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Tag: Ice Hockey

  • Popular Hockey Broadcaster Pulled Off Air for Alleged Betting Violations

    Popular Hockey Broadcaster Pulled Off Air for Alleged Betting Violations

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    Jeff Marek has become one of hockey’s most loved and universally respected voices, gaining a substantial following thanks to his enthusiasm, good humor, and impressive insights. From what had started as an entry-level radio station gig, he went on to carve his career path. He became one of Sportsnet’s signature talents, hosting “The Jeff Marek Show” for the past 13 years.

    Marek’s Departure Came as a Shock to Many

    To the surprise of his followers, draft night on 28 June 2024 was Marek’s last night working for Sportsnet. Then, after he failed to turn up for the post-draft version of the hockey podcast “32 Thoughts,” which he co-hosts with Elliotte Friedman, many started to raise eyebrows. A week later, Marek called in sick for the last two programs of his daily radio show as they headed into summer break.

    At the time, that didn’t draw nearly as much attention. However, Marek’s social media silence didn’t go unnoticed for long, as fans quickly noted something was awry. In July, Sportsnet quietly parted ways with Marek. On 26 July, Marek confirmed the news via his X (Twitter) profile, adding he would post additional updates.

    After 13 great years at Sportsnet, I’m moving on. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m thankful to have worked alongside so many great people and played a role in bringing sports and hockey news to fans across Canada and the world. More to come soon.

    Jeff Marek

    While this announcement placated some fans, it raised additional questions. High-profile departures like this usually warrant an official statement. Many speculated that Sportsnet’s conspicuous silence on this matter could indicate that its relations with Marek had soured for some reason. However, there is little concrete evidence to explain such a sudden fallout.

    Little Official Information Is Available

    One of the more plausible explanations for Marek’s departure would be an alleged breach of NHL betting rules. According to a recent investigation by The Athletic, the commentator drew the League’s ire after coming under suspicion for allegedly helping a friend win wagers by revealing what players teams were drafting before the information was publicly available.

    Sources close to the case reportedly revealed that the NHL notified the Nevada Gaming Control Board of its concerns about the matter and that the Board had opened an investigation. The authority refused to comment on this matter, but if found guilty, Marek could face significant punishments, which could damage his career.

    As a law enforcement and regulatory agency, the Nevada Gaming Control Board does not comment on whether it is, or isn’t, investigating particular persons or entities.

    Nevada Gaming Control Board

    Marek’s departure marks a substantial shift in the hockey broadcasting landscape, leaving fans and colleagues alike shocked and dismayed. The hockey community will keenly feel this situation as they await further developments on this surprising situation. Hopefully, the media star will be able to refute the allegations.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • These names top the list for Utah’s new NHL team (20 GIFs)

    These names top the list for Utah’s new NHL team (20 GIFs)

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    Season after season the Arizona Coyotes have been the butt of the joke for the entire NHL. That ends next season! The team is officially relocating to Utah to become the Utah…Hockey Club? Wait, what?

    For their inaugural 2024-25 season, the team will have Utah written on their jerseys. The new team name, logo, and colours, will be unveiled for the 2025-26 season. Here are the choices the Utah ownership has released to fans for consideration.

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    Jon

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  • Miss Universe Indonesia contestants claim they were subjected to topless ‘body checks’ | CNN

    Miss Universe Indonesia contestants claim they were subjected to topless ‘body checks’ | CNN

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    Hong Kong
    CNN
     — 

    Six finalists in this year’s Miss Universe Indonesia beauty pageant have lodged police complaints accusing organizers of making them strip for “body checks” and topless photographs.

    Addressing reporters outside regional police headquarters in the capital Jakarta on Tuesday, Mellisa Anggraini, an attorney representing the women, alleged that her clients had been asked to remove their tops so pageant officials could “examine scars, cellulite or tattoos,” she said.

    One contestant, identified only by the initial “N”, had expressed shock because “body checks” were not listed in the event’s schedule, according to Anggraini. The unidentified woman complied and was photographed topless, as were four other of the women. “It was enough to humiliate and degrade her,” the lawyer said in comments aired by CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia.

    At a press conference another unidentified contestant, whose face was blurred by local broadcasters, said she had been asked to pose inappropriately, including by opening her legs, Reuters reported.

    The complainants say the photographs were taken with male officials present in the room. Additional evidence such as documents and videos were submitted along with the police report, Anggraini said.

    The alleged incidents took place on August 1, two days before the grand final in Jakarta, she added.

    Police spokesperson Yuliansyah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told reporters that formal complaints were filed on Monday and investigations were ongoing. “The complaints will be used as the basis for our investigation,” she said.

    The Miss Universe pageant takes place every year in a different host country, and sees dozens of national pageant winners competing for the global title. The live event attracts global audiences of millions.

    In a statement shared with CNN, Miss Universe organizers said they were aware of the allegations made against the Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 pageant, which is operated by a local franchisee.

    “Miss Universe takes allegations of sexual abuse and impropriety extremely seriously,” the statement read. “Providing a safe place for women is the Miss Universe Organization’s utmost priority, and we are looking into this matter.”

    The Indonesian pageant’s organizers did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment but in a statement shared on Instagram, director Poppy Capella said her organization was “closely monitoring the situation.”

    “We are actively investigating the allegations that have been reported in the mass media,” Capella’s statement read. “We will conduct a thorough investigation and review allegations made against us. We will promptly take the necessary stance and actions regarding this issue and ascertain the truth.”

    CNN has also reached out to the complainants’ legal representatives for further comment.

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  • Florida Panthers advance to first Stanley Cup Final in 27 years after sweeping Carolina Hurricanes | CNN

    Florida Panthers advance to first Stanley Cup Final in 27 years after sweeping Carolina Hurricanes | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The Florida Panthers swept the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday to advance to their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history and first since 1996.

    The No. 8 seeded Panthers beat the Hurricanes 4-3 to become the first team in NHL history to enter the postseason as the lowest-seeded club and sweep a best-of-seven series to book a spot in the final.

    Florida went to work early, scoring just 41 seconds into the first period through Anthony Duclair, who rebounded his own shot into the top of the goal. The advantage was doubled with 9:37 left in the first as Matthew Tkachuk scored his third goal of the series.

    The Hurricanes responded, however, first with Paul Stastny’s smart finish from under goalie Sergei Bobrovsky’s chest and then equalizing early in the second period on Teuvo Teravainen’s goal.

    Florida retook the lead halfway through the second as Ryan Lomberg forced a Carolina turnover and some sharp thinking from Colin White and Eric Staal to sweep into an open net. That looked to be enough to secure passage to the final, but Jesper Fast tied things up with just over three minutes left in the game.

    With the game looking set for overtime, the Panthers turned once again to Tkachuk – who calmly scored the winning goal with just 4.3 seconds remaining as the Panthers fans inside FLA Live Arena went wild. It was Tkachuk’s third game-winning goal of the series.

    Florida won each game in the series by one goal.

    The Panthers also became the third franchise in league history to complete their first-ever best-of-seven sweep during the round prior to the final.

    Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup has been unlikely, given its status as a lowest-seeded team and the historic nature of its opposition. The Panthers bested the Boston Bruins in the first round, despite Boston breaking the NHL regular season record for most wins (65) and most points (135) in a single season.

    Florida then defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games in the second round.

    The Panthers will meet either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Final. The Golden Knights currently lead the Western Conference Final 3-0.

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  • Parenting 101: Science Centre opens new exhibit on the science behind hockey

    Parenting 101: Science Centre opens new exhibit on the science behind hockey

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    From April 7 to September 10, follow the action as it moves from the ice to the Montreal Science Centre during the new feature exhibition Hockey: Faster Than Ever, where new and seasoned hockey fans alike can rediscover their favorite sport from a whole new angle and better understand how it became, and remains, our national sport.

    Over two dozen interactive games to enjoy with the whole family

    The very first interactive exhibition to explore the history, science, technology, and innovation of ice hockey, the exhibition Hockey: Faster Than Ever reveals some of hockey’s best kept secrets to audiences big and small.

    This new exhibition invites visitors to explore the world of hockey and discover why our national sport is one of the fastest in the world. The exhibition’s different zones allow visitors to visit a locker room of the stars, get behind the wheel of a Zamboni, explore equipment from the sport’s early beginnings to the state-of-the–art equipment of today, test their performance in the Hockey Lab, experience the tunnel walk and feel all the pregame excitement just like players before they step onto the ice… and more!

    Hockey: Our national passion

    Hockey is an inseparable part of our cultural fabric. So, where does this profound love for this sport come from? Developed by the Montréal Science Centre’s own team in collaboration with Flying Fish, this new exhibition was designed to give audiences a chance to explore the origins of hockey and learn how it has evolved to become one of today’s biggest sports.

    Looking above and beyond what happens on the ice, audiences can also learn how Canada has left its mark on the game’s history and took part in its evolution and innovation, learn about the first official hockey game — which took place in Montréal — and learn how the very first hockey sticks were made by the Mi’kmaq, Indigenous peoples who were among the original inhabitants of the Atlantic provinces, including parts of what’s known today as Québec’s Gaspé Peninsula.

    After enjoying breakaways through all of the exhibition’s zones, family members big and small will have learned:

    — What makes for a good slap shot?

    — Why a hockey helmet is a player’s best ally?

    — What the first hockey sticks and pucks were made of?

    — What the first Stanley Cup looked like?

    — Why the Zamboni resurfaces the ice, and the ideal conditions for the best hockey ice?

    — Why hockey equipment is so stinky after a game?

    For more info, visit their website.

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • Chicago Blackhawks won’t wear Pride warmups because of security concerns | CNN

    Chicago Blackhawks won’t wear Pride warmups because of security concerns | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks are opting not to wear specialized Pride warmup jerseys on Sunday when the team holds its Pride night, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

    According to the report, the team is not wearing the jerseys because of security concerns involving Russian players, citing unnamed sources close to the team. The Sun-Times also reports, according to sources, that the decision was made by the front office and not the players.

    In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill that expands a ban on so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” in Russia, making it illegal for anyone to promote same-sex relationships or suggest that non-heterosexual orientations are “normal.”

    CNN has reached out to the NHL for comment. “The Chicago Blackhawks organization is proud to continue its annual Pride Night celebration, an evening – alongside year-round efforts – fueled by partnership and LGBTQIA+ community engagement,” the team told CNN in a statement on Thursday.

    “Together, our activities will focus on fostering conversation and more equitable spaces in our pursuit to make hockey more inclusive. We do not condone anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, and we stand firmly with the community.

    “While we know game-day celebrations like these are an important way we can use our platform to bring visibility, it is the work we do together 365 days a year that can create true impact in ensuring all of our colleagues, fans and communities feel welcomed and safe within our sport.”

    On the Blackhawks’ website, advertising for the Pride night promotion for the team’s Sunday game against the Vancouver Canucks, says: “Pride Night brings the entire Blackhawks organization together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and stand together for inclusion. A special pregame event in the United Center Atrium will kick off the evening featuring special performances, photo opportunities and more.”

    The Blackhawks currently have one Russian-born player on their roster, defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, who is from Moscow, and there are also other players on the team who have ties to Russia.

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  • Diamond Sports Group files for bankruptcy, will continue to broadcast MLB, NBA, NHL games

    Diamond Sports Group files for bankruptcy, will continue to broadcast MLB, NBA, NHL games

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    Diamond Sports Group, which operates regional sports networks that televise nearly half of all MLB, NBA and NHL games, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday.

    Diamond is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. SBGI, and operates its networks under the Bally Sports name.

    In a statement Tuesday, Diamond said it was finalizing a…

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  • Facebook revamps controversial content moderation process for VIPs | CNN Business

    Facebook revamps controversial content moderation process for VIPs | CNN Business

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    New York
    CNN
     — 

    Facebook-parent Meta on Friday announced a revamp of its “cross-check” moderation system after facing criticism for giving VIPs special treatment by applying different review processes for VIP posts versus those from regular users.

    But Meta stopped short of adopting all the recommended changes that had previously been put forward by its own Oversight Board, including a suggestion to publicly identify which high-profile accounts qualify for the program.

    The cross-check program came under fire in November 2021 after a report from the Wall Street Journal indicated that the system shielded some VIP users — such as politicians, celebrities, journalists and Meta business partners like advertisers — from the company’s normal content moderation process, in some cases allowing them to post rule-violating content without consequences.

    As of 2020, the program had ballooned to include 5.8 million users, the Journal reported. Meta’s Oversight Board said in the wake of the report that Facebook had failed to provide it with crucial details about the system. At the time, Meta said that criticism of the system was fair, but that cross-check was created in order to improve the accuracy of moderation on content that “could require more understanding.”

    Meta’s Oversight Board in a December policy recommendation called out the program for being set up to “satisfy business concerns” and said it risked doing harm to everyday users. The board — an entity financed by Meta but which says it operates independently — urged the company to “radically increase transparency” about the cross-check system and how it works.

    On Friday, Meta said it would implement in part or in full many of the more than two dozen recommendations the Oversight Board made for improving the program.

    Among the changes it has committed to make, Meta says it will aim to distinguish between accounts included in the enhanced review program for business versus human rights reasons, and detail those distinctions to the board and in the company’s transparency center. Meta will also refine its process for temporarily removing or hiding potentially harmful content while it’s pending additional review. And the company also said it would work to ensure that cross-check content reviewers have the appropriate language and regional expertise “whenever possible.”

    The company, however, declined to implement such recommendations as publicly marking the pages of state actors and political candidates, business partners, media actors and other public figures included in the cross-check program. The company said that such public identifiers could make those accounts “potential targets for bad actors.”

    “We are committed to maintaining transparency with the board and the public as we continue to execute on the commitments we are making,” regarding the cross-check program, Meta said in a policy statement.

    The Oversight Board said in a tweet Friday that the company’s proposed changes to the cross-check program “could render Meta’s approach to mistake prevention more fair, credible and legitimate, addressing the core critiques” in its December policy recommendation.

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  • Boston Bruins rescind contract with Mitchell Miller after NHL deems him ineligible to play in league | CNN

    Boston Bruins rescind contract with Mitchell Miller after NHL deems him ineligible to play in league | CNN

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    CNN
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    The Boston Bruins rescinded their contract with Mitchell Miller Sunday after the National Hockey League deemed him ineligible to join the team due to a bullying incident the player participated in when he was a young teenager.

    The decision is effective immediately, just days after the Bruins signed Miller to an entry-level contract on Friday. The about-face comes after the revelation of new information apparently related to a bullying incident that led to serious consequences when the player was in school.

    Miller at 14 was convicted in a bullying incident where he and another teenager were accused of tricking their Black classmate Isaiah Meyers-Crothers into eating candy that had been placed in a urinal, a report from the Arizona Republic revealed.

    Miller and another teen admitted to the bullying in an Ohio juvenile court and were sentenced to community service, according to the Republic.

    In explaining the decision to sign the now 20-year-old Miller in the first place, Boston Bruins president Cam Neely said the team had carefully considered the facts as they were aware of them, “that at 14-years-old he made a poor decision that led to a juvenile conviction.”

    “We understood this to be an isolated incident and that he had taken meaningful action to reform and was committed to ongoing personal development. Based on that understanding we offered him a contract,” Neely said.

    After new information came to light, the team decided it was in its best interest to rescind the opportunity. The team’s statement did not detail that information.

    “We hope that he continues to work with professionals and programs to further his education and personal growth,” Neely said.

    Neely also apologized to Meyers-Crothers and his family for the signing as well as to the members of the organization, fans, partners and the community.

    “To Isaiah and his family, my deepest apologies if this signing made you and other victims feel unseen and unheard. We apologize for the deep hurt and impact we have caused,” Neely said. “We will continue to stand against bullying and racism in all of its forms.”

    Neely added, “Finally, as a father, I think there is a lesson to be learned here for other young people. Be mindful of careless behaviors and going with the group mentality of hurting others. The repercussions can be felt for a lifetime.”

    On Saturday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the Bruins did not consult the league before signing Miller, calling what Miller did as a 14-year-old “reprehensible” and “unacceptable.”

    “He’s not coming into the NHL. He’s not eligible at this point to come into the NHL. I can’t tell you that he’ll ever be eligible to come into the NHL,” said Bettman while speaking at the NHL Global Series in Tampere, Finland.

    “So the answer is they were free to sign him to play somewhere else, that’s another league’s issue, but nobody should think at this point he is or may ever be NHL eligible. And the Bruins understand that now,” Bettman added.

    The Arizona Coyotes drafted him in 2020, and the team later withdrew its rights after the Republic’s report revealed the bullying conviction.

    CNN has reached out to Miller’s representation for comment and did not immediately hear back.

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  • Hockey Canada CEO, board step down over handling of sexual abuse

    Hockey Canada CEO, board step down over handling of sexual abuse

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    Observers welcome resignations as good step after months of pressure, but say more action needed to tackle systemic violence.

    The head of Hockey Canada and the organisation’s entire board of directors are stepping down as the sport’s national governing body faces increased scrutiny and public anger over its handling of sexual assault allegations.

    Hockey Canada has been under fire since news broke in May of an alleged gang rape involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior ice hockey team and subsequent out-of-court settlement reached with the accuser.

    “Recognising the urgent need for new leadership and perspectives, the entire Board of Directors announced it will step aside,” Hockey Canada said in a statement on Tuesday.

    It said an interim management committee will be put in place, which will guide the organisation until no later than a newly constituted board appoints a new chief executive after the departure of CEO Scott Smith.

    Hockey Canada also said its members will be asked to select a new slate of directors by no later than the virtual election scheduled for December 17. The board will not seek re-election and will fulfill its duties until a new board is elected.

    Smith, who has worked for Hockey Canada in various roles since 1995, said in July – less than a month after taking over as CEO – that he had no plans to resign from his position.

    At the time, he told a Canadian parliamentary hearing on the scandal that he was right person to spearhead efforts for positive change within the sport across the hockey-loving country.

    The allegations against the unnamed players have not been proved in court but the Canadian federal government has frozen funding to Hockey Canada over its handling of the alleged sexual assault.

    Since the news first broke, more alleged gang rapes have come to light, and Hockey Canada has revealed it paid out millions of dollars in settlements to nearly two dozen complainants with sexual misconduct claims over the past three decades.

    Canadian media outlets recently reported that Hockey Canada had two slush funds to settle payments for victims of sexual assault.

    Hockey Canada has said it will no longer use a fund that was financed by registration fees of players across the country to settle sexual assault claims and also announced a full governance review.

    As recent as last week, Hockey Canada’s interim board chair, who resigned over the weekend, defended the current leadership in place at the national governing body while speaking during a parliamentary committee meeting.

    But several provincial hockey associations recently said they would withhold fees typically sent to Hockey Canada over the scandal, while a string of major sponsors, including Nike and coffee chain Tim Hortons, suspended their relationships with the organisation.

    Tuesday’s announcement is a “a step toward restoring Canadians’ confidence” in Hockey Canada, Canadian Sports Minister Pascale St-Onge said in a statement. “While we welcome this news, the interim management committee must be made up of people who want to make real change.”

    Longtime Montreal Gazette hockey columnist Jack Todd also said on Twitter on Tuesday that “the departures of Smith and the Hockey Canada board is a beginning”.

    Sheldon Kennedy, a former Canadian professional hockey player and survivor of sexual abuse by a coach, said it was “not a day of celebration” but rather “a critical juncture for the game of hockey and Canadian sport”.

    “We need an inclusive, respectful and safe Hockey system at all levels across Canada,” he said in a statement.

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