Category: Uncategorized

Schmaltz looking to have bigger impact with Blackhawks

Posted on

CHICAGO, IL – Nick Schmaltz is ready to take the next step in his game.

The 22-year-old solidified his place as the Chicago Blackhawks’ second-line center last season and wants to build off the chemistry he and right wing Patrick Kane developed.

“I got on the ice about two or three weeks ago,” Schmaltz said at the Chicago Pro Hockey League on Wednesday. “We’ll get back into it here and I’ll start cranking it up the next couple of weeks. I’m just trying to get stronger and get ready for a big season here.”

Schmaltz had a strong second NHL season, scoring 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in 78 games. But to improve, Schmaltz will likely go back to the Darryl Belfry Florida Tactics and Tuneup Camp in August. Schmaltz and Kane worked together at Belfry’s camp last summer.

Larkin aims to be ‘way better player’ for Red Wings this season

Posted on

DETROIT, MI – Dylan Larkin could have coasted, taken a loss and relaxed. It was a Thursday night in July, and this was the Eastside Elite All-Star Classic, a 3-on-3 tournament in a summer league in suburban Detroit. His team was trailing 2-0 in the losers bracket. Cold beverages awaited.

But the Detroit Red Wings center was a main attraction at an event that packed Mount Clemens Ice Arena and raised money for ALS, autism, concussions and the Special Olympics. He’d won it last year, the league title too. He didn’t want his team to be the first eliminated this year, especially not against Red Wings teammate Danny DeKeyser.

Trouba gets $5.5 million from Jets for this season in arbitration

Posted on

WINNIPEG, MB –  Jacob Trouba was awarded a one-year, $5.5 million contract from the Winnipeg Jets by an arbitrator Sunday.

The 24-year-old defenseman and Winnipeg had an arbitration hearing in Toronto on Friday, and the arbitrator had a 48-hour deadline to render a decision.

The Jets have 48 hours to decide whether they will accept the decision or decline it and allow Trouba to become an unrestricted free agent. If it’s accepted, he could become an RFA on July 1, 2019.

Colorado Avalanche: JT Compher is a Crafty, Calculating Player

Posted on

DENVER, CO –  Many people see Colorado Avalanche forward J.T. Compher and think he is a quiet shy kid. However I think he is more quiet and calculating. Compher has classic RBF (resting bitch face) that some people love and some people hate. He is known to stare blankly at the opponent as if he is trying to take their soul. Colora analyst Peter McNab once called it a dead stare. Maybe that is just in his nature.

After watching a game where he just blankly stared at the opponent, my dad and I wondered if he was doing that as a smart move to draw a penalty… if he was being a jerk…. or if he just really wasn’t there in that moment. So to figure it out, I made a sign.

NHLers like Larkin among reasons local hockey league is special

Posted on

MT. CLEMENS, MI – The idea was hatched 10 years ago by Steven Oleksy.

Oleksy, from Chesterfield Township, is a pro hockey player who has won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh and is currently in the Anaheim Ducks’ organization.

Oleksy wanted to stay sharp and in game shape in the offseason.

“The college guys, pro guys, they can’t just go back and play in a regular senior league,” Oleksy said. “So what do you do to stay in game shape?”

Oleksy, 32, believes southeast Michigan has some of the best hockey talent anywhere in North America. So, why not gather a lot of that talent in one rink?

“I wanted to create something to bring everyone together,” said Oleksy, who started the Eastside Elite Hockey League. “It took some time to build it to where I wanted it to be. But what it’s become over the last 10 years is absolutely incredible.”

Can Jets, Trouba get deal done? Arbitration date is looming for blue-liner

Posted on

WINNIPEG, MB – The moment of truth is about to arrive for Jacob Trouba and the Winnipeg Jets.

With an arbitration date set for Friday in Toronto, the clock is ticking for the two sides to get a deal done before the case is heard.

Although each one is different, historically speaking, arbitration cases have been known to cause friction and hard feelings – either in the short term and/or the long term – since the shortcomings of the player are often brought to light by the team in an effort to keep the salary at a more manageable level.

Speaking of history, the fact Trouba sat out the early portion of the 2016-17 season during a contract dispute is something that can’t be ignored, though both sides simply see it as water under the bridge.

Red Wings star Dylan Larkin grows as a leader, coach at annual hockey school

Posted on

WATERFORD, MI – Dylan Larkin has grown into a leader on the ice with the Red Wings, and at his annual Larkin Hockey School, he’s also growing as a coach.

At his hometown rink at Lakeland Ice Arena, one camper said “I think he could be just as good a coach as he is an NHL player.”

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Larkin Hockey School in the attached video.

Johansen brothers team up for charity, hope to go head-to-head on the ice soon

Posted on

PORT MOODY, BC – Ryan and Lucas Johansen will hit the links this week to help raise some cash. Somewhere down the line, they’re bound to hit the rink with opposing agendas.

The Port Moody brothers have teamed up with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation for the Ryan and Lucas Johansen Charity Golf Classic, which goes Tuesday at the Swan-e-set Golf and Country Club.

They are bound to be chasing each other around in the winters to come. Ryan, 25, is a front line centre with the Nashville Predators. Lucas, 20, is a defence prospect with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals did use the 28th overall choice in the 2016 NHL Draft to nab his rights, so it’s easy to suggest that the former Kelowna Rockets rearguard has a future with the big club.

Riley Nash Signs Three Year, $8.25 Million Contract with Columbus Blue Jackets

Posted on

Columbus, OH – Veteran center Riley Nash signed a three year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets putting him with the team through the 2020-21 season.

Nash appeared in 76 games last season for the Boston Bruins and had a career year. He recorded a personal best in goals (15) and assists (26) for 41 points.

Nash was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers No. 21 overall in 2007 after they acquired his draft rights from the Arizona Coyotes. After he spent a few years in the ECAC, he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes for a second-round pick. He would play five seasons for the ‘Canes before signing with the Bruins in 2016. He is coming off a two-year deal that carried a cap hit of $900,000.

His next NHL game will be the 400th of his career.

ADVOCACYMENTORSHIPFAMILY

Contact KO Sports

AMA Sports Agency AB

© 2025 KO Sports. All Rights Reserved.