Canada, U.S. hockey officials ink prospects series deal
The Canadian Hockey League is looking to capitalize on the sport's cross-border rivalry by having its top draft-eligible prospects face USA Hockey's National Development team in an annual two-game series starting in November.
Unveiled on Tuesday by the CHL, the series is being billed as the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge with this year's games played in two Ontario cities — London and Oshawa — on Nov. 26-27.
The CHL reached a threeyear deal to host the series, with sites rotating among the group's three members — the Ontario, Quebec Maritime, and Western hockey leagues.
Aside from the world junior championships, the series will feature many of both nations' top 17- and 18-yearolds in head-to-head competition, something CHL president Dan MacKenzie noted has been previously lacking for two countries who produce the majority of NHL talent.
“We think we've got the recipe for something really special here,” MacKenzie said.
A majority of the CHL's roster will be selected by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau.
The Michigan-based NTDP, established by USA Hockey in 1996, is a development program for America's top juniors, with the team spending its season competing in the USHL, while rounding out its schedule playing in international tournaments and against U.S. colleges. NTDP alumni include NHL No. 1 draft picks such as Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes.
For the CHL, the series replaces its annual top-prospects game, which was established in 1992 and ran through last season.
The Stanley Cup champion Florida
Panthers are extending their operating agreement with Broward County for five more years, ensuring the team remains in the market through 2033 and likely well beyond.
County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the revised terms, which include the Panthers giving US$51.5 million to eliminate remaining debt on the county-owned arena where the team plays. The current deal runs through 2028.
The Panthers, including playoff games, exceeded one million in attendance last season for the first time in team history.
Justin Fields will likely make
his third straight start at quarterback when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Russell Wilson continues to rehab from a calf injury he aggravated a few days ahead of the season opener earlier this month.
Fields has played mistakefree while helping guide the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr is looking for a new coach after firing Luis Castro on Tuesday in the second managerial change since the Portugal star's arrival.