NHL: Montreal Canadiens acquire Eric Staal from Buffalo Sabres…

Montreal Canadiens have acquired Eric Staal from the Buffalo Sabres for a third and fifth round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, it has been announced.

Staal, a centre, is in the final season of a two-year, $6.5m contract, signed when he was a part of the Minnesota Wild in 2019. He can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season, with the Sabres retaining $1.625m of the player’s salary.

According to Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin, Staal will arrive in Montreal on Saturday (March 27) to begin a seven-day isolation period, after Canada relaxed the rules concerning quarantine for incoming NHL players to the country as a result of the upcoming April 12 trade deadline.

This means Staal will be first eligible to play for the Canadiens in their home game with the Edmonton Oilers on April 5, however Bergevin is leaving the decision, concerning when and where in the lineup he will play, to head coach Dominique Ducharme.

The 36-year-old, who is the brother of fellow current NHLers Marc and Jordan, has scored a total of 10 points (3G, 7A) in 32 games played this season, after being acquired by the Sabres in a trade with Minnesota on September 16.

He was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes as the no. 2 pick in the 2003 NHL Draft and has scored 1031 points (439G, 592A) in 1272 regular season games played when a member of the Sabres, Wild, Hurricanes and the New York Rangers. He has also played 62 Stanley Cup playoff games, scoring 51 points (21G, 30A) as well as winning the Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006.

The Buffalo Sabres are 0-15 since February 25 – currently the longest losing streak since the NHL replaced ties by implementing the shootout in the 2005/06 season. The 2009/10 Hurricanes, 2010/11 New York Islanders and 2014/15 Sabres lost 14 consecutive games each, while the Winnipeg Jets franchise holds the record for the most consecutive games without a win – 30 straight games without winning (0-23 with seven ties) between October 19 and December 20 1980.

Speedway: Sheffield swoop for title winner Batchelor…

The Sheffield Tigers have announced the start of their 2021 team rebuild with the signing of Australian star Troy Batchelor.

Batchelor was a prominent part of Swindon Robins’ Premiership league and cup double winning side in 2019, however the Robins are sitting out the 2021 season due to redevelopment work at their Abbey Stadium track.

Troy Batchelor is now a member of the Sheffield Tigers as the team begins a restructure for the upcoming 2021 Premiership speedway season

New rules including the mandatory addition of a British youngster coupled with the departure of prolific winter signing Nicki Pedersen due to new league restrictions in Poland, also paved the way for the Tigers to sign Batchelor.

However, that does also mean no place in the Owlerton side for another 2020 signing, Richard Lawson, who is now available to speak to other Premiership clubs.

Batchelor also becomes the first new signing for a side which, in addition to losing both Pedersen and Lawson, will not be tracking another 2020 signing in Todd Kurtz, after the Australian announced his retirement from speedway in December.

NHL Opinion: Commercialising the league…Good or bad idea?

Sponsorship and advertising – something that has been around in the various ice hockey leagues across the UK and Europe for decades. Now the National Hockey League (NHL), the biggest and best league in the world, has adopted it.

As we are all aware, the current coronavirus pandemic has forced many sports and sports clubs to rethink ways of gaining an income, mostly due to the lack of supporters in the stadiums. The 2019/20 season was paused on March 12, with no fans admitted once it resumed for the Stanley Cup playoffs, which were played in Covid-secure bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton. Fans were also banned from the recent World Junior Championships, again held in Edmonton.

The original idea for introducing sponsorship to the NHL was raised during a conference call between the league’s governors in December. This would include advertising on player’s helmets as a way to test the market ahead of potential jersey sponsorship in the future. The move is also seen by the league as an important new source of income for its clubs, if confirmed. According to Forbes, league revenue was down 14% to US$4.4billion during the halted 2019/20 season, while operating income was down 68% to US$250million.

Players will be wearing sponsorship adverts like this on their helmets this season, the NHL has announced

Not long after the introduction of helmet sponsors, the league announced it had sold the naming rights of its four divisions to corporate sponsors from the US and Canada as another way to recoup lost revenue. This is believed to be only for the current season due to the realignment of the league in order to minimise travel during the pandemic.

The @NHL partners with @Discover, @Honda, @MassMutual and @Scotiabank to name divisions for the 2020-21 NHL season. https://t.co/gwBySMQgis pic.twitter.com/dV2io6Rimv

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 5, 2021

While the idea of commercialising the league may not sit well with some fans, others seem to think it will go some way to helping teams get through these unprecedented times and generate some kind of income during the coming season. Here’s what they have to say:

Peter Bradbury: ‘While I prefer the jerseys to be ad-free, I don’t mind helmets having sponsors as seeing NBA vests with logos on seems to cheapen them for me. Plus, it’s still money being generated if put on the helmets and not on the jersey, so a plus on that side of things.’

Dale Peet: ‘I think the jersey has to stay ad-free, but having them on the helmet is a nice touch to bring in some extra cash to clubs. I think, done the right way and not displayed anywhere and everywhere, it’s a great opportunity for teams and businesses to form a partnership and generate more cash flow for both sides.’

Dan Breen: ‘I’m surprised it’s taken this long to be honest! Given how many other endorsements, sponsorships and tie ins there are in US sports already, why hasn’t it happened already?’

With these new deals, the NHL has become the latest league in North America to increase its sponsorship inventory as a direct result of the Covid pandemic and the lack of crucial game day income during due to the 2019/20 season being completed behind closed doors.

For example, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has allowed sponsors on its clubs’ practice jerseys, while easing any restrictions on deals with alcohol, casino and sports betting companies.

Due to lost revenue as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, NBA basketball teams will be allowed to sport sponsorship logos such as this on their practice jerseys.

Meanwhile Major League Soccer (MLS) reported that it would allow teams to introduce sponsorships on their shorts as a way of recouping lost income due to the pandemic.

NHL: NHLPA execs expected to approve a 24-team ‘Return to Play’ proposal…

A return to action could be on the cards for the National Hockey League (NHL), as a 24-team ‘Return to Play’ proposal is expected to be approved by the Executive Board of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), reports TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

The proposal, put forward by the NHL, will see the top four teams in each conference go head-to head, while the other 16 teams battle it out in a best of five series play-in round for a chance of winning the Stanley Cup, and is subject to the league being able to resume the 2019/20 campaign this summer.

McKenzie tweeted Thursday night’s conference call between the NHLPA executive committee ‘got a little heated at times’, however despite individual players’ concerns, it is expected to get at least 18 out of the possible 31 votes it requires to be approved.

While last night’s NHLPA executive committee conference call got a little heated at times, and various individual players still have a wide variety of views on the NHL’s RTP format, the exec committee vote by team is expected to result in NHLPA approval of the NHL plan.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 22, 2020

McKenzie also added that despite a format announcement, it is not expected to be announced with a timetable or start date. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger also tweeted Thursday night, saying: “If voting passes additional details [need] to be negotiated with the NHL,”

NHLPA Exec Board is voting on return to play proposal. (24 teams, top 4 teams per conference play each other, 16 teams have a play in round). If vote passes additional details to be negotiated with the NHL. Voting process likely completed by tomorrow night.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 22, 2020

Along with the ‘Return to Play’ proposal, the league has put forward, and is considering, a number of hub cities to resume play but has said it is not close to finalising which cities-if any at all- will be used.

The NHL regular season was paused on March 12 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers eye up Gronk trade…

Rob Gronkowski has reportedly come out of retirement to join former Patriots teammate Tom Brady at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Retired New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski could be set for a return to the NFL, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Trade, pending physical: Patriots are trading TE Rob Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick to the Buccaneers for a fourth-round pick, source tells ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2020

The Patriots have agreed to trade Gronkowski and a seventh-round draft pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thus reuniting him with quarterback Tom Brady. The trade is pending a physical and should it go ahead, the Patriots will receive a fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft.

Prolific NFL quarterback Tom Brady is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after announcing he would not re-sign with the New England side

Brady signed a two-year, $50million contract with the Bucs after announcing he would not re-sign with the Patriots and ending his 20-year association with the New England side. This also includes a no-trade and no-tag clause as well as $4.5million in incentives.

Per a league source, the Buccaneers are the only team that Gronkowski is willing to play for, which was subsequently confirmed by his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The Bucs currently have tight ends OJ Howard and Cameron Brate on their roster, so the addition of Gronkowski would be a notable one.

Speaking to SportsCenter, Rosenhaus said that Gronkowski had contacted him about the possibility of joining Brady after the prolific quarterback left New England for Tampa last month.

He said: ‘Rob and I had a conversation that this is a situation that would be appealing to him.

“Obviously, this was a deal that New England had to feel good about, Tampa had to feel good about. This wasn’t just about Rob. All the parties involved had to be in agreement.”

Gronkowski announced his retirement in March 2019, ending a nine-year career which saw him win three Super Bowls, all with the Patriots, and become one of the NFL’s most colourful personalities.

Like Brady, he has spent his entire NFL career to date with the Patriots.

Speedway Grand Prix: 2020 calendar confirmed…

The 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series calendar has been revealed, with the event heading to Russia for the first time.

The series will land at the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium in Togliatti next August, following the city’s successful staging of the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations finals, where Russian stars Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and Gleb Chugunov retained the world team title.

Now, riders will go for individual honours in one of the biggest meetings ever staged in the country as it joins nine other venues on the calendar for next year.

The Anatoly Stepanov Stadium in Togliatti, which will stage the first ever Russian SGP on August 29, 2020

SGP 2020 launches in the Polish capital Warsaw with the PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland on May 16. It will then be followed two weeks later by a historic German SGP at the Bergring Arena in Teterow as the circuit celebrates its 100th event and 90 years of racing with a speedway and longtrack double header.

The series then moves to Prague as the Marketa Stadium once again hosts the Czech SGP – a record 24th year that the picturesque Czech capital has hosted such an event – on June 13.

A break then follows for the Speedway of Nations before the series resumes with the flagship Adrian Flux British SGP at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on July 18th. 2020 marks the 20th year of the event in the Welsh capital so fans can expect the event to be bigger and better than ever.

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will stage its 20th Speedway Grand Prix on July 18, 2020

The following week sees the action switch to Sweden as Hallstavik plays host to the Swedish SGP on July 25, before the series returns to Poland when the Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland takes place at the Olympic Stadium, where last year’s event was hailed as one of the all time great meetings and saw the first Polish winner of a Polish SGP as Bartosz Zmarzlik topped the podium on his way to his first world title.

Another of speedway’s great tracks follows as the Scandinavian SGP heads to Malilla, Sweden on August 15.

Vojens plays host to the Danish SGP on September 12 – two weeks after the first ever Russian SGP in Togliatti, before the season concludes with the Revline Torun SGP of Poland at the Marian Rose Motoarena on October 3, as fans from all over the world gather to see who will be crowned the 2020 World Champion.

Football: Ole Gunnar Skolsjær appointed permanent Manchester United manager…

Premier League Manchester United have moved to appoint club legend Ole Gunnar Skolsjær as their permanent manager.

The Norwegian, who previously managed teams such as Cardiff City and Molde, has signed a three-year contract after arriving at Old Trafford on an interim basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December.

As a player, Skolsjær spent 11 seasons with United and scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final.

Speaking about his appointment, Skolsjær said: ‘This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long term,”

“From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club. It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here.

“The last few months have been a fantastic experience.”

United were sixth on the Premier League and 11 points from the top four when Skolsjær took charge. Since his appointment, they have lost just once in 13 league games – away to Arsenal this month – and now lie two points behind the Gunners, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying place.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward called Skolsjær’s appointment ‘richly deserved’.

He said: “Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves,” he said.

“More than just performances and results, Ole brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, coupled with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”

Skolsjær also became the first Manchester United manager to win his first six league games, beating a record previously held by Sir Matt Busby, and even helped them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2014 after overturning a 2-0 deficit against French giants Paris St Germain.

Speedway: Peterborough Panthers Press and Practice in pictures…

SGB Premiership Speedway team Peterborough Panthers held their season opening Press and Practice day on Wednesday (March 27).

Members of the media (both local and from the speedway world), and the club’s fans, gathered to meet the riders and staff that will be leading the Panthers into battle this coming season.

Below are some pictures from the event…

Speedway: Panthers to once again host Championship Fours…

Despite their move to Premiership racing for 2019, Peterborough Panthers are celebrating the news that they are to host a national speedway event once again.

The Panthers will play host to the Championship Four Team Tournament on Sunday June 23.

The event,  in which the Panthers have been dominant in recent years, is traditionally seen as a festival of racing with riders such as Scott Nicholls, Craig Cook, Rory Schlein and Danny King all doing battle for their respective clubs on one of the country’s fastest and best racetracks.

Panthers boss Carl Johnson expressed his delight at hosting the event, saying: “Anyone who has been to this event down the years knows what a great occasion it is and everyone here at Peterborough Speedway is delighted to be staging it again.

“It just adds to the excitement building. We have a top class new signing coming in over the next few days, we have a season of top flight racing with the return of club icon Hans Andersen and now confirmation we have the Fours.

“It’s great news for Peterborough Speedway and great news for the city of Peterborough as we bring national recognition with such a major event.”

Major British Speedway events 2019:
BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL: Berwick, Saturday April 27
CHAMPIONSHIP FOURS: Peterborough, Sunday June 23
BRITISH FINAL: Belle Vue, Monday July 29
BRITISH UNDER-19 FINAL: Redcar, Thursday August 15
CHAMPIONSHIP RIDERS’ INDIVIDUAL: Sheffield, Sunday September 1
CHAMPIONSHIP PAIRS: Somerset, Friday September 20
BRITISH UNDER-21 SEMI-FINALS: Isle of Wight, Tuesday April 16, Somerset (Date TBC)
BRITISH SEMI-FINAL: Redcar, Friday May 31

BRITISH SPEEDWAY FIM EVENTS 2019
SPEEDWAY OF NATIONS RACE-OFF 2: Belle Vue, Saturday May 11
GRAND PRIX QUALIFIER: Glasgow, Saturday June 8
WORLD UNDER-21 TEAM CUP FINAL: Belle Vue, Friday July 12

Bandy: Great Britain land silver at first World Championships…

It is a sport that has been absent from the world stage for over 100 years, however bandy is enjoying a resurgence in the UK following a silver medal for Great Britain at the recent World Championships.

The tournament, held in the Swedish city of Vänersborg , saw the team remain undefeated against opponents Latvia, China, Somalia, Slovakia, and Japan in the pool stage of the Group B competition.

They then went on to defeat Hungary in the semi finals before missing out on the gold medal against established bandy nation Estonia, losing the game 9-3.

Great Britain men’s bandy team at the recent World Championships in Vänersborg, Sweden Back row: # 6 Alex Smith, 65 Michael Whillock, 10 Martin Deacon (Captain) 98 Lewis Enfield, 35 Tim Smith, 5 Colin Jack, 8 Thomas Parker, 29 Christopher Hall. Front row: # 9 Nathan Gilbert, 18 Oscar Gillingham Aukner, 42 Alex Ward, 22 Robin Signeul, 15 Jacob Signeul, 77 Cormac Ahlstrom-Horgan 57 Oliver Corcoran.

What is bandy?
Bandy is a team sport, played on ice. It is similar to hockey, however it shares its most common traits with association football, ice hockey and field hockey. To play the game, skaters use a short, curved stick and direct a ball into the opposing team’s goal. The pitch is significantly bigger too, with 11 players playing the game at any one time, compared to the six in it’s close relative, ice hockey.

It has its origins in the East of England, with the first written rules published in 1882, before dying out after the First World War.

Great Britain in action against Latvia at the World Bandy Championships in Vänersborg, Sweden

The sport saw the start of a revival at the beginning of 2018 when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Sweden on a royal tour. While there, the royal couple met players and even played the game, taking shots against Swedish national goalkeeper Linda Oden.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge playing bandy on 2018 royal tour of Sweden: //players.brightcove.net/2540076170001/B1Hli6KCG_default/index.html?videoId=5722267623001#t=43s