I Dig Sports
BRADENTON, Fla. Austin Prock did the unthinkable when he made his Funny Car debut during the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park.
He won the big-money preseason event and went on to dominate the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
Hell look to start his second season wheeling the John Force Racing Flopper prepared by his father, Jimmy, in similar fashion as the second running of the event takes place Thursday through Saturday.
One qualifying session will take place on Thursday, with three more scheduled Friday to set the eight-car elimination field.
Being the defending champion always gives you a little extra confidence, said Prock.
Im looking forward to hitting the gas again on this Cornwell Tools Chevy SS. As a team, weve put together some really nice pieces and I cant wait to see how they handle. Im just ready to get back into the swing of things. This Cornwell Tools team is just so exceptional. My plan this year is the same as it was last year and thats just to not mess it up for them.
Jack Beckmans view of this weeks second annual PRO Superstar Shootout wont be as spectacular as it was a year ago when he was an analyst for the inaugural event, but thats just fine with Fast Jack Beckman.
The 58-year-old Beckman will be back in the seat, wheeling John Forces PEAK Antifreeze Chevrolet, competing in the event for the first time.
This is going to be thrilling for me for so many reasons, said the 2012 NHRA Funny Car champion. I attended last years event as the color commentator with no clue that I would ever be back in a 300 mile-an-hour race car.
Now, for the first time in five years, I will be running the entire season in pursuit of the NHRA Funny Car Championship for Chevrolet and John Force Racing.
Summoned to fill in after Force was injured in a 300 mph crash last June at Richmond, Va., Beckman responded with two wins in eight starts, finishing second in the driver standings.
Our PEAK Chevy is a brand new, never run machine which we will get dialed-in with multiple tests runs, Beckman said. Beginning Thursday evening, qualifying (for the eight-car Shootout) will begin and it will be cutthroat. For the first time in my career, I will experience three qualifying sessions in one day (Friday) while fans pack the stands to see the Friday show.
One of the unique aspects of the Superstar Shootout is the redraw for seeding among the eight qualifiers in each class.
A NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC champion Tony Stewart, who now owns and drives his own Top Fuel car, discussed the draw.
Ive never been part of a chip draw like that, especially in drag racing, so I think it adds just a different element to it, he said. Its exciting because obviously instead of having the number one qualifier go up against number eight on Saturday, you dont know who you will get. It could be one versus two and it could be seven versus eight run each other, but thats the exciting part about the chip draw so its a wildcard factor.
It can really change the complexion of a race day. Its not something that I think we want to do all the time, but for a special event like the PRO Superstar Shootout, I think its an awesome element that just adds another level of excitement to it.
With new crew members, including crew chief Mike Knudson, working on his Tony Stewart Racing Funny Car, Matt Hagan looks at the Superstar Shootout as a testing opportunity.
We have a new crew chief and a new guy working on the bottom end of the race car coming into Bradenton, Hagan explained. Well view the event as one big test session to get back into the groove of things and make sure the guys are a well-oiled machine. It will be nice to make a few runs for Knud (Mike Knudsen crew chief) to get comfortable and get our procedures down on the starting line.
It is nothing new since hes been tuning the car already and weve won a few races with him making the call. Everything is about routine, so itll be good to get that down.
Kalitta Motorsports is paying tribute to the late Scott Kalitta with throwback livery at Bradenton.
J.R. Todds Team Kalitta GR Supra Funny Car will sport the bright red Kalitta Flying Service livery of the Funny Car Scott Kalitta raced to his first NHRA national event win in 1989. Kalitta won the NHRA Top Fuel championship in 1994 and 95 and is one of only 19 drivers to win races in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.
It means a lot to me to run a Scott Kalitta tribute car, Todd said. Scotts family lives in the area, and Im sure theyll be at the race again this weekend. Its a big deal Ive always wanted to run a throwback car since I started with Kalitta Motorsports. I ran the Bounty Hunter car in my first race driving for Connie (Team Owner Connie Kalitta), and now to drive a throwback to Scott and Scotts Funny Car that I have the honor to drive means a lot.
Im sure the fans will like it any time you have any sort of throw-back, it draws a big reaction from the fans.
Daniel Wilkerson, in his sophomore season as a full-time driver, has been eagerly awaiting his chance to get back into the SCAG Power Equipment Ford Mustang Funny Car tuned by his father Tim Wilkerson.
The offseason went by super quick for us here at SCAG Wilkerson Racing, Daniel Wilkerson said. We did a lot to pick up our game over the winter and there were a few rule changes we had to work on, so I had to sit in our Mustang to fit head pads and I got all excited. I was like a little kid with his first go-cart. I cant wait to get to do race car things with my friends again. Getting to kick off our season at the SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is a great way to do it.
Elite Motorsports is taking nine Pro Stocks to the Superstar Showdown.
Defending race winner Erica Enders leads the team as she looks to defend her title and start the season on a winning note.
Our sport, like a lot of sports, is all about momentum. I took a lot of pride in winning that first SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout race, the atmosphere was electric. I dont like the word epic, but thats what it was for me, said Enders. The way that the fans were involved and engaged; coming back from the top end after we won the finals in Bradenton there were, like, just hundreds of people lined up giving me high fives as I went by. It gives me goosebumps to talk about. I loved starting the year off like that.
Other Elite Motorsports drivers this weekend will be Jeg Coughlin Jr., Troy Coughlin Jr., Aaron Stanfield, Greg Stanfield, Fernando Cuadra Jr., Christian Cuadra, David Quadra and Stephen Bell.
LiveRaceMedia, Sheheen Partner With Parella Holdings
CHARLOTTE Parella Motorsports Holdings has announced changes to its live stream production for the 2025 season, partnering with LiveRaceMedia and lead announcer Ralph Sheheen to bring viewers live coverage of 20 SpeedTour events.
With two full days of coverage each event weekend, viewers will be able to enjoy racing from the Trans-Am Series presented by Pirelli, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, Formula Regional Americas Championship, Formula 4 United States Championship, Ligier JS F4 Series, International GT and Prototype Sprint Series Assn.
Were thrilled to partner with LiveRaceMedia and Ralph Sheheen to bring the fans at home coverage of SpeedTour events in 2025, said Kim McCullough, chief marketing officer of PMH. Ralph Sheheen has decades of experience as a broadcaster; his expertise and passion for the sport will elevate the coverage of every race. LiveRaceMedia is one of the best in the business, between showing fans the action on the track and personalities behind the helmets, we know theyll do a great job capturing SpeedTour events.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., LiveRaceMedia has covered premiere motorsport events around the world.
Were excited to partner with SpeedTour to bring the fans at home coverage of their action-packed events in 2025, said Brandon Rohde, Owner/CEO of LiveRaceMedia. We worked with them a bit last season covering events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and New Jersey Motorsports Park. With seven owned race series, the energy and excitement during a SpeedTour weekend is off the charts. Were excited to capture that on camera and share it with motorsports fans around the world.
Sheheen will become the voice of SpeedTour TV, covering 20 race weekends from coast to coast.
I have enjoyed the SpeedTour events as a fan, and now I get the honor of being the voice of the series, said Sheheen. I have a huge passion for all forms of racing and I look forward to adding to the excitement of these action-packed events. I think it is a fantastic weekend of thrilling competition from a wide variety of classes. From the thundering Trans-Am machinery, both new and vintage, to a combination of open-wheel classes that are an exciting training ground for the sports future stars, as well as the captivating SVRA classics which provide a spectacular rolling history of motorsports along with a cacophony of tremendous engine notes, SpeedTour offers something for everyone. Its going to be an awesome season and I cant wait to get started.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Entries have been selected for The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo.
Competitors representing 15 countries are prepping for the 12.42 miles to the top of Pikes Peak Americas Mountain. A field, including more than 15 rookies, will work their way through the famed 156 turns in June.
Romain Dumas, Robin Shute, Clint Vahsholtz, and David Donner, four former Kings of the Mountain, are slated to return, hoping to claim the 2025 crown. Vahsholtz and Donner are in yet to be revealed entries, and Shute is putting the finishing touches on his brand-new build. Details on the Dumas entry are forthcoming.
Audis popularity on Americas Mountain, originally made famous by Michѐle Mouton, John Buffam, Bobby Unser and Walter Röhrl, continues to grow. David Hackl will run his crowd favorite No. 2 Quattro joined by David Rowe also behind the wheel of the iconic model.
Colorado-based Trevor Aweida, and Matus Huska both return to the mountain. Laszlo Keskeny in his Audi 4000 and rookie teammate, Tarek Baghdadi, in his UR Quattro, will bring their best. Three other newcomers will make the trek to the mountain; Scott Anderson in a 1991 Audi Avant, and Christian Ghimbos and Josh Tenge, both driving 2012 Audi TT RS models.
The Porsche badge will be prominent on at least 9 entries, including the 911 entered by 4-time division winner, David Donohue.
Kathryn Mead is back for a sixth appearance, in her 2019 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
PPIHC Hall of Famer, Jeff Zwart, marks his 20th year on the mountain, this time in his No. 11 BBI built Carrera. Loni Unser, racing a BBI prepped 2023 911 Turbo Cup car, will represent the famed Unser family on the mountain.
Colorado-based veterans, Fred Veitch, in a 1972 Porsche ST in the Exhibition division, and Andy Kingsley in a 911 GT-R in the Unlimited division are both looking for glory.
Raymund Guerrero returns in his GT2 RS Clubsport, and rookie Ludovic Gherardi will take on the 156 turns in an RD Limited entry, a 2011 911 GT3 RS.
Three father and son teams, all based in Colorado, will be participating Dan and Trevor Aweida; Craig and Zach Lumsden; and Clint and Codie Vahsholtz.
Six women have their sights set on the 14,115-foot summit including two drivers who raced for the first time in 2024, Katherine Legge in an Acura Integra Type-S DE5, and Ryan Cheek in her American X Cross Kart. Rookie Tracy Gaudu in a Z06 Corvette will look to make her mark on the mountain.
SPEEDWAY, Ind. The time has come to exit hibernation and enter excitation with anticipation of USAC Winter Dirt Games XVI, the opening of the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship season.
New rides, car combinations, an increased car count and the excitement of a new season fill the air with six consecutive nights of racing action on the docket in the state of Florida.
The 16th annual edition of Winter Dirt Games presents practice night at the three-eighths-mile Ocala Speedway on Feb. 9, followed by the first two rounds of racing at Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 10-11, while Ocala Speedway finishes out the week with four-straight evenings of racing Feb. 12-15.
Setting The Tone
With six races in six nights, Winter Dirt Games is, for all intents and purposes, a Florida Sprint Week. Its a fairly significant chunk of the schedule that greets competitors right off the bat.
Setting the tone is imperative, and the 2024 edition produced in that department. Logan Seavey, in his new sprint car ride with Abacus Racing, took over the point lead during Winter Dirt Games at Volusia and never relinquished it.
He was just the latest in a long succession of drivers whove won in Florida to start off the year, then go on to capture that seasons USAC National Sprint Car title: Bryan Clauson (2013), Brady Bacon (2014), Robert Ballou (2015), Tyler Courtney (2018), C.J. Leary (2019), Brady Bacon (2020), Justin Grant (2022) and Logan Seavey (2024).
Seaveys Defense
Logan Seavey begins his USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car championship defense at the very same track where he and his Abacus Racing team began its journey to becoming the juggernaut last season.
Last February at Volusia, Seavey became the first driver in 23 years to win multiple USAC National Sprint Car features on the same day (Bud Kaeding at the Terre Haute Action Track in 2001). It was a doubly incredible feat considering the fact it was the first week of the teams existence as a sprint car operation.
Seavey and Abacus went on to score 14 USAC National Sprint Car wins in 2024, equaling the all-time record set by Tom Bigelow in 1977.
Record Chasing
Brady Bacon could set a USAC record if he were to capture the Feb. 10 round at Volusia.
Bacon currently owns three career USAC National Sprint Car season-opening victories, which is tied for the best all-time mark alongside Don Branson, Larry Dickson, Rich Vogler and Damion Gardner. Bacon accomplished the feat in 2014, 2020 and 2023, all at Ocala.
Other drivers in this years Winter Dirt Games field whove won season opening USAC Sprint Car features at Ocala include Robert Ballou (2015), Chase Stockon (2018), Kevin Thomas Jr. (2021) and Justin Grant (2017 & 2024).
Another opening night win for Grant this year would tie him for the all-time record. Furthermore, only five drivers have won back-to-back season openers: Don Branson (1959-60), Jud Larson (1965-66), Sammy Sessions (1971-72), Rich Vogler (1986-87) and Damion Gardner (2010-11-12).
First In Florida
This years Florida field includes eight Winter Dirt Games winners.
Justin Grant is the all-time Winter Dirt Games winner with seven career victories, three of which came a year ago in Ocala. Brady Bacon has won five, Robert Ballou three, C.J. Leary two, Logan Seavey two and Kevin Thomas Jr. two while Kyle Cummins and Chase Stockon have each garnered one.
USAC racing and the Sunshine State have a history that dates back to the decade of the 1950s. In fact, the first three USAC Sprint Car races ever held took place in Florida in February of 1956. Bob Sweikert won the first such event at Southland Speedway in West Palm Beach, followed by Chuck Weyant at Jacksonville Speedway and Pat OConnor at Medley Speedway in Miami.
Fifty-two USAC National Sprint Car races have taken place in the state of Florida while 43 of them have been under the Winter Dirt Games banner dating back to its inaugural edition in 2010.
New Combos
In addition to the previously mentioned teams who are taking on the full USAC National Sprint Car tour in 2025, among them are several new combinations to keep an eye on throughout Winter Dirt Games.
Among the full-timers, 2019 USAC National Sprint Car champion C.J. Leary has taken over the wheel of the Team AZ /Curb-Agajanian Racing No. 21az, which won a non-points special event at Volusia in 2023 with driver Jake Swanson. Swanson, meanwhile, has transferred over to the new Daming Swanson Motorsports No. 5t, which appeared in a handful of USAC events a year ago.
Jadon Rogers appeared in several late season USAC Sprint Car events in 2024 with Amati Racing, with whom he returns to drive for throughout this season. Amatis No. 66 scored a Winter Dirt Games victory in 2016 with Thomas Meseraull.
Kale Drake is in a similar boat, picking up a ride with 2B Racings No. 2b last summer and will man the ride for the 2025 USAC season.
Gunnar Setser is the new wheelman of the KO Motorsports No. 5g, which was formerly the No. 5s driven by Chase Stockon. Stockon will now strap into Tom & Laurie Sertichs Moose Racing No. 92 for the 2025 season.
Brady Bacon, a five-time Winter Dirt Games winner and four-time USAC National Sprint Car champion, will run a scaled back USAC schedule this year aboard Chris Dyson Racings No. 20.
Furthermore, Hayden Reinbold made his first seven USAC National Sprint Car starts in the latter half of the 2024 campaign, but will now be competing for series rookie of the year in 2025 at the controls of the Reinbold-Underwood Motorsports No. 19 as a teammate to Mitchel Moles.
Seventh BC39 Scheduled For July 1-2 At IMS Dirt Track
INDIANAPOLIS The seventh running of the BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors has been scheduled for July 1-2 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.
The United States Auto Club NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship will once again take center stage as drivers race for victory on the quarter-mile dirt oval inside Turn 3 of IMS.
This is the first time the BC39 has taken place in early July, as four of the previous events occurred in September and the other two in August.
Action among the top midget racers in the country will open with a full program on July 1, which concludes with a feature. Wednesday nights July 2 finale will culminate in a 39-lap feature. The event honors the memory of Bryan Clauson, a three-time Indianapolis 500 starter and four-time USAC national driving champion.
Ticket renewals and applications will be open from Feb. 11-21, with tickets going on sale to the general public Wednesday, Feb. 26. Visit IMS.com for complete details and to renew, apply for or buy tickets.
Cannon McIntosh took the lead with slightly more than one lap remaining to win the BC39 last September in an unforgettable finish. He joins a list of BC39 winners that includes NASCAR Cup Series champion and Brickyard 400 presented by PPG winner Kyle Larson and short-track stars Justin Grant, Buddy Kofoid, Zeb Wise and Brady Bacon. No driver has ever won this coveted race more than once.
CHICAGO -- Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson will be sidelined for a "couple games" with a high ankle sprain, interim coach Anders Sörensen said Thursday.
Dickinson will get more tests Friday after leaving the Blackhawks' latest loss with an injured left leg.
"He'll miss the next couple games, then we'll see where we're at," said Sörensen, who sounded more hopeful than after Wednesday night's 4-3 overtime loss to Edmonton.
Dickinson's leg got pinned underneath him after colliding with Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin early in the second period, and one of the Blackhawks' best all-around players wore a boot on his lower left leg as he left the locker room after the game.
The 29-year-old Dickinson has seven goals and nine assists in 53 games in his third season with the Blackhawks. Dickinson, who had a career-high 22 goals last year, also is one of the team's best penalty killers.
The last-place Blackhawks dropped to 4-12-4 in their last 20 games. They host Nashville on Friday night.
Ranking every player in the 4 Nations Face-Off: Where do Hellebuyck, Makar and Barkov land?
The 4 Nations Face-Off is less than a week away, with Canada and Sweden meeting in the first matchup on Feb. 12. The United States and Finland follow up on Feb. 13 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/E+), with the championship game set for Feb. 20 in Boston (8 p.m. ET, ABC/E+).
There will be 92 players representing the four countries in the inaugural tournament. How do all the players stack up with each other? (Note: There are currently only 91 players because Canada hasn't replaced Alex Pietrangelo.)
We asked a panel of more than 50 ESPN broadcasters, analysts, reporters and editors to rate players based on how good they will be in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Write-ups for the top 40 in the rankings are courtesy of ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.
91. Urho Vaakanainen, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
90. Samuel Ersson, G, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
89. Henri Jokiharju, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
88. Eetu Luostarinen, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
87. Joel Armia, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
86. Sam Montembeault, G, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
85. Jordan Binnington, G, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
84. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
83. Rickard Rakell, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
82. Juuso Valimaki, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
81. Erik Haula, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
80. Kevin Lankinen, G, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
79. Niko Mikkola, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
78. Kaapo Kakko, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
77. Jeremy Swayman, G, United States
Preseason rank: 47
76. Jonas Brodin, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
75. Olli Maatta, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
74. Joel Eriksson Ek, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
73. Gustav Nyquist, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
72. Teuvo Teravainen, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
71. Chris Kreider, F, United States
Preseason rank: 67
70. Esa Lindell, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
69. Elias Lindholm, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 61
68. Colton Parayko, D, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
67. Linus Ullmark, G, Sweden
Preseason rank: 73
66. Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
65. Vincent Trocheck, F, United States
Preseason rank: NR
64. Jake Oettinger, G, United States
Preseason rank: 33
63. Travis Sanheim, D, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
62. Rasmus Andersson, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
61. Leo Carlsson, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
60. Mika Zibanejad, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 69
59. Artturi Lehkonen, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
58. Viktor Arvidsson, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
57. Brock Nelson, F, United States
Preseason rank: NR
56. Matt Boldy, F, United States
Preseason rank: NR
55. Mattias Ekholm, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
54. Sam Bennett, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 90
53. Seth Jarvis, F, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
52. Noah Hanifin, D, United States
Preseason rank: NR
51. Anton Lundell, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
50. Mikael Granlund, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
49. Erik Karlsson, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR
48. Jaccob Slavin, D, United States
Preseason rank: 96
47. Brad Marchand, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 48
46. Patrik Laine, F, Finland
Preseason rank: NR
45. Adin Hill, G, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
44. Anthony Cirelli, F, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
43. Brandon Hagel, F, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
42. Travis Konecny, F, Canada
Preseason rank: NR
41. Gustav Forsling, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: 56
40. Devon Toews, D, Canada
Preseason rank: 82
His partnership with Cale Makar has led to them not only being one of the NHL's best pairings, but also one who can play in every scenario. -- Clark
39. Charlie McAvoy, D, United States
Preseason rank: 41
McAvoy can match up with any teammate -- and across from any opponent -- to be one of Team USA's brightest stars on defense. His transition game is elite and McAvoy will open up space for Team USA's forwards while also providing his own offense. -- Shilton
38. Filip Gustavsson, G, Sweden
Preseason rank: NR 41
The Wild goalie has put up strong numbers as the team's primary starter, ranking in the top 15 in goals saved above replacement. Plus, if the Swedes need more offense, Gus is their guy, with a goal and an assist this season for Minnesota. -- Wyshynski
37. Juuse Saros, G, Finland
Preseason rank: 36
Even though the Predators have struggled, Saros has remained a constant as he's played in all but 11 of their games. -- Clark
36. Elias Pettersson, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 24
While this season has proven challenging, Pettersson has had moments when he's looked close to the player who scored 102 points two seasons ago. That version of Pettersson could determine how far Sweden goes in the 4 Nations Face-Off. -- Clark
35. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: 37
Dahlin is second to Erik Karlsson for scoring by a Swedish defenseman over the last three seasons. -- Wyshynski
34. Brock Faber, D, United States
Preseason rank: 53
Whether it's in 5-on-5, the power play or the penalty kill, Faber has proven he can be trusted to play heavy minutes in all scenarios. -- Clark
33. Dylan Larkin, F, United States
Preseason rank: 49
The speedy center had heated up as the Red Wings have climbed back into the playoff race in the East, with 9 goals in 14 games during January. -- Wyshynski
32. Josh Morrissey, D, Canada
Preseason rank: 43
Morrissey combines high-end defensive skills with a strong offensive upside and that's what will help drive Canada's contributions from the backend in this tourrnament. He's quick, smart and super competitive. -- Shilton
31. Shea Theodore, D, Canada
Preseason rank: 43
The Golden Knights defenseman is on pace to shatter his career high in points, with 45 in his first 53 games, making him a top-three scorer for Vegas this season. -- Wyshynski
30. Roope Hintz, F, Finland
Preseason rank: 39
Hintz is one of the most underrated goal-scorers in the NHL, with three straight 30-goal seasons and on his way to a fourth with 22 goals in his first 48 games. -- Wyshynski
29. Lucas Raymond, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 86
Raymond is a highly-skilled winger who has followed up a breakout 31-goal season with another strong offensive campaign for the Red Wings. -- Wyshynski
28. Adrian Kempe, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 85
Kempe has been a top-line goal-scoring winger for the Los Angeles Kings over the last four seasons thanks to his swift skating. -- Wyshynski
27. Jake Guentzel, F, United States
Preseason rank: 18
Guentzel is opportunistic and a brilliant finisher with the puck. It's no wonder then he can easily average over a point per game and pairs relatively well with just about anyone. The ability to form quick chemistry will be imperative now and Team USA will be counting on Guentzel to make that magic happen. -- Shilton
26. Mark Stone, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 29
Canada boasts one of the game's best two-way forwards in Stone to anchor its bottom-six forward group. The veteran is also an excellent playmaker who can frustrate opponents in the corners and break up plays in transition. -- Shilton
25. J.T. Miller, F, United States
Preseason rank: 28
Miller won't be sweating any trade rumors now and is free to be the versatile asset Team USA needs. He can play center or on the wing, and combines good speed with a heavy shot and physical presence. Whatever the USA has to dial up, count on Miller to be a significant factor in the team's offensive success. -- Shilton
24. Adam Fox, D, United States
Preseason rank: 38
Fox has three straight 70-plus point seasons, playing in all situations for the Rangers. -- Wyshynski
23. Filip Forsberg, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 34
Forsberg's offensive prowess has him on pace for his third season of more than 80 points in the last four years. -- Clark
22. Jesper Bratt, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 79
Bratt is one of the NHL's most explosive stickhandling wingers, playing at nearly a point-per-game pace over his last three seasons. -- Wyshynski
21. Sebastian Aho, F, Finland
Preseason rank: 19
Aho is an elite two-way center on a Finland team that already boasts another such rarity in Aleksander Barkov. So watch out. Aho is a premier scorer and playmaker who handles every responsibility with apparent ease. His penalty killing isn't bad either. This may be the flashiest Fin of them all -- Shilton
20. Kyle Connor, F, United States
Preseason rank: 58
Now that Connor is fully healthy, he's on pace for his first 100-point season as the Jets remain in contention for the NHL's top record. -- Clark
19. William Nylander, F, Sweden
Preseason rank: 32
Nylander is crafting a career year offensively in Toronto while continuing to show his growth at both ends of the ice -- which has only made the Swede more dangerous. He's also been a cunning threat and his penchant this season especially for creating -- and capitalizing on -- breakaway goals should have the other three teams on high alert. -- Shilton
18. Zach Werenski, D, United States
Preseason rank: 74
Werenski has been the Columbus Blue Jackets' MVP this season, leading his team in scoring as a defenseman and logging nearly 27 minutes per game. -- Wyshynski
17. Brady Tkachuk, F, United States
Preseason rank: 25
Ottawa's captain is known for his passion and typical Tkachukian grit. But Tkachuk is more than just a younger Matthew -- he's a tenacious skater who can drive any line and elevate teammates. When Team USA players needs a sparkplug, they'll have it every shift doled out to Tkachuk. -- Shilton
16. Brayden Point, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 21
Canada coach Jon Cooper knows exactly what he'll get from Point -- and it's a top-tier performance. Point is versatile and determined, strategic and quick on pucks, and always (seemingly) one step ahead of an opponent's defense. It's what helps drive the Lightning's offense and could be a game changer for Canada. -- Shilton
15. Sam Reinhart, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 30
It's hardly overreaching to say Reinhart has become one of the best fowards in the game. He's coming off a 94-point season and is on pace to hit terrific numbers again as a savvy, high-octane scorer who doesn't skimp on the defensive side, either. Reinhart is one of Canada's most well-rounded skaters. -- Shilton
14. Victor Hedman, D, Sweden
Preseason rank: 23
Several items have come to define Hedman throughout his illustrious career. Consistency is among them. That consistency has allowed the Lightning to remain an Eastern Conference challenger and could give Sweden a path to the championship game. -- Clark
13. Mikko Rantanen, F, Finland
Preseason rank: 8
Rantanen's recent trade to the Carolina Hurricanes means he's now going to be the primary focal point. It'll be the same way for Finland too. The hulking winger has established himself as one of the game's strongest facilitators while consistently proving that he can score just as many goals as he creates. -- Clark
12. Jack Eichel, F, United States
Preseason rank: 16
It's never been a question of talent for Eichel. It's been more of a conversation about what he could do with that talent. What he's done for the Golden Knights is emerge as a top-line center who can be trusted in every situation in a way that makes him a factor each time he steps on to the ice. It's also another reason why he's in the running for the Hart Trophy. -- Clark
11. Matthew Tkachuk, F, United States
Preseason rank: 5
Tkachuk can (and does) do it all on the ice and that will continue to be his superpower in this tournament. Whether it's channeling his physicality around the net, terrorizing the defense with his scoring skills or separating himself as a playmaker, Tkachuk's teammates know they'll get a determined effort from him in every game. -- Shilton
10. Jack Hughes, F, United States
Preseason rank: 15
Hughes is a dominant passer who will push the pace for the U.S. up front and create his own chances along the way. New Jersey's star skater is dangerous in all three zones and should pad his team's transition game with a top-end level of speed. Somehow, Hughes makes it all look effortless. -- Shilton
9. Mitch Marner, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 14
Marner won't be taking a back seat to anyone on Canada's roster given the level of skill and talent he's bringing. The winger is a powerhouse at even strength and on the power play. He can eat up shorthanded minutes. And did we mention the playmaking? It's second to none in the league -- and this tournament. -- Shilton
8. Sidney Crosby, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 13
If Crosby's done anything this year it's show why he can never be counted out. In a horrific year for Pittsburgh at large, Crosby has kept producing and continuously wills his team into the fight. It's that latter leadership ability that could benefit Canada most and is a key reason why, whether Crosby falls into a top-six or more complementary role, he's an indispensable piece of the lineup. -- Shilton
7. Aleksander Barkov, F, Finland
Preseason rank: 10
Barkov is doing what Barkov does best this season. He's averaging a point per game while still operating as one the game's strongest two-way forwards. Knowing that Finland could have Barkov anchoring a line with Rantanen is the sort of combination that could see them go far in the tournament. -- Clark
6. Quinn Hughes, D, United States
Preseason rank: 12
For all the challenges facing the Canucks, Hughes's performance this season hasn't been one of them. The reigning Norris Trophy winner looks like he could collect the award again as he's on pace for a second straight 90-point season while keeping the Canucks in the race for a playoff spot. -- Clark
5. Auston Matthews, F, United States
Preseason rank: 6
Matthews was tapped as Team USA's captain for a reason -- he's made the most of this injury-plagued NHL campaign as a point-per-game skater who, as ever, can tilt the ice in his team's favor. And that shot? It's lethal as ever -- just like Matthews is proving to be. -- Shilton
4. Nathan MacKinnon, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 3
The reigning Hart Trophy winner for the NHL's MVP, MacKinnon is having the sort of season that could see him repeat that feat. He leads the NHL in points and his all-around play could help Canada challenge for a 4 Nations title. -- Clark
3. Connor Hellebuyck, G, United States
Preseason rank: 31
What he did last season saw Hellebuyck win his second Vezina Trophy. What he's done this year has allowed him to have what might be the best season of his career and could see him win more than just a third Vezina. -- Clark
2. Cale Makar, D, Canada
Preseason rank: 4
Makar's ability to impact several facets of the game is what makes him one of the NHL's best players at any position. Already teammates with MacKinnon, having those two on the ice along with McDavid for a power play could cause quite a few problems. -- Clark
1. Connor McDavid, F, Canada
Preseason rank: 1
His status as the game's best player has been consistently cemented by the fact he's finished with more than 100 points seven times in his career. McDavid is on pace for a fifth straight season of more than 100 points, which only adds to the intrigue of what he could achieve at the 4 Nations Face-Off. -- Clark
Oblak on Real Madrid complaints: Leave refs alone
Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has appealed to Real Madrid to leave "the referees in peace" ahead of Saturday's derby.
Real Madrid have come under scrutiny for sending an open letter to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) accusing officials of "manipulation and adulteration."
The letter was sent after Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Espanyol last weekend.
"The best way is to leave referees in peace and that way they can do their job at their best possible level," Oblak told ESPN. "That is the most important thing for football, not just for the teams, for everyone. It's not the referees who will decide the game."
Atlético defender José María Giménez echoed Oblak's comments.
"As players, we focus on our jobs," the Uruguay centre-back told ESPN. "I hope that what has happened doesn't go beyond a statement and that no one feels affected or pressured. That we have a clean game, that there are no issues in the post-game and that the grey episodes are interpreted in the best possible way."
Veteran Atlético defender César Azpilicueta, meanwhile, brushed aside Real Madrid's concerns about refereeing.
"When you step on the pitch you believe that everybody does their best that we can to get our job done," the former Chelsea captain told ESPN. "I don't think twice about it."
Atlético, who progressed to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, are one point adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's LaLiga leaders heading into this weekend's derby at the Bernabéu.
Diego Simeone's team beat Getafe 5-0 on Tuesday to progress to the Copa del Rey semifinals.
"We know we arrive in good shape," Azpilicueta said. "But we know how football is, and it can change very quickly. We have to work to maintain that momentum and get the result. Confidence comes with the results and when you win that helps everyone individually and collectively to be pushing every week even harder."
While Azpilicueta expressed the need for his team to not get too far ahead of themselves, he is cautiously optimistic about Atlético's chances of reaching the final.
"Until now, we are still in every competition, fighting," Azpilicueta said. "It's in our hands. Although in February you don't win any titles, you can lose them. Our job now is to be in contention for the last couple of weeks when everything can be decided when you get closer to the end. We believe we have the group and the team to make it happen. We need to have the same confidence and togetherness to get it done."
Limiting Real Madrid's attack on Saturday will take a team effort.
"The only way to stop them is to work as a team, defensively and in attack," Atlético defender Nahuel Molina told ESPN. "We know they have great players and not to concede a goal will be key."
Giménez, meanwhile, knows they will have their work cut out to stop a Real Madrid attack led by LaLiga's leading scorer Kylian Mbappé.
"Mbappé didn't start [life at Real Madrid] the way he wanted but he is already showing what type of player he is," he said. "They [Real Madrid] have an attacking line that competes very well, that is fast, have a lot of vision of play. "We have to play a perfect game not to concede a goal."
Oblak expressed a similar sentiment.
"The key is simple, be good in defence, be good in attack," he said. "It's not always easy to do. The important thing is to keep a cold head, be aware of their danger."
NWSL, WNBA clubs to share new Portland facility
The Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League and the city's as-yet unnamed WNBA team will train together at a new performance center in a first-of-its-kind alliance between teams from both leagues.
Both women's teams are owned by the Bhathal family, which also has a stake in the NBA's Sacramento Kings. The $150 million campus, set to open before the start of the 2026 WNBA season, will repurpose a facility formerly owned by Nike on 12 acres in Hillsboro, a city just west of Portland.
Amenities will include locker rooms and lounges for both teams, two soccer fields and an additional outdoor training area, a gym that will include two basketball courts, strength training, conditioning and rehab areas, film theaters, a dining room and team offices.
Portland was awarded an expansion team last September. RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, own and operate the team. They paid $125m for the franchise.
Karina LeBlanc, executive vice president of strategic growth for RAJ Sports, said Bhathal Merage set up listening sessions with athletes in designing the facility, which was announced on Thursday.
"My generation that played this sport gets to look at this and be like, `Wow, this is better than our dreams.' The athletes are the center of this. They get to walk into a building where they feel like they belong, and they feel like they're seen and heard," said LeBlanc, who was a goalkeeper for the Thorns and later served as the team's general manager.
Portland had a WNBA team, the Fire, from 2000 until it folded in 2002. That franchise averaged more than 8,000 fans when games were played at the Rose Garden. The new franchise will play at the same arena, now known as the Moda Center.
The Bhathals bought the Thorns earlier last year for $63m. Portland was one of the NWSL's founding teams in 2013.
The Thorns train and play their matches at downtown Portland's Providence Park.
While some WNBA teams share practice facilities with NBA teams, it is the first time a pair of women's teams, in different sports, will practice together.
"The fact that it's happening here in Portland, it just feels so fitting, because this is a city where we have the headquarters of the biggest brands, we have the best athletes in the world, and now we're going to really be bringing in the best athletes in the two biggest sports in North American professional sports," LeBlanc said. "It's momentum. It's a movement."
Fowler's late winner books City's spot in cup final
Manchester City knocked holders Arsenal out of the League Cup after a 2-1 win at Meadow Park, securing their place in the final in Derby in March.
In-form Mary Fowler was pivotal for the visitors, who netted twice to ensure City still have a chance of clinching silverware after four losses in their last seven games saw them fall out of the Women's Super Leauge (WSL) title race.
Fowler secured the opener in the 26th minute after former Gunner Vivianne Miedema won the ball back and made the run to set up the strike. It was City's second shot of the evening, and the Australia forward made no mistake of finding the back of the net shortly after, but Fowler was adjudged to be in an offside position.
The momentum was in City's favour, with two clear chances just before the break. Arsenal had opportunities to level and almost did just before half-time if it was not for Kerstin Casparij making a vital interception to foil Frida Maanum.
Arsenal were awarded a contentious penalty in the 58th minute after Rebecca Knaak brought down Stina Blackstenius. Mariona Caldentey converted easily, but it was almost canceled out with City being given a penalty at the other end moments later. Daphne van Domselaar was able to prevent Fowler from the spot, keeping the sides locked level.
Both sides had chances in the final phase of the evening, but Fowler, securing her 10th goal this season, rolled in a 94th-minute winner from the edge of the area to book City's place in their first League Cup final since 2021-22. They won the competition that year but have not featured in a final since.
Khadija "Bunny" Shaw withdrew from the tie after suffering "disgusting" racist and misogynistic abuse on social media following City's 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women's Super League last weekend. Man City reported the abuse to the police and are fully supporting the Jamaican international.
Arsenal, the reigning title holders, have won the past two editions of the tournament, beating Chelsea both times, but Manchester City will face the reigning WSL champions and league leaders, who defeated West Ham to secure their place at Pride Park in the Derby on March 15 in the final.
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