so why not?” Gustafsson said. “But let’s see what they say. I’m up for suggestions, so whatever they give me, I’m down with. A second fight with Jones, who knows. It’s going to be good though.”
As for Jones, he certainly does have his sights set on a title fight. However, the title he is interested in could be the UFC heavyweight title that Stipe Miocic defended Saturday at UFC 203. Jones has teased the possibility of moving up to the heavyweight division before, and now it appears that “Bones” is open to the opportunity should it present itself.
“If it was for the actual title I would totally do it,” Jones said on Twitter. “I’m starting to realize the hype is real with (Miocic). He’s legit, (it) would be the challenge of a lifetime.”
Perhaps Cormier, Johnson and Gustafsson have nothing to worry about after all.
Wednesday
UFC commentator Kenny Florian's younger brother found dead
In an unfortunate bit of news, the younger brother of UFC commentator Kenny Florian has passed away at the age of 33.
Kirk Andrew Florian had gone missing on Saturday and Kenny took to Twitter on Monday to ask if anyone had information about his brother’s whereabouts and suggested they contact the Dover Police Department in Delaware. He later deleted the message.
Apparently, Kirk passed away on Sunday as Kenny confirmed his passing on Instagram.
“Always loving. Always loved. Always my little brother Kiki. Kirk Andrew Florian 6/22/83-9/11/16,” Florian posted along with a picture of Kirk. “Thank you all for sharing his picture/information. Go tell your loved ones that you love them.”
There has been no further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death released by the Dover police as of press time.
Kenny Florian is currently a commentator for the UFC but had an impressive career fighting in the UFC. He was a finalist in the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter and unsuccessfully challenged for the UFC featherweight and lightweight championships. He retired from fighting in 2011 and took a position as a commentator with the UFC.
Kirk Florian looked to walk in his older brother’s footsteps and tried his hand at mixed martial arts. According to MixedMartialArts.com, he amassed a 3-0 amateur record and had his last fight in 2013.
Tuesday
Alexander Gustafsson says Jon Jones getting a light heavyweight title shot "wouldn't be fair" but Jones eyeballing fight with heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic
Alexander Gustafsson says Jon Jones getting a light heavyweight title shot "wouldn't be fair" but Jones eyeballing fight with heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic
The future of Jon Jones’ MMA career may be up in the air, but the lingering impression is that the former pound for pound champion will be injected into a title fight upon his return. Both light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and top contender Anthony Johnson expressed their displeasure with Dana White’s insinuation and now you can add the man who pushed Jones to the limit to that list.
“It wouldn’t be fair, giving him a title shot,” Alexander Gustafsson said on The MMA Hour. “I’m not saying I’m going to get it. I’m just saying, after everything that happened, it’s not fair to other fighters too, who’ve been working their asses off and they’ve been fighting each other. So, not a title shot right away. Just give him a fun fight first and that’s it.”
Gustafsson gave Jones all he could handle at UFC 165 in 2013. Jones won a unanimous decision but was battered and bloodied by Gustafsson throughout the fight. Since the Jones loss, Gustafsson has gone 2-2 and recently pulled out a unanimous decision against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 203 after dropping back-to-back fights to Cormier and Johnson.
Jones has been sidelined with a temporary suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission while he waits for the outcome from his failed UFC 200 drug test that saw the former champion pulled out of a title fight with Cormier three days before UFC 200. Jones is set to attend a disciplinary hearing in October to see what punishment will be levied, if any. However, UFC President Dana White stated that Jones did not take the supplements (Hydroxy-clomiphene & Letrozole) indicated on his failed drug test and the punishment could be lessened significantly.
Gustafsson is interested in being the one who welcomes Jones back to the UFC whenever he is able to return.
“I’m up for suggestions (for my next opponent), so why not?” Gustafsson said. “But let’s see what they say. I’m up for suggestions, so whatever they give me, I’m down with. A second fight with Jones, who knows. It’s going to be good though.”
As for Jones, he certainly does have his sights set on a title fight. However, the title he is interested in could be the UFC heavyweight title that Stipe Miocic defended over the weekend against Alistair Overeem. Jones has teased the possibility of moving up to the heavyweight division before, and now it appears that “Bones” is interested in the opportunity should it present itself.
“If it was for the actual title I would totally do it,” Jones said on Twitter. “I’m starting to realize the hype is real with (Miocic). He’s legit, (it) would be the challenge of a lifetime.”
Perhaps Cormier, Johnson and Gustafsson have nothing to worry about after all.
Monday
Saturday
Fabricio Werdum defeats Travis Browne in bizarre fight that saw a near-brawl between corners
The heavyweight fight between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne may have been respectful for fifteen minutes. But after the final bell is when the bad blood spilled into the cage and a brawl between corners nearly commenced.
Werdum, who would win the fight by unanimous decision, engaged in a heated war of words with Browne’s coach Edmond Tarverdyan (who also trains Ronda Rousey) before Bruce Buffer announced the result. The former heavyweight champion punctuated the argument with a swift front kick to Tarverdyan’s chest. Both corners spilled into the middle of the Octagon ready for battle while Werdum went into a fighting stance.
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed as both corners were escorted out of the cage and the decision was finally read. The near melee was part of a bizarre fight that saw Werdum open the bout with a jumping sidekick to Browne’s face. Later in the first round, Browne attempted to block a Werdum punch. Immediately after he parried, Browne turned away in pain from what appeared to be a dislocated finger. The Hawaiian heavyweight attempted to call a time out to referee Gary Copeland but was met with a left hook from the Brazilian.
Copeland finally paused the fight and brought a doctor in to check on Browne’s injured hand and ultimately allowed the fight to continue. The issue with this was that an injury due to a legal move should have resulted in a TKO victory for Werdum under the unified rules of MMA. However, that wouldn’t happen and the fight continued and saw Werdum claim the decision victory with scores of 30-27, 29-28 & 29-27.
It was Werdum’s first victory since losing his heavyweight title to Stipe Miocic in May while Browne dropped his second consecutive fight and has now lost three of his last four.
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Signing bonuses leading to lockout; Is Lupul done? (Puck Headlines)
Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at [email protected].
• We think the Nashville Predators are excited to have P.K. Subban. [@subbanator]
• Get ready: signing-bonus laden contracts could be the trigger for the next lockout. [TSN]
• The Washington Capitals are offering Marcus Johansson $3.85-million. In arbitration, Johansson is asking for $5.25-million. If they can’t come to a deal, the arbitration hearing takes place on Wednesday. [Washington Post]
• Long Beach native Matt Nieto inked a one year deal to stay with the San Jose Sharks. [CSN Bay Area]
• “Paulie Johnson, one of the greatest players in the history of the Waterloo Black Hawks franchise, passed away Sunday at the age of 81. Johnson’s No. 11 has been retired by the organization since 2002 to honor the former Olympic star and United States Hockey League Hall of Fame member.” [The Courier]
• Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion is gambling on experience helping his team by bringing in Derick Brassard and shipping out Mika Zibanejad. [Ottawa Citizen]
• Mike Ribeiro notwithstanding, the Nashville Predators are capitalizing on ‘misperceived character issues’ within other teams’ locker rooms to bolster their lineup. [On The Forecheck]
• Newport Sports super agent Pat Morris pulls back the veil to talk how a client’s free agent search, in his case with Steven Stamkos, impacts sponsorship relationships. [Today’s Slapshot]
• Legit question: Is Joffrey Lupul’s time with the Leafs – if not his career all together – done? [Leafs Nation]
• With the new Las Vegas franchise, George McPhee is getting a second chance at being a GM. Have other GMs who received a second chance to run a team experienced success? [The Sin Bin]
• Not sure if this is a good or bad sign: Brendan Gallagher and Brad Marchand formed a new friendship while playing for Canada at Worlds this past May. [NHL]
• Let the Claude Julien hot seat speculation begin (again)! Could coaching moves by the Boston Bruins signal the beginning of possibly the end? [Boston Sports Desk]
• Don’t let the attendance figures fool you, the Arizona Coyotes are leading the way for growth in the hockey market all around the valley. [Five For Howling]
• Debunking Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘10,000-Hour rule’ as it relates to youth hockey players. Sometimes less means more in the long run. [Eh Game]
• New York Riveters GM Chad Wiseman has been the most active in the offseason remaking his roster; however, he wants to keep the physicality as the hallmark of the team. [Today’s Slapshot]
• Looking back at ‘Stammergeddon,’ the captain’s choice to go back to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs fans over-exuberance when expecting him to sign back home. [Two For Spearing]
• Backdraft 2001: Ranking the forwards, defensemen & goalies from the 2001 NHL draft. [Yahoo! Sports]
• Five ways Rogers could make Hockey Night in Canada. Some serious, some not so much. [Pension Plan Puppets]
• Top 10 soon-to-be fantasy hockey debates. [Dobber]
• The parking lot of the Rose Bowl holds a weekly pickup roller hockey game that’s become a summer tradition for over a decade and it continues to gain in popularity. [Pasadena Star-News]
• Finally, a great cartoon of the current fight between Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins fans. Make sure you stay around for the end and a special appearance… [@bruinshockeynow]
I updated my Bruins-Habs cartoon that @Dave_Stubbs referenced earlier to be a more accurate depiction of our times. http://pic.twitter.com/7Sgo8CL5Jm
— Dan Ryan (@bruinshockeynow) July 19, 2016
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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter!
Monday
Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos suffers fractured skull in violent loss to Michael Page
Michael Page is quickly becoming Bellator’s fastest rising star and the 29-year-old added to his growing legacy with one of the most violent knockouts of all time against Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos at Bellator 158 over the weekend.
The unbeaten welterweight scored an absolutely devastating knockout of Santos with a flying knee in the second round of their bout. To put a cap on the scintillating knockout, Page celebrated by channeling the Pokemon Go craze that has taken the world by storm. With Santos still sprawled out on the canvas, Page went to his corner, grabbed a Pokemon hat and then rolled a Pokeball at his downed opponent in an attempt to “capture” his prey.
With a “Cyborg” now in his faux Pokemon stable, Page wrapped up his post-fight celebration with a “Yatta!” pose at the end.
But the celebration would take a back seat to the damage that Page’s knee inflicted on the skull of Santos. The 38-year-old had a very visible dent in his forehead as a direct result of the knee and will need surgery to repair the fractured skull.
Page took to his Instagram to wish his downed opponent a full recovery.
“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to have fought such a person and tested myself,” Page said. “I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery from his operation.”
A Go Fund Me page dedicated to raising funds for Santos’ surgery had been shared by many in the MMA community, including Santos’ ex-wife Cris “Cyborg” Justino and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Over $20,000 was raised in 24 hours to pay for the surgery and Santos is heading back to the U.S. for the procedure.
As for Page, he remains unbeaten with an 11-0 record (7-0 in Bellator) with every victory except one coming by way of submission or knockout. According to Sportsbook Review, Page has been a significant favorite in his last five fights and should certainly see a step up in competition in the near future considering his propensity for finishing fights and his rising popularity.
Kessel gets Cup; Marchand, Bruins talk extension; Hoffman hopes to stay with Sens (Puck Headlines)
Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at [email protected].
• Phil Kessel finally gets his day with the Stanley Cup and his sister Amanda is enjoying it as well. [Instagram]
• Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins have started discussions on an extension. [WEEI]
• That conditional pick the Toronto Maple Leafs received from the Anaheim Ducks in the Jonathan Bernier trade? There are a few stipulations, and they all include Bernier being involved in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. [Sportsnet]
• The Montreal Canadiens analytics consultant speaks about his dismissal and the P.K. Subban trade. [THN]
• Montreal poker player Marc-Andre Ladouceur on the Subban deal: “I think that just the fact that they had to trade him shows lack of leadership in the organization and the team itself.” [Poker Listings]
• “Frustrated fans have to separate the past from the present. Last season was a disaster, but there’s every reason to believe that the Canadiens are headed in the right direction.” [Montreal Gazette]
• With Subban gone, the Montreal Canadiens will again need Carey Price to be Carey Price. [PHT]
• Mike Hoffman is hoping to stay with the Ottawa Senators as his Aug. 4 salary arbitration hearing approaches. [Ottawa Citizen]
• How the Las Vegas NHL expansion franchise grows over the next year will be interesting to watch. [Sin Bin]
• Taking a look at some of the biggest moves in the NHL expansion draft history. [Today’s Slapshot]
• Ryan Johansen is primed for a career year with the Nashville Predators. [Tennessean]
• Wade Redden’s next chapter takes him into a player development role with the Predators. [The Record]
• Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonaugh discusses a “difficult” 2015-16 season. [Chicago Tribune]
• Corey Crawford nearly left the Blackhawks before taking over as the team’s No. 1 netminder. [CSN Chicago]
• The stick Darryl Sittler used for his 10-point game is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Sittler, however, says the stick was lost in a fire. [Toronto Star]
• The Buffalo Sabres ink Alex Nylander to his three-year, entry-level deal. [Sabres]
• Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins on 2015-16: “It was the hardest year I have ever gone through. I was disappointed in myself, I was disappointed in the team.” [Eh Game]
• Rest in peace, Wendell Anderson, former Minnesota governor and member of the silver medal winning 1956 U.S. Olympic hockey team. [SC Times]
• Interesting read on the long road of Ryan Daisy, one of the NHL’s newest linesmen for the 2016-17 season. [Sun Chronicle]
• Why the NHL should start a summer league of their own like the NBA does. [The Comeback]
• It’s almost fantasy hockey time. These guys could be late-round gems. [Dobber Hockey]
• Finally, this was quite the shootout goal by Joey Dudek during New Jersey Devils prospect camp last week:
Sunday
Chronicles of Stanley: Crosby, Cup conquer Cole Harbour
The Chronicles of Stanley is an occasional series this summer that tracks the Pittsburgh Penguins as they each get their special alone time with the Stanley Cup.
Every time the winning captain gets his day with the Stanley Cup it is a special occasion. When Sidney Crosby is said captain it’s pretty much a province-wide holiday in Nova Scotia.
Who else would get a personal escort by Mounties, but the forward and savior of the Penguins?
Another shot from the #stanleycup parade today in Cole Harbour. @penguins @NHL @HockeyHallFame http://pic.twitter.com/PDblwY4FJ1
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 16, 2016
Sid’s weekend with the Cup started on Friday, July 15 in the captain’s hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Crosby picked up Stanley from the airport. He sets a good example for everyone by belting the chalice into the passenger seat of his car.
Safety first. @penguins captain buckles up the #stanleycup heading to Cole Harbour. @NHL @HockeyHallFame http://pic.twitter.com/kUnMVLWg03
— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) July 15, 2016
He proceeded with his morning routine as if it was just another day. Stanley and Sidney made their way into a local Tim Hortons to surprise workers and those enjoying their Timbits.
Sidney Crosby made a random stop at Tim Hortons in Cole Harbour #halifax @TrendsHalifax @haligonia http://pic.twitter.com/wJtIsra98L
— KennyO (@Gokennygogo) July 15, 2016
The forward had another surprise in mind, this time for the campers of his namesake hockey school who had been working with their idol on and off all week.
Best hockey school ever.
Read more: https://t.co/FRXRF5QwQ0https://t.co/ivuAbt3nYT
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 15, 2016
Pens captain Sidney Crosby was asked about the Stanley Cup a few times by campers attending his second annual hockey school, which took place this week at his hometown rink of Cole Harbour Place.
He told them it coming to town on Saturday, which is when there will be a big celebration – including a parade – going on in the city to commemorate the Pens’ championship.
“I said it was coming tomorrow,” Crosby said with a grin. “Everybody knows there’s something going on in Cole Harbour tomorrow
What they didn’t know was that Crosby had actually planned all along to surprise the kids with Lord Stanley’s silver chalice, scheduling his time with the Cup to coincide with their last day of camp.
“It’s going to be fun to see the looks on their faces when we arrive,” Crosby said on the drive over to the rink.
And it was certainly priceless to see the kids’ reactions once they realized what was happening.
It’s the kids that remind you just how special this trophy is. Check out a few snapshots from the camp and the looks on the kids faces.
#87 brought a friend to pose for pictures with the kids at the @87HockeySchool http://pic.twitter.com/YAZXhTmuF4
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) July 15, 2016
Sidney Crosby’s Hockey School just got even more exciting. ???? http://pic.twitter.com/NYEEO2ddTp
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 15, 2016
Best Week of His Life#PrescotOnCloudNine@87HockeySchool http://pic.twitter.com/uArJkCvOSB
— Theresa Weber-Sexton (@tmpl2602) July 15, 2016
He followed it up with more surprise visits. First to a children’s hospital and then the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building in Halifax to make the day of senior citizens in residence.
After an event filled Friday, the superstar held court for the main event on Saturday.
According to Google, in 2011 the population of Cole Harbour was approximately 25,161. Dan Rosen of NHL.com reported nearly 30,000 people came to the parade held for Crosby and Lord Stanley.
Sidney Crosby: “I think this time around, I appreciate it more, and appreciate sights like this.”https://t.co/YQPPOpRPmI
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) July 16, 2016
He followed up the parade by having a Q&A with Gord Miller from TSN.
One of the first people to take the mic was 84-year-old soon-to-be retired municipal councillor Gloria McCluskey.
“Sidney, you gave me some nervous moments this winter. I never missed one game. I hope you feel the love here today. Cole Harbour is your hometown, but we all claim you, Sidney,” [McCluskey] said. McCluskey also proposed renaming Cole Harbour Place for Sidney Crosby.
It’s not the first time Cole Harbour has considered renaming an area for its famous son. City council is mulling over renaming a local street, Forest Hills Parkway, for Crosby as well.
If he wins another Cup, we say go all in and change the name of the city to Crosby Harbour, Nova Scotia.
The love from his hometown knows no bounds. It appears the love it mutual from the superstar who sees himself as ‘still a guy from Cole Harbour.’
Sidney was nearly everywhere one could possibly be in and around the city over the weekend. As he told the Penguins website, he hadn’t slept much in these hectic two days, but wasn’t worried about it.
“I think you run on adrenaline for two days when you have it and I wasn’t going to try and save myself for today,” Crosby said with a smile. “I was going to get every hour I could with the Cup. It’s going to be moving on tonight, so just got to soak up everything.”
No word if he took a nap with the Cup like last time.
Previous Chronicles of Stanley: Zatkoff takes Cup down water slide
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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter!
Friday
Jaden Schwartz inks five year, $26.75-million contract
The St. Louis Blues and restricted free agent Jaden Schwartz avoided arbitration as the forward signed a five year, $26.75-million contract, as first reported by Jeremy Rutherford.
The deal holds an average annual value of $5.35-million and runs through the 2020-21 season. According to General Fanager, Schwartz’s contract contains a modified no trade clause for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 season.
Drafted by the Blues in 2010 at No. 14 overall, Schwartz, 24, has played a total of 240 games with the team scoring 70 goals and 87 assists.
The forward was limited to 33 games this past year after fracturing his ankle in practice just seven games into the regular season. The injury required surgery causing him to miss 49 games from October to February.
He returned to finish the regular season and played all 20 playoff games for the Blues. He tied with David Backes at 14 playoff points good for second on the team behind Vladimir Tarasenko and Robby Fabbri with 15 points each.
Blues GM Doug Armstrong recognizes Schwartz as a key piece to the evolving arsenal in St. Louis.
“He’s part of that core we have moving forward,” Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong said. “Schwartz and (Vladimir) Tarasenko, Robby Fabbri, Colton Parayko, Alex Pietrangelo, Jake Allen – we’re trying to build around these guys. Having Schwartz wrapped up in that group, we know we now have a core that we can build around and try to win a championship around.”
One player not mentioned on that list of the core – Kevin Shattenkirk.
Shattenkirk’s name has been on the trade market for a forever and a day. His agent expressed his surprise at the Blues not dealing the defenseman at the draft as many had anticipated would happen.
Perhaps we’re reading between the lines, but appears as if the GM is resigned to the fact that Shattenkirk will no longer be a part of the team. It’s not a matter if, but when and for how much in return.
The defenseman carries a $4.25-million cap hit and has one year left on his contract before becoming a UFA. With Schwartz’s deal on the books, the Blues are bumping right up against the cap with just over $3-million in space.
– – – – – – –
Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter!
RIP Jack Riley; Vegas trademark issues (Puck Headlines)
Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at [email protected].
• The Reading Royals (ECHL) will wear the glorious ugly Christmas sweater featured above against the Adirondack Thunder on December 23.
• The first general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jack Riley, passed away at the age of 97. [Post-Gazette]
• The new Las Vegas franchise appeared to be locked into the black, grey and gold color scheme and the name ‘Black Knights’; however, trademark and trade name registration issues could put a halt to those plans and lead to a change. [The Sin Bin]
• Now former Montreal Canadiens analytics consultant Matt Pfeffer clarifies his remarks regarding the argument he made for the Habs keeping P.K. Subban. [Sportsnet]
• Arbitration isn’t a positive process for both player and team. In a really rare circumstance, Marcus Johansson and the Washington Capitals are ready to head to the meeting for a second time. [Washington Post]
• Restricted free agent Dylan McIlrath inked a new one year with the New York Rangers. [Blue Shirts United]
• The Carolina Hurricanes re-upped Ryan Murphy for two years and Dennis Robertson, Keegan Lowe, Brody Sutter and Brendan Woods on one year deals. All the contracts are two-way. [Canes Country]
• Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning talks about his offseason moves and the search for a left winger that will relieve some of the pressure on Sven Baertschi. [The Province]
• The Columbus Blue Jackets have had their share of significant injuries. The team looks to “bridge the gap between the medical staff and the staff of strength and conditioning coach Kevin Collins, so that players don’t get injured and injured players get comprehensive treatment that gets them back on the ice quickly.” To do so, they hired Nelson Ayotte as a “consultant to help establish a ‘high performance’ department.” [Blue Jackets Xtra]
• The Florida Panthers may have spent $200 million on roster improvements, but the team’s biggest gamble appears to be picking Tom Rowe over Dale Tallon as general manager. [Sun-Sentinel]
• Top rated Nashville Predators goaltending prospect Juuse Saros expects himself to challenge Marek Mazanec for the backup role with the team this season. [The Tennessean]
• Michal Kempny was a highly sought after KHL defenseman who signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in May. He knows now he has to prove to the team in order to secure a roster spot this fall and talks about his development. [The Athletic]
• The Rangers continue to offer bridge contracts to highly valued young talent and while giving big contracts to less than stellar players. [Today’s Slapshot]
• “Whether you believe in the merit of advanced statistics or not isn’t really the point of this discussion … not only is the game changing on the ice, the game is changing from an analysis, managerial and administrative perspective, as well … This is to say that professionals from different, and highly educated walks of life are beginning to take an interest in the game and its analysis, and I find it exceptionally alarming that the “establishment” does not want to hear what they have to say.” [Blue Seat Blogs]
• For the second consecutive years, the Stars hosted Korean hockey players during their development camp to give the players a feel of what it’s like to compete at the NHL level and to take that knowledge back to their country to help develop the game. [NHL]
• Dallas Stars: “The care and feeding of eight defensemen, or how development is a two-way street.” [Defending Big D]
• Looking at the value of having a forward with net front presence and his impact on scoring. [TSN]
• Canadian hockey super star Natalie Spooner talks about her involvement with the Champions Fund which hands out grants to women’s hockey programs, players and organization to grow the game. [Eh Game]
• Mighty Ducks podcast featuring Ty McClary who played the lassoing hockey playing cowboy Dwayne Robertson in D2 and D3. [The Quack Attack]
• Fantasy hockey grade for the offseason moves of the Anaheim Ducks. It ain’t pretty. [Dobber]
• Finally, check out the New Jersey Devils prospect camp as the kids play 3-on-3. MOTION SICKNESS WARNING for GoPro helmet cams.
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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter!
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