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BCCI president Sourav Ganguly revealed on Monday that the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand will be held in Southampton in June. The match is scheduled from June 18 to 22.

When the ICC Board had approved the inaugural cycle of the WTC, it had informally earmarked Lord's as the potential venue for the final. The two teams who would contest the final were finalised on Saturday, with India completing a 3-1 series win against England to finish on top of the table, with New Zealand having secured their qualification earlier. The ICC sent out a release after India's win listing the date for the final, but without naming the venue.

Lord's has hosted several World Cup finals - for both men and women - but it would need the ECB's nod, who were given the hosting rights for the WTC final by the ICC. Incidentally, Lord's will be hosting the first match of the two-Test series between England and New Zealand from June 2 to 6.

According to Ganguly, Southampton emerged as a clear favourite because it is one of the two venues - Manchester being the other - with an on-site hotel, an advantage for teams operating in a bio-secure environment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Having on-site hotels meant both venues hosted international series involving West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia in the summer of 2020.

Southampton was the venue for the first Test against West Indies last July, which was also the first international match and series played during the pandemic. Subsequently, the Ageas Bowl hosted two Tests during the Pakistan series, and later ODIs against Ireland and T20Is against Australia.

"It [the WTC final] is in Southampton," Ganguly told India Today. "It has been decided a long time ago. They have the hotel, which makes it easier for them to control (the bio-secure environment). That's why when England started cricket after Covid times, a lot of Test matches were held in Southampton and Manchester because they have hotels alongside the ground."

Winning WTC similar to winning World Cup - Ganguly unsure
Ganguly said he was "absolutely spic and span" and "back to work" after his recent hospitalisations in January, where he had to get multiple stents fitted after suffering a heart attack. He also said he would get vaccinated against Covid-19 soon, and then travel to Ahmedabad to watch India's T20I series against England.

Ganguly had lavished praise on the Indian team after their series wins in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, and the home triumph against England.

"Just a remarkable win...To go to Australia and win a test series in this way ..will be remembered in the history of indian cricket forever ..Bcci announces a 5 cr bonus for the team ..The value of this win is beyond any number ..well done to every member of the touring party," Ganguly had tweeted on January 19, the day India won the series in Australia.

On March 6, Ganguly tweeted about India reaching the WTC final, calling it a "monumental effort".

However, he stopped short of calling a potential WTC victory being on par with winning a World Cup. "I don't know. I can't answer that question," Ganguly said. "Every trophy has its own value. A 50-over World Cup is an amazing pinnacle: you play that World Cup for two-and-a-half months and beat the best and then go through.

"It was a bit complicated this time because of Covid. Teams got to play a teams, teams did not get to play a team, did not travel, tours got cancelled. In a couple of more [WTC] championships we will have a clearer idea how difficult it is and how hard it is to win the World Test Championship; may be on a platform where everybody has an equal number of games to play and then decide."

Ganguly did offer fulsome praise for the Indian team though, drawing special attention to how the team had done well despite the players being in bio-bubbles from before the start of IPL 2020, since late August. "To be in those bubbles and play cricket day in day out was remarkable - right from IPL which was in September (2020), and this is early March and they are not finished yet because they have got the T20Is and ODIs to go. So a good six months in bubbles, and to get to what they have achieved is fantastic."

'Dravid has done a great job at NCA'
Ganguly was also appreciative of the job Rahul Dravid had done in moulding the younger members of the Indian team, who have all played under Dravid for India A and India Under-19. At various points in both series, all of Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel have been coached by the former India captain. Dravid moved from being head coach of the A and U-19 sides to being the director of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

While Ganguly praised the Indian coaching staff led by Ravi Shastri, he made special mention of his former team-mate and fellow Test debutant Dravid for being the architect behind India's impressive bench strength.

"Absolutely, that's why I say Rahul Dravid has done a great job at the NCA, because he looks after the second-string players," Ganguly said. "Mohammed Siraj, see a lot of talent in him. Shardul Thakur - every time they get an opportunity, they've stood up. We spoke of [Jasprit] Bumrah the whole of last year, but see India wins without him as well, like you saw in the last Test in Australia. There was no Ishant Sharma in the squad, and still you beat Australia in Australia which is remarkable."

Chicago to allow 20% capacity for Opening Day

Published in Baseball
Monday, 08 March 2021 08:44

CHICAGO -- Chicago is lifting some coronavirus restrictions in time for MLB's Opening Day, allowing fans to attend games at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field for the first time in more than a year.

The rules, announced Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, take effect April 1, Opening Day for the Cubs. The home opener for the White Sox is April 8.

"As a die-hard sports fan myself," Lightfoot said, "I'm personally excited to have Chicago take its first, cautious steps toward safely reopening our beloved baseball stadiums to fans this season."

Capacity will initially be limited to 20% for each venue with at least 6 feet between parties. At Wrigley Field, the oldest ballpark in the National League, attendance will be limited to 8,274 fans per game. The Cubs reported no positive COVID-19 tests among their players in the 2020 season.

"Nothing can replace the energy and enthusiasm our beloved fans bring to the Friendly Confines each and every game," said Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts. "We're ready and excited for our much-anticipated Wrigley Field reunion."

At Guaranteed Rate Field, capacity will be capped at 8,122 fans.

"We believe this is a moment when baseball can indeed serve our fans and our communities again as we all hope for a gradual return to normal," said Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox.

Lightfoot credited both teams for working closely with the city's public health officials to develop a plan to safely host fans that will also "offer a path forward toward safely increasing stadium capacity as we move closer into our COVID-19 recovery." The city determined it was appropriate to reopen to limited numbers of fans, citing "low to moderate risk levels" for test positivity, cases and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

The Cubs and White Sox will include new measures designed to comply with local mandates and decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including limiting entry to the ballparks, cashless concessions and merchandise sales, and reduced lines once inside. Everyone will be required to wear a mask.

With Chicago's announcement and California's decision Friday to allow baseball stadiums, among other outdoor venues, to admit fans, at least 25 of MLB's 30 teams have announced plans that will allow fans in the stands in time for Opening Day. According to The Wall Street Journal, about 40% of annual revenue for baseball teams is derived from the in-stadium experience, including ticket sales and concessions.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank Mayor Lightfoot for her shared commitment to a responsible resumption of fan attendance in Chicago, under protocols designed to promote safety," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "MLB will continue to urge fans to follow best practices for health and safety in the fight against COVID-19."

Ask The Athlete with Tim Hutchings

Published in Athletics
Monday, 08 March 2021 08:22
The European, Commonwealth and World Cross medallist answers your questions on new spikes and shoes, cross country in the 1980s to now and the impacts of sleeping in the day and altitude training for athletes

Glimpse into the lives of world-class athletes as they answer questions from YOU each week on ‘Ask the Athlete’.

This week AW is joined by Tim Hutchings – European, Commonwealth and World Cross medallist, founder of the Brighton Marathon and commentator.

He chats to AW about commentating on Haile Gebrselassie, the debate about carbon shoes and Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon, how cross country has moved forward from the 1980s and so much more!

Have a read of some of Hutchings’ answers below and then enjoy the full 22-minute episode.

Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced and why? 

“Well, my career was about from 1978 to 1990. Like I say, I lost a lot so I met plenty of tough opponents! Probably Carlos Lopes. He was an absolute beast, he was so strong, his speed endurance was incredible, he beat me in the world cross country in 1984 in New Jersey and it was a very flat horserace course. Then he beat Charlie Spedding of course to take Olympic gold in Los Angeles.

“I remember having a beer with Charlie on the Sunday after the marathon (in LA) which I think was on the Sunday – I think my 5000m final was on the Saturday – and Charlie said to me, “There was one point that we were coming towards the stadium with about a mile to go, the three of us were running side by side, John Treacy, him and me, and by the time we all looked at each other he [Lopes] had gone up the road. That’s pretty much what he did in the cross country. With about a mile to go, we were bombing around, I think four of us had got away and Lopes just changed gear and went for it and that change of pace was incredible.

“John Ngugi was an animal, a different animal. I was leading in the world cross country and he came past me on a dreadfully muddy course when I was leading comfortably and then disappeared into the sunset and won by about half a minute.”

What is your favourite commentary moment? 

“I’ve been so bloody lucky to commentate on so many races over the years, where it’s 100m, 400m or steeplechase. Commentating on world records is an enormous privilege of course. I’d have to come back to the Olympic 10,000m final at Sydney 2000 where Paul Tergat and Haile Gebrselassie were knocking chunks out of each other down the home straight. It is the most astonishing battle with two guys who just refused to lose and I think Haile won by a couple of inches. You wanted to sit back and enjoy it but I had to yell into the microphone but sounding coherent wasn’t always easy when you were enjoying it so much!”

The two-hour mark in the marathon was passed last year – something we once thought impossible. What’s the next big landmark? 

“Well, I’d like to take issue with this question because the two-hour mark in the marathon was patently not passed last year. Basically, the race in Vienna was set-up such that the organisers basically cherry picked the rules that they wanted to adhere to and then threw out the ones they thought were inconvenient. Then Eliud [Kipchoge], who I have enormous respect for, but the shoes he wore at that time were illegal and went on the market for other runners to buy. He could’ve gone a lot quicker than he did.

“Two hours therefore has not been broken for the marathon but the two-hour barrier has been broken by a runner over the marathon distance. Other than that, we shouldn’t dignify it by calling it a marathon and that’s a fact, it’s not even debatable.

“What’s the next big landmark? Great question. We’ve seen the hour mark go a few years ago for the half marathon. I suppose with these spikes doing what they’re doing, 26:00 for 10,000m, 12:30 for 5000m, and I think while these spikes remain legal and it looks like they’re going to, much what I think would best best for the sport, I think those marks will go. We’re in a new era and there’s no debate about that. Some people dispute it and I can’t figure out why. Some are actually rude about this position I actually take on it but I just wanted to preserve the heritage of the sport.”

Cross country is probably the one area unaffected by shoe tech. As arguably Britain’s best cross country runner ever, where do you think you would finish in a race now? Still a medallist or have the standards moved on since the 1980s? 

“They’ve moved on dramatically. I think maybe I’d finish in the top 15 now in the shape I was in where I finished second a couple of times. It’s s different world. The second time in 1989 there was a Kenyan in first place and in third place and I was second. Actually, there was not the hoard of East Africans running in the cross country compared to now.

“There are probably, almost literally, 50 times as many top African runners compared to 30-40 years ago. We live in a different age and I was lucky to be one of a bunch of guys from USA, Western Europe who could go and earn a good living on the cross country circuit, run 5000m on the continent. Nowadays guys running at the standard I was struggle to get into races let alone make a really good living. I really sympathise with the current generation of top European and non-African 5000m and 10,000m runners because it’s a totally different ballgame.”

Many athletes now train in Kenya – you did it in the 1980s – what did you learn about yourself and about athletics training in that period? 

“Yeah it’s funny isn’t it because nowadays camps go to Kenya, South Africa or Ethiopia and it’s all funded. Back then me and the wife in the late 80s would clamber into our Golf GTI in South London, get the boat, drive down to St Moritz, spend a month there, drive back and I was in great shape. There was no lottery funding. The advantage of going to altitude, whether it’s St Moritz or Kenya, is that you’re isolated, getting away from stuff you’ll be caught up in at home and I think you have a lot more focus. Psychologically, subconsciously and indeed consciously you benefit enormously from that.

“I did love Kenya. Back then there was nothing organised. I went with Adrian Passey, Chris Sweeney, and one or two other guys. It wasn’t the Wild West but you were very much on your own. We stayed in Nairobi where there was access to a tartan track and there was access to physios if you got injured. Whereas Eldoret didn’t have an airport, a university or track facilities and it certainly wasn’t a big town. It was a different world altogether. I wish I had gone to altitude earlier on in my career and it was a very unknown perception back in those days.”

Subscribe to Athletics Weekly on YouTube to ensure you never miss an episode.

Exeter Chiefs forward Sam Skinner has been added to Scotland's Six Nations squad as they prepare to face Ireland on Sunday.

Uncapped Glasgow Warriors full-back Rufus McLean and Edinburgh number eight Nick Haining also join the squad.

They replace outgoing Richie Gray, Blade Thomson, Gary Graham, Josh Bayliss, Grant Stewart and D'Arcy Rae.

Andy Farrell's Ireland are the visitors to Murrayfield in Scotland's third Six Nations match.

After beating England on the opening weekend, Gregor Townsend's side narrowly lost to Wales before their match with France was postponed because of a Covid outbreak in the French camp.

Al-Balooshi Banks $50,000 Pro Mod Prize

Published in Racing
Monday, 08 March 2021 05:18

ORLANDO, Fla. — Khalid Al-Balooshi had the top Pro Mod all weekend and that was emphasized in resounding fashion in a record-breaking final round on Sunday at the CTECH World Doorslammer Nationals presented by JEGS.

Al-Balooshi put on a thrilling show during eliminations at Orlando Speed World Dragway, saving his best for last under the lights against 2020 Pro Mod Alex Laughlin in the final round. The former NHRA Pro Mod world champ and tuner Brad Personett unleashed something special in his Bahrain 1 Racing ProCharger-powered Camaro, making the quickest run in the history of the class with a pass of 5.613 seconds at 254.76 mph to beat Laughlin’s 5.698-second pass at 250.46 mph.

It came just hours after Al-Balooshi first set the E.T. record in the opening round of eliminations and it put a fitting stamp — along with a $50,000 prize — on his dominant winning weekend.

“The car got the job done this week and Brad has given me a badass car,” Al-Balooshi said. “Brad has given me a great car since last year and I think we’ve got a good shot to do even better this year. We couldn’t have asked for anything more than what we did. I’m living the dream.”

Al-Balooshi going 5.61 on two different occasions was seemingly an alternate reality, but the Bahrain 1 Racing team was on another level in Orlando.

He qualified No. 1 with a 5.659-second run at 251.25 mph, but that was just a preview of what was to come in eliminations. Al-Balooshi opened Sunday was a massive statement, going a then-record 5.617 seconds at 253.18 mph to knock off Kris Thorne.

He stayed in the low 5.60s, going 5.634 seconds at 228.85 mph against Jerico Balduf in the second round and following it up with a 5.625-second run at 230.06 mph to beat class newcomer J.R. Gray and advance to the final round.

Laughlin was quicker off the starting line, but Al-Balooshi hit his shift points perfectly and drove by him en route to the world record and the impressive victory. The team put significant runs on the car in the off-season in Bahrain and it translated almost flawlessly to open 2021.

“What we learned in Bahrain was big. To get the chance to race over there, we learned a lot. We made almost 40 runs and that gave us the chance to start the year with a great car,” Al-Balooshi said.

“We ran it all winter long,” added Personett. “This is probably the best car I’ve worked on and it just prints tickets, and Khalid just keeps better and better as a driver. When the conditions change here, it’s Disney World. It’s a confidence-builder for all of us.”

The addition of manual shifting into the Pro Mod class was a major change, but the early results have been incredible for Al-Balooshi. He was impeccable throughout qualifying and eliminations, and despite it being a new challenge for the talented driver, it’s something Al-Balooshi has loved.

“This is what I’ve been excited to do. This is fun,” Al-Balooshi said. “This the best thing that could have happened for the class.”

Personett was quick to praise Al-Balooshi for the job he’s done on the car, too, namely when it comes to shifting. In fact, the versatile driver has proven to be a natural at it.

“He’s a machine. He’s getting almost Pro Stock-like where he’s hitting it as the light is turning on. He’s just amazing as far as his feel and touch in the car. It’s a neat deal,” Personett said.

Laughlin made a valiant effort with his new Elite Motorsports ProCharger-powered Mustang, making dramatic strides in the car’s debut. After beating teammate Lyle Barrett in the opening round, Laughlin topped Dustin Nesloney in the second round with a 5.701-second pass at 253.66 mph. He went 5.723 seconds at 249.90 mph to beat Justin Jones and advance to the final round, where Laughlin had hoped to beat Al-Balooshi and claim the $50,000 prize for a second straight year.

But he couldn’t hold off Al-Balooshi despite a strong run, as the Bahrain 1 Racing team was stellar from start to finish.

It was also a motivated group following the loss of a number of close friends in the off-season. Al-Balooshi dedicated the victory to Sonny Leonard, Adam Lambert’s father, Timothy, and close friend Salah Bin Eidan, calling it a special moment to win for them.

“This winter has been a difficult one,” Al-Balooshi said. “We lost a lot of friends, starting with Sonny (Leonard). We miss Adam Lambert’s dad and, two weeks ago, I lost one of my friends. We grew up together and raced together. He’s from Kuwait, and it’s just been a difficult winter. This is good to win for all of them and I hope they’re watching us. This trophy is for those people.”

Cuadra Family Conquers Doorslammer Nationals

Published in Racing
Monday, 08 March 2021 05:19

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a moment the Cuadra family could have never imagined, brothers Cristian and Fernando Cuadra Jr. lined up against each other on the starting line Sunday in the Pro Stock final round of the CTECH World Doorslammer Nationals presented by JEGS.

The record will show Fernando Cuadra Jr. winning the $75,000 prize after Cristian Cuadra went red under the lights at Orlando Speed World Dragway, but the family will remember it as a massive victory for both. Both Ford Mustangs ended up sharing the spotlight in the winner’s circle as the Cuadra family celebrated the incredible moment.

“For me, both of us won,” Fernando Cuadra Jr. said. “The moment I saw Cristian win (in the semifinals), it was like a dream come true. We didn’t expect to be here. It was a great night, an unbelievable night. This is such a special moment and the excitement is unbelievable. This is the best feeling ever.”

It was a final round not many — if anyone — would have predicted, especially considering the way the first two rounds went. Defending and four-time Pro Stock world champ Erica Enders and fellow four-time champ Greg Anderson seemed on a collision course for another memorable matchup in their storied rivalry.

Both put on a show in the second round, as Enders went 6.501 seconds at 210.87 mph and Anderson followed two pairs later with the quickest run of the weekend, a 6.497 seconds at 212.86 mph. But the Cuadras stood in their way and they delivered in a major way, playing the underdog role perfectly.

Fernando Cuadra Jr. went a blistering and career-best 6.504 seconds at 212.90 mph – which was also the fastest run in Pro Stock this weekend — to beat Anderson, while Cristian Cuadra was spectacular on the starting line against Enders, delivering a .001 reaction time as his 6.524-second pass at 211.30 mph edged out Enders’ 6.516-second run at 210.54 mph.

On the top end, there was a celebration for the ages as the brothers embraced while their father, Fernando Cuadra Sr., basked in the moment on the starting line.

“It’s like a dream. When I was in the semifinals, they were both tough. Then we won and we were like, ‘We made it.’ It was really special for us,” Cristian Cuadra said. “They were counting on me to beat Erica and we did it. We made huge progress. Our engines are working better and everything is going smooth, so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Fernando Cuadra Sr. couldn’t stop smiling in the winner’s circle as a mob of people offered congratulations before the final round. It had been a moment the veteran had long dreamed of when he first started racing and he made sure to revel in it.

“Let me tell you, we were dreaming of this moment but we never expected it to come,” Fernando Cuadra Sr. said. “Today was a moment to say we’re not far from the other guys. They gained, they pushed it, and take a look at what happened. It was outstanding. Their reaction times, they are machines. I’m speechless and it’s hard to describe the feeling.

“They’re consistent and working, and challenging the big guys. It’s not easy and it’s one of the most competitive classes, and today was a dream come true.”

The team, running an engine program from Frank Iaconio Racing Engines, made noticeable strides all weekend in Orlando, going from runs in the 6.60s to nearly reaching the 6.40s. The family credited fellow Pro Stock competitor Kenny Delco for linking them up with Iaconio and the difference was evident on Sunday.

Before the 6.504 in the semifinals, Fernando Cuadra Jr. went 6.530 the round before, while posting the top speed of the race shows the immense potential the engine program has.

“We were really far, far behind and those engines produce really good power,” Fernando Cuadra Jr. said. “They make us look like superstars. I’m thankful for them and everyone who has helped out. We couldn’t have asked for anything else.”

“We appreciate all the people working in this program,” said Fernando Cuadra Sr. “The nice part of this weekend is we started from behind, almost a tenth apart. But they never give up. Frank kept an eye on the details and we changed a couple of things and, bingo, it woke up the engines.”

Succeeding in a pair of Mustangs was also significant, especially for the continued health of the Pro Stock class, and that part was also meaningful to the Cuadra family.

While Anderson and Enders were brilliant all weekend, the Cuadras performed like seasoned veterans in the clutch as well, and now they get to enjoy a moment that will last forever. Fernando Jr. also already has a spot in mind for the massive $75,000 winner’s check he received in the winner’s circle.

“That check, I’m going to hang it on my ceiling in my bedroom so every time I go to sleep I’m going to see it,” Fernando Cuadra Jr. said. “Thank you to everybody who put together this event. It was outstanding — the best event ever.”

Pit Boss Grills Backs Almirola & Stewart-Haas

Published in Racing
Monday, 08 March 2021 06:19

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Pit Boss Grills has joined Stewart-Haas Racing to sponsor NASCAR Cup Series driver Aric Almirola and the No. 10 team.

The maker of an entire lineup of grills, all of which feature a best-in-class five-year warranty, will debut as the primary sponsor for Almirola and the No. 10 Ford Mustang on March 14 at Phoenix Raceway. Pit Boss Grills then returns as the primary sponsor for Almirola and the No. 10 team on March 21 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Complementing the agreement is Pit Boss Grills being featured as the primary partner of Stewart-Haas eSports’ No. 41 entry for the March 16 NASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series event at the virtual Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“There isn’t a better fit for our program than this partnership with Pit Boss Grills,” Almirola said. “This is my 10th year racing for Smithfield, so grilling is an established part of my lifestyle, both at home and at the track. The same is true with NASCAR fans. Morning, noon and night, they’ve got their grills going. We’ve brought them a lot of Smithfield product over the years, and now we can show them how to go the extra mile with Pit Boss Grills.”

Almirola is a two-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series and Phoenix and Atlanta have proven to be strong tracks for the Tampa, Florida, native. Almirola has six top-10 finishes at Phoenix, and four of them have come since joining SHR in 2018. Atlanta is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR, and Almirola earned the pole there in 2019, lapping the 1.54-mile oval in just a tick over 30 seconds at an average speed 181.473 mph.

“We are blessed to partner with Aric Almirola and the entire No. 10 team,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons, Inc. “Aric is a family man who values relationships, and a Christian athlete who is competitive on the track. Not only does he embody our company’s values, but his race fans are our consumers. Whether tailgating at a track or getting together in the backyard, Aric’s fans and NASCAR fans are extremely brand loyal. We’re loyal to grilling by creating the best products at an affordable price, and this partnership aims to deliver that message.”

Dansons, Inc., which manufactures Pit Boss Grills, was founded in 1999. The Phoenix-based company provides its customers with world-class, competitive and innovative products across its lineup, including wood pellet grills, charcoal grills, spices and accessories, as well as gas grills and vertical smokers.

Pit Boss Grills is already very familiar with NASCAR, as the brand is the Official Grill of NASCAR, a title it’s had since 2018. More recently, Pit Boss Grills announced its title sponsorship of the May 22 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas – the inaugural Pit Boss 250.

MoneyLion Sponsors Paretta Autosport For Indy 500

Published in Racing
Monday, 08 March 2021 06:33

INDIANAPOLIS – Paretta Autosport and MoneyLion announced Monday morning that the financial platform will become the first team sponsor of the No. 16 Chevy-powered Indy car at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Paretta is the first female owned, female driven and female forward race team in the sport.

To further the IndyCar’s Race for Equality and Change initiative announced last year, and in honor of International Women’s Day, MoneyLion and Paretta Autosport are also partnering to launch MoneyLion’s Women Who Roar campaign to advance financial empowerment, support women’s careers and level the playing field for women across a number of areas in finance, science and technology.

Paretta Autosport will enter the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 30, with 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Simona De Silvestro behind the wheel.

“MoneyLion is committed to providing the financial products, educational resources and mentorship that’s much needed to level the playing field for today’s workforce and future generations of female leaders,” said Samantha Roady, MoneyLion Chief Operating Officer. “Beth Paretta has built an incredible, inspiring team with Simona as the driver. We’re proud to support a female-owned and operated business and to shine a light on inspiring women’s professional achievements through our sponsorship. We look forward to working closely with the team to bring ‘Women Who Roar’ to life.”

After decades of progress, COVID-19 lockdowns have forced many working women to stay home, fundamentally challenging their responsibilities as professionals and primary caregivers. For the first time in modern history, women are losing more jobs and have higher unemployment than men – exacerbating the existing wage gap.

“MoneyLion can contribute to the recovery from this she-cession by standing for ‘Women Who Roar,’” said Roady. “This partnership with Paretta is a first step in that wider campaign.”

“We’re thrilled to align with MoneyLion because of our shared ideals,” said Beth Paretta, CEO/team principal of Paretta Autosport. “MoneyLion’s focus on empowering women through improved financial access and literacy is a direct parallel to our mission of helping women advance their careers. We’re pleased that MoneyLion sees the value of our women-forward racing program and greatly look forward to being a part of their ‘Women Who Roar’ campaign.”

Automotive and motorsport executive Beth Paretta has a long history in leadership roles with some of the most respected automotive and performance brands, including FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Aston Martin and Volkswagen Group. She led successful racing programs and earned three national championships during her tenure at FCA. She is also a board member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

“We welcome the support of finance and technology giants like MoneyLion to help us advance our mission to drive diversity and meaningful change for girls and women,” says Dr. Kimberly Clay, founder & CEO, Play Like a Girl. “Building a diverse pipeline of young women in STEM is a major priority for us. We’re thrilled to partner with MoneyLion and Paretta Autosport to support this work and our community.”

MoneyLion’s Women Who Roar campaign features:
– Play Like a Girl Mentorship Program: MoneyLion and Paretta Autosport have committed to creating a unique Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentorship program for nonprofit, Play Like a Girl. This program will connect middle and high school girls with female leaders in the fintech and motorsports industries. It will also include a new Here Women Roar female executive leadership chapter of the organization focused on mentoring teenage girls about technology through customized fintech challenges. Not only will the partnership offer students career guidance, but it will bring them on-site to see their mentors in action, broadening their horizons on potential future careers. MoneyLion mentors will also participate in Play Like a Girl’s Women’s Leadership Summit on March 19.

– Women Who Roar LinkedIn Group: Launching on March 16, MoneyLion is creating a space where women in the workforce can have candid conversations about issues such as financial wellness, mentorship and the wage gap.

– Women Who Roar Conversation Series: MoneyLion is also launching a special conversation series, which includes in-depth interviews with eight influential female leaders, starting with Beth Paretta, CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport, and Simona De Silvestro. The Women Who Roar series will air on Cheddar.com beginning on March 16 and explores women trailblazers’ career paths and advice for the next generation of female leaders.

Pro Stock Star Horning Ready For Another Title Run

Published in Racing
Monday, 08 March 2021 07:00

MALTA, N.Y. – DIRTcar Pro Stock dynamo Luke Horning maintained the focus of a heavy-weight title fighter throughout the turbulent 2020.

He captured his first Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship in addition to the prestigious Albany-Saratoga Speedway track championship, and aims to carry the momentum of that success into the 2021 season.

Horning, from Gloversville, N.Y., racked up a total of eight DIRTcar Pro Stock wins at three tracks: Glen Ridge Motorsports Park, Utica-Rome, and Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Not only did he park the No. 2H in victory lane across New York throughout the season but was also enviably consistent, accumulating 26 top-fives in 32 starts.

He’s proud of the foundation of success that he and his team have built and they are coming in prepared to defend their Albany-Saratoga track championship.

“All those tracks are great to win at,” Horning noted of his 2020 season stats. “Winning at Malta is great because that place is standing room only every week and to get a win there you are beating the best of the best. Lyle [Devore] does a great job there. The facility is top-notch and the track is great. Even if it rains all day they’ll get the race in. A lot of tracks have six-seven drivers that can win. Malta has 15 that are really good and 10 that can go out and win anywhere they go. Getting through traffic is tough but the racing up front is great. They put in that inside jersey barrier in so you can’t dive bomb into the mud anymore and it creates great racing.”

With Glen Ridge Motorsports Park coming into the DIRTcar fold, they have made Fultonville, N.Y., a Pro Stock hub on Sundays with their widened, banked quarter-mile oval. Horning is looking to build a legacy at Glen Ridge.

“Glen Ridge is a tight bullring where you are up on the wheel so to get a win there is a big deal too,” he noted. “I’ll never leave Glen Ridge. Ray from West End and those guys have supported me since the street stock days. We’re now the all-time winners there in the Pro Stocks. You go to Fonda and you hear about Kenny Gates and you go to Malta and you hear about Joe Santoro. That’s something that in a couple of years people will hear about me and Glen Ridge. A lot of these tracks have already been racing for so many years, but I started on the ground floor at Glen Ridge to build my resume.”

Despite all of the success, there was one race Horning wanted back and that was the widely watched OktoberFAST finale at Weedsport Speedway. He started the Feature deep in the field and came a lap away from the signature victory.

“That deal at Weedsport was tough,” Horning said. “I set the fast time in the Time Trials, won the Heat Race, and then started in the back after a bad draw. I really wanted to catch [Nick] Stone on the last lap. That one still bothers me a little bit. You are trying to get through traffic, the track is slick, but you’re running out of the laps. When that race stretched out on green flag laps the leader is gone, you get through traffic.”

This Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the NHL suspending its 2019-20 season amid COVID-19. The pandemic upended everyone's daily lives and routines, and it put the NHL season on pause for four months before returning for a postseason -- though some teams went 10 months without any game action. ESPN asked more than a dozen people around the game to share what they learned over this past year.

Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets forward: "I learned how much the game is ingrained in me. It made me realize, hopefully, I'm not ready to get out of the game soon. I realized how much I missed just playing hockey. The NHL can sometimes become a grind when you play this long, but it refreshed my feelings toward the game. Because when it gets taken away from you, and you don't have anything you really set yourself up for, you realize how much it is part of you. And I'm proud of that. I realize how much I truly love it."

Blake Bolden, Los Angeles Kings pro scout: "When the pandemic hit, I had been scouting for three months. I was just getting my feet wet. I was just getting comfortable with the travel and the organization and understanding the language. And then boom, everything happened and everything was shut down. I was really bummed at first. And then I said, 'You know what? I missed a whole three months of hockey that I could catch up on right now and learn every single player in my division like the back of my hand.'

"It's just about how you look at things. I made a gym with my boyfriend in our garage -- we scrambled to get all of these weights and plates from Marketplace. I started gardening again because I had more time. I made myself an e-book for vegan food. I just made things because I had time. And it made me feel happier. So I think adaptability and having the right mindset is one thing I will take with myself everywhere. Anything can change at any given moment, and it's all about how you respond to those adversities."

Peter Laviolette, Washington Capitals coach: "They say that maybe people are tired being around their families, with so much family time lately, I found it to be the exact opposite. My boys are 21, 22 now. They went to prep school when I was in Philly. They weren't around much when I was in Nashville -- they finished prep school and went to college so I don't get to see them that much. My daughter has been with us through Nashville, but we didn't get to be all together as a family. Through the pandemic, my boys were home, my family was back together and I found that to be pretty special. It's the fact that it brought my family home and gave me a chance to spend time with them and reconnect with them, and I really loved every minute of it."

Marie Philip-Poulin, Team Canada forward: "Not taking things for granted. During this time -- which was a little bit rough -- things got taken away easily. You put things in perspective. Live one day at a time, make it the best it can be, and live fully. That's what I learned."

Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman: "I had a lot of time to reflect. For me, I realized how important family and friends are in your life -- the relationships with people. Health and family are everything."

Kevin Weekes, NHL Network analyst/former NHL goalie: "The pandemic reinforced a few things for me, including how important your living space is. I've always been about making your home your sanctuary. I've always done that. If you prioritize wellness or relaxation, you shouldn't be relying on your trip to the resort to achieve that. If you enjoy things that are nourishing, entertainment, restorative, whatever, find a way to re-create that. Find a way to do it in your home, that is accessible or achievable to you.

"There are so many variables out of our control. You can't control the weather, you can't control lockdowns or government restrictions. If you can take it upon yourself to control your controllables, that's really huge. The less things you can be dependent on, the better."

Ian Mack, sports scientist/performance coach to several NHL players: "During the pandemic, I learned that the world changes quickly, and we always have to be ready to adapt on the fly. Also, I learned to use Zoom."

Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins defenseman: "I learned how easy it was to dial in when everything else is taken away. There was no travel, there was no anything. There was barely any leaving the house. From a workout and diet perspective, it was really easy. I was going to the grocery store, planning all my meals, getting all the things I needed to be a good professional, and I felt really good about that. It's hard when you're on the road all the time ... harder to stick to a diet and things like that. But it was easy, it was nice."

Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings forward: "I learned that I'm not good sitting around doing nothing."

Gabriel Vilardi, Los Angeles Kings forward: "I learned how close we all are. How this one thing literally impacted everyone in the world the same way. We're all doing the same things -- staying inside, being careful -- and you saw how it affects everyone, and how it affects everyone mentally. You realized how connected we all are."

Lee Stempniak, Arizona Coyotes hockey data strategist: "I have three kids, so what I learned is what a great job teachers do. I was trying to teach computer programming and Spanish to my twin daughters in kindergarten, and it was way above my head. So a whole new appreciation for teachers and how much they brighten up kids' days. Because my kids, last year when they got to do a Zoom with their teachers, their faces lit up."

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings forward: "I've really realized how much of a homebody I am. I really appreciate being home. I just bought a house a couple years ago, and I think with our lives as professional athletes, there's a lot of coming and going. A lot of packing bags, trips. So just to have that first three or four months of lockdown and quarantine, I was home and I just appreciated it. I got a Bernedoodle puppy, so that obviously helped make it feel a lot like home."

Tyler Motte, Vancouver Canucks forward: "I take some things for granted, from time with my friends and family to my health. I believe I am more grateful today for the these luxuries than a year ago."

Marc Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach: "I learned how important hygiene is. I think we all learned a lot about that, and the importance of washing your hands, wearing a mask. Hygiene became so important."

Rob Blake, Los Angeles Kings GM: "Virtual learning. The word 'virtual,' I'm not sure I really got it myself until a year ago. It's really helped with communication with staff. A lot of times you get in the middle of the year, you get into the routine grind. Scouts are so far apart you usually have one meeting or two meetings a year where you bring in everyone. Now, basically anytime you would pick up a phone call, we do it virtually. We use Microsoft Teams, and now it's face to face. The inclusion of that, the communication of the staff, has gotten so much better. I don't think that will go away now. We find it a benefit. This is way better."

Judd Moldaver, senior VP of Wasserman Hockey: "I suppose a consciousness and appreciation throughout the pandemic to be so lucky to have such great family, friends, colleagues and clients in my life. These are extraordinary times. During it all, it was a reminder that life continues to present unexpected challenges, and you have to adjust to face them. Chess, not checkers. And just try to have a positive attitude."

Jim Corsi, Columbus Blue Jackets director of goaltending: "I found that there are a lot of ways to be distracted, because a lot of us are used to a routine. Suddenly it's really become a personalized thing. I'm not going to the rink, nobody's setting the agenda -- it can easily become quite rudderless. In my case, I've been fortunate that I've learned how to use video to interact with a lot of the athletes I'm mentoring or watch tape. I've also learned, as much as I've learned through video, there's still a lot of value to see guys live in action. You can see the fear more readily, you can see subtleties that cameras won't pick up because of the camera angle or if it's out of view.

"And in terms of hockey, I miss the players, I miss being in the locker room -- the banter, the silliness, the stories. When I talk to players who leave the game, it's always those moments in the locker room, the team atmosphere, that they miss. The pandemic has also really intensified the value of friends and family, and what we used to take for granted."

Eddie Olczyk, NBC broadcaster/former NHL player: I think early for me, it brought me back to a place in 2017 when I was going through my cancer battle because I was pretty much socially distanced and by myself and hiding in my basement for six months. Besides the odd time of working and getting out, it brought me back to a time when I was sick, a pretty low and emotional place. I realized that all of these things -- being socially distanced, wearing a mask -- it's not that bad.

"When I was going through my [colon cancer] battle, I had enough quiet time to last me a lifetime. Now we've had a lot of alone time, and it gives you time for thought, but also wondering and worrying about things, wondering if things are going to end, and how it's going to forge ahead. And it's been a battle. I don't know if anyone is going to know the long term psychological effects this is going to have on us all. I'd like to think somewhere down the line, we'll all be better for having had to go through it. It's also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so as people are stickhandling or navigating the pandemic, it's a reminder we have to take care of ourselves and those around us and get checked out by doctors if you're not feeling well."

Stephen Walkom, senior VP and director of NHL officiating: "Life can change in an instant and things we love -- like visiting my grandma or watching the kids play hockey -- can quickly be taken away. I learned to enjoy the sun coming up or going down, the smell of coffee or a fire and the taste of a caramel sundae more than before, as happiness may not only be in what was taken away during the pandemic but also derived from some simple pleasures many have at home."

Jump ahead:
Three stars of the week
What we liked this week
What we didn't like
Best games on tap
Social post of the week


Emptying the notebook

The first two stops of the 2021 PWHPA Dream Gap Tour -- games at Madison Square Garden and the United Center -- are over, and there has been an undeniable breakout star: 23-year-old Abby Roque.

The 5-foot-7 forward is a good bet to make the 2021 Women's Worlds roster. It sounds like the tournament, hosted by Nova Scotia, is tentatively scheduled for May, and Roque has an inside track to make the roster, which has several openings thanks to recent retirements from Meghan Duggan and the Lamoureux twins. And her performance over the last two weeks just further cements her case. Roque is the tour leader with five points in four games. And then there's this, from Hilary Knight: "I think she's going to be the best player in the world. Plain and simple."

That's significant for Roque, considering she's also a University of Wisconsin graduate and cites the 31-year-old Knight as one of her favorite players to watch in middle school and high school. Then again, anyone who has witnessed Roque's journey has seen this ascent for a while. A 2020 Patty Kazmaier finalist, she finished her Wisconsin career ninth on the program's scoring list (170 points) and seventh in assists (114), plus/minus (plus-136) and power play goals (21).

"I'm not surprised at all to see her absolutely ripping it up," says Canadian national team player Sarah Nurse, who overlapped with Roque for one year at Wisconsin and was assigned as her senior mentor. "It's something I saw in her as a 17-,18-year-old girl. She has the confidence, poise and skill that not a lot of people have."

Roque grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, which hugs the Canadian border. Her father, Jim, is a pro scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a Canadian citizen. Roque admits she grew up with quite a few Hockey Canada shirts and hats, and she "cheered for Team Canada in so many things."

Nurse would tease her a bit in Wisconsin, saying it wasn't too late to join her friends up North. But now, there's no doubt Roque is with USA Hockey. "It's funny to me, because it actually was never really a question for me," she said. "My dad brought it up to me once, 'You could play in the Hockey Canada program.' And I was like, 'Well, why would I do that?' I grew up in America, I live in America, so I never really questioned it."

Roques is also proud of her Native American heritage. She is a member of Wahnapitae First Nation, and her uncle is the chief of her tribe. "Where I'm from, I know so many indigenous people, and played with so many indigenous hockey players," Roque said. "And then I go to college, I realized all of the other students and my teammates might not even know another indigenous person besides me. It was so normalized for me growing up because there were so many people like me around me. Now I realize how few indigenous people are in hockey. So it's something I like to highlight and make known. Hockey, and especially women's hockey, is a very white sport. It doesn't have to be. We're always talking about ways we can grow the game."

Added Nurse: "It's cool to see her standing in her power, because she realizes she does have a voice. She feels she's representing a whole group of people and can be a role model for them. When she stepped on campus, she let it be known: 'This is where I'm from, I made it, this is who my family is.' It makes me proud to see how proud she is."

Roque played boys hockey through high school. "For me to play girls hockey, I would have gone across the river to Canada and play with the girls there," she said. She would sometimes get fall or spring girls tournaments in, and she considered going to Shattuck St. Mary's, a renowned boarding school. "But I just felt like, for me and my development, I wanted to stay and play with the guys team that I grew up playing with."

It was an adjustment to switch to women's hockey full time. "Checking was the one that I expected," Roque said. "I got a lot of penalties my freshman year. And they were all just body contact, because you forget your own strength. I always play physical, so I had to learn how to lay off the gas a little bit. ... The girls' game is very go-go-go, high tempo. On the forecheck, you have a girl coming at you all the time. In boys hockey, sometimes, they sit back, and make you come to them."

At Wisconsin, coaches were always telling Roque to shoot more and hold onto the puck longer. "Whereas in boys hockey, if I held onto the puck too long, I was probably going to get smooshed," Roque said. "And in boys hockey, my shot wasn't fantastic. I was kind of there to make the passes to the players to score."

The experience, Roque figures, is what helped her become such a well-rounded player. "In boys' hockey, I was tough, but I was more of the player who could make the right pass, be a playmaker. In girls hockey, I'm a playmaker too, but I'm also known as a more physical player."

Roque's goal is to keep improving. "With me, it's about not getting stagnant," she said. "Like my whole life was about working hard, and you can't stop now. It's about learning and adapting with the game because the game is always changing, and there's always something you can learn."

Throughout the Dream Gap Tour, Roque has enjoyed the challenge of going up against Brianna Decker -- another Wisconsin alumna, who, like Knight, has her name and picture all over the Badgers' athletics complex. "We play a similar game, try to be strong on pucks, physical, make the right plays, just want to be solid," Roque said. "Playing against her is obviously such a challenge. She challenges me on faceoffs every time, and she's so good at them. Playing against a great player, you can watch the little things she does, and try to figure out what she does, and what you can do too."


Three stars of the week

1. Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Nobody was as productive as the Golden Knights' winger this week, who had two goals and eight assists in just four games. The real story here is that he had five (!) primary assists in one game, becoming the first to do it since Artemi Panarin in 2017. Only five players in NHL history have ever put up six or more.

2. Chris Kreider, LW, New York Rangers

The longest-tenured Rangers veteran notched his second hat trick of the season, and this time it came in a win. Kreider has scored nine goals over his last seven games, for a team-high 13 on the season (five more than anybody else). "When you score at the rate he is, he means an awful lot for a team that's struggled to score goals this year," coach David Quinn said.

3. Thatcher Demko, G, Vancouver Canucks

He stopped 95 of 98 shots over three starts, all wins, including one against the mighty Maple Leafs. Demko has been on a tear for weeks now and is up to a .913 save percentage over the season, with those in Vancouver touting that he's looking like Bubble Demko once again. That's the highest of compliments.


What we liked this week

• RIP to Walter Gretzky, Canada's hockey dad. Had the son of Belarusian immigrants never built a backyard rink, who knows what would have happened? I have loved learning more about Walter Gretzky's life. The themes that come through are grace, work ethic and humility. He worked for Bell for three decades, including long after his son became the most famous hockey player on the planet.

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0:36

Brantford residents tap sticks to pay tribute to Walter Gretzky

Residents of Brantford, Canada, pay their respects to Wayne Gretzky's father, Walter, by tapping their hockey sticks as the funeral procession made its way from the church.

And if you see Wayne Gretzky following Alex Ovechkin around on the road when Ovi gets close to breaking his goal record, you know who to thank. As Wayne Gretzky remembered in April: "When I was breaking Gordie Howe's record, my dad said to me at one point in time, 'Your record is going to be broken one day, and I hope you have as much class and dignity as Gordie Howe has had with you breaking his record.' And I hope I do. I hope I'm the first guy that's able to shake his hand when he does break my record. I don't think there's any doubt in my mind that he has a great chance to do that."

St. Louis Blues forward Dakota Joshua scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game ... and he didn't have to shoot. But he wins the week with his handwritten message on his game puck.

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has entered the conversation for goal of the year ...

... but it will be hard to beat Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman for most dramatic goal of the year. It's March Madness in the NHL.


What we didn't like this week

• Happy trails to Chicago Blackhawks blueliner Brent Seabrook. I have a lot of empathy for the 35-year-old Seabrook, who announced this week he cannot continue his hockey career due to mounting injuries. (It was his right hip, surgically repaired last year, that did him in). Seabrook wasn't a guy who hung around in the locker room much to talk to the media, especially at morning skates, my bread and butter. But he was the guy that everyone on the team respected. Immensely. He was also the guy who welcomed teenager Kirby Dach into his home last season, helping the transition for the next era of Blackhawks. Seabrook is as proud as they come. That's why it must be excruciating to have his career end this way, with the Blackhawks team doctor Michael Terry saying: "We have tried all available conservative treatments, and nothing has worked well enough for him to live life as an athlete."

Seabrook fought like hell to be able to play in the bubble last summer, which he ultimately couldn't. He fought some more to get back this season. His body wouldn't allow it. I know it's easy to joke about his decline the last few seasons, and his contract -- which has three years remaining at $6.875 million -- but I have all the respect for Seabrook as a person and wish him the best in his next chapter.

• Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson might be the most polarizing player in the league. I have heard people around the Washington organization suggest he could be the team captain, and I've heard some people say the forward has no place in the NHL. Wilson has been suspended four times, all for illegal or late hits. He steered clear of controversy since getting 20 games (reduced to 14) for checking Oskar Sundqist's head in a 2018 preseason game. But here's the thing with the Department of Player Safety. If you're Brett Pesce, who doesn't have a history of dangerous play, you get a $5,000 fine for slew footing and move on. But if you have Wilson's lengthy history and have had multiple conversations with him on how to clean up your game, you get much less leeway

I actually don't think Wilson's hit on Brandon Carlo was automatically worthy of discipline. Two referees on the ice didn't call it a penalty. It could be argued Carlo's head wasn't the main point of contact. Wilson didn't take strides in lead up. As his coach Peter Laviolette passionately defended: "If this is a suspendable play, then all hitting is probably going to have to be removed." But Carlo ended up in the hospital (wishing all the best to him), and it's Wilson who we're talking about.

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Melrose says Bruins won't be pushed around by Wilson

Barry Melrose loved the intensity he saw from the Bruins after Tom Wilson's hit on Brandon Carlo.

So despite the DOPS admitting "aspects of this hit that may skirt the line between suspendable and non-suspendable," it was determined that a repeat offender causing a defenseless player to forcefully make contact with the glass and end up in the hospital yields a seven-game suspension. And despite liking Wilson a lot as a player, I can't argue with that. Neither can Wilson, who will not appeal the decision and forfeit $311,781.61.

• The NHL designated one road hotel per city for visiting teams this year as a way to help streamline COVID-19 protocols. The San Jose Fairmont was the choice near the Shark Tank but no longer after it abruptly filed Chapter 11 on Friday. That meant all of the guests were evicted on the spot, including the Golden Knights, who were in town for a two-game set.

"It was a surreal experience," coach Pete DeBoer said. "Hopefully this is the end of the COVID year, but it was almost the topping on the cake for what the last year has been for everybody in the world. Just another thing thrown at you, another thing to deal with."


Top games on tap this week

Note: All times Eastern.

Wednesday, March 10: Vegas Golden Knights at Minnesota Wild, 7 p.m.

Minnesota crashed a bit after its six-game winning streak, going 1-2-1 on its last road trip. The Wild can get things back on track with a two game-set against the West-leading Golden Knights (this one receiving the national NBC Sports treatment). The Wild are on a much-needed homestand. They've played in Minnesota twice since Jan. 31.

Friday, March 12: Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Kings are one of the season's pleasant surprises. After a rough two years of rebuilding, they are looking competitive again. They've fallen out of the playoff picture but could bump back in if they take down the Avalanche, who are still battling some injury issues.

Saturday, March 13: Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. (ESPN+)

It's always an interesting time when the Blackhawks face off against their former longtime coach, Joel Quenneville. But the storyline here is two teams holding down playoff spots in the Central Division, despite a lot of skeptics ahead of the season. (Let's be honest, the Panthers aren't that surprising, but the Blackhawks on the other hand ...)


Social media post of the week

When you stick around the NHL long enough, you witness some wonky things.

Soccer

Brazil score late for needed WC qualifying win

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EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLionel Messi blamed the conditions of the pitch Estadio Monumental...

Argentina held by Venezuela on rain-soaked pitch

Argentina held by Venezuela on rain-soaked pitch

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2026 FIFA


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Basketball

Redick on Doc criticism last season: 'He's fine'

Redick on Doc criticism last season: 'He's fine'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- As JJ Redick undergoes his first steps of the job tran...

Top NBA preseason buzz: KAT's early look, Warriors' lineup shuffle, more

Top NBA preseason buzz: KAT's early look, Warriors' lineup shuffle, more

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe start of the 2024-25 NBA season is less than two weeks away. Pr...

Baseball

Fry's heroics save Guardians, forces G5 vs. Tigers

Fry's heroics save Guardians, forces G5 vs. Tigers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDETROIT -- Pinch hitter David Fry hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in...

Sources: M's Polanco undergoes knee surgery

Sources: M's Polanco undergoes knee surgery

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSeattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco underwent surgery to...

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