Hockey

Arts & Entertainment

Sportsnet ends ‘Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi’ broadcasts after 18 years on air

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

"Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi" won't be back on the air when the NHL resumes this fall. 

The OMNI TV production posted on social media Friday, saying "a decision has been made" that the show will not return.

"For 18 years, this show brought our community closer to the game we love," the post said. 

"It shared the stories of South Asian players and families and created a space that was truly unique in Canadian sports. We are incredibly proud of what we built together." 

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Hockey

Norris Trophy winner Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Norris Trophy winner Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman reiterated on Thursday that the Blue Jackets must become a contender if he is to stay in central Ohio beyond the 2027-28 season.

“I want to see us in the playoffs and make progress. I feel like we’ve done that,” Werenski said on Thursday. “Winning solves everything, and that’s where we have to get to as a club. We have to raise our standards and expectations, and that starts with myself. I fully plan on doing that this year and be an even better player and leader. Hopefully, that means I’m here even longer.”

It was Werenski’s first media availability since early July when news broke that he vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars. He told GM Don Waddell at the end of last season he was not planning to sign an extension, at least this offseason.

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Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Hockey

Peter Maher, who spent 33 years as Flames’ radio play-by-play announcer, dead at 79

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Peter Maher, who spent 33 years as Flames’ radio play-by-play announcer, dead at 79

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Peter Maher, who spent 33 years as the voice of the Calgary Flames, has died at 79.

The Flames confirmed Maher's death in a release Thursday that remembered the radio broadcaster for his "unmistakable voice." 

Maher, originally from Campbellton, N.B., joined radio station CHQR as the Flames' play-by-play voice in 1980 when the NHL team moved to Calgary from Atlanta.

He remained in the role over the decades until retiring after the 2013-14 season and became known for his catchphrases "Yeah, baby!" and "You can put it in the win column!"

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Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Hockey

Hockey Canada extends bans of all but one player acquitted of sexual assault in 2018 case

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Three of the five players acquitted of sexual assault in the high-profile 2018 Canada world junior case have had their international play suspensions get extended for at least another year, with only one set for immediate reinstatement.

Hockey Canada on Wednesday extended Michael McLeod’s ban from representing the country until Nov. 10, 2030, Dillon Dube through the same date in 2028 and Carter Hart through that date in 2027. Cal Foote’s suspension will end this November, while Alex Formenton has been reinstated.

The decisions were announced after an independent appeal board ruled that the players breached Hockey Canada’s code of conduct.

Last year, the NHL allowed the players to sign contracts beginning in October and to play in December. Hart signed with Vegas in the fall, returned to the NHL on Dec. 2 and backstopped the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final, while Dube in July became the second of the five players to sign an NHL contract when he joined St. Louis.

Hockey

Panel: Acquitted 2018 WJC players breached Hockey Canada code of conduct

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Panel: Acquitted 2018 WJC players breached Hockey Canada code of conduct

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

CALGARY - An independent appeal board has ruled that five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team acquitted last year of sexual assault breached the Hockey Canada code of conduct.

Hockey Canada said in a release Wednesday that it accepted the board's recommended continued suspensions and reinstatement dates for Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé and Michael McLeod.

The five were acquitted in July 2025 on sexual assault charges stemming from an encounter with a woman known as "E.M." at a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont., celebrating the national junior team's world championship gold medal.

But the three-judge appeal board — John Laskin, Katherine Swinton and Thomas McEwen — recommended continued suspensions from Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs for four of the players.

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Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

TV

Calgary Flames games get new radio home with Corus Entertainment

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Calgary Flames games get new radio home with Corus Entertainment

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

CALGARY - Calgary Flames games have a new radio home.

Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) and Corus Entertainment announced Wednesday a five-year broadcast deal to carry Flames games on QR Calgary 770 AM.

Rogers Sports and Media shut down Sportsnet 960, which had carried Flames games, and Calgary sister station 660 NewsRadio in July as part of cuts that closed six radio stations in Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax and Kitchener and eliminated 230 jobs.

All Flames home and road games will be broadcast on 770 AM under the new agreement.

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Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026

Hockey

Canucks sign first-round draft pick Novotny to three-year entry-level contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canucks sign first-round draft pick Novotny to three-year entry-level contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Adam Novotny to a three-year entry-level contract, the NHL team announced Tuesday.

The Canucks selected the Czech forward 24th overall with their second first-round pick at the 2026 NHL draft.

The 18-year old played 58 games with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League last season, recording 65 points (34 goals, 31 assists) and 22 penalty minutes.

He also played with Mountfield HK of the Czech Extraliga in the 2024-25 season, totaling three points in 41 games.

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Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Health

Mom’s MS journey an inspiration for Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Mom’s MS journey an inspiration for Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

VANCOUVER - Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie Kristen Campbell has long idolized her mom. 

Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell spent countless hours in freezing arenas, ferrying kids to and from seemingly endless practices, and cheering every play from behind the glass.

As Kristen battled on the ice, Janet waged her own fight against multiple sclerosis. She was diagnosed with the neurological disease in 1999 when her daughter was about two years old.

“It's been pretty inspiring for me to grow up watching her navigate the disease and all the challenges that have come with it," Kristen Campbell said. 

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Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Hockey

Canucks hire former Sharks, Blackhawks staffer as director of hockey strategy

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canucks hire former Sharks, Blackhawks staffer as director of hockey strategy

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

VANCOUVER - The rebuilding Vancouver Canucks have hired Ryan Stewart as the NHL team’s director of hockey strategy and player evaluation.

General manager Ryan Johnson announced the news on Monday, saying in a statement that Stewart "brings a championship pedigree and a wealth of hockey knowledge to this brand new position."

Stewart joins the Canucks following four seasons with the San Jose Sharks where he oversaw the club's professional staff in North America and Europe. 

He previously spent parts of 16 seasons with the Blackhawks, serving in a variety of roles from assistant general manager to director of professional scouting and amateur scout to assistant coach, and won Stanley Cups with Chicago in 2013 and 2015.

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Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

NHL

Jarvis brings Stanley Cup to where it all began

Grace Penner 5 minute read Preview

Jarvis brings Stanley Cup to where it all began

Grace Penner 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

Seth Jarvis and Lord Stanley had quite the homecoming celebration with thousands of fans lining up for their arrival — some even before the sun graced the sky.

The Winnipeg community showed up to cheer on one of their own, wearing memorabilia of all of Jarvis’s achievements, with Tuxedo Lightning, Team Canada, and Carolina Hurricane jerseys aplenty in the crowd.

The Tuxedo Community Centre — where Jarvis’s storied career all began — had fans from all walks of life lined up, circling the building and fields, for the opportunity to meet the Stanley Cup champion and touch the trophy themselves.

Throughout the line, lawn chairs were assembled, picnic blankets were spread out, and umbrellas were opened — all prepared for the long wait ahead of them.

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Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

Hockey

Canada whips U.S. 8-1 to win Hlinka Gretzky Cup

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada whips U.S. 8-1 to win Hlinka Gretzky Cup

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

EDMONTON - Brock England, Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue each scored twice, the power play went 3-for-5, and Canada whipped the United States 8-1 to win the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Saturday.

Benjamin Veitch and Jaakko Wycisk also scored for Canada, who outshot the Americans 45-17, and led 3-1 after the first period and 6-1 heading into the third at Rogers Place.

Canadian captain Landon DuPont had four assists for the hosts, who earned their 26th Under-18 gold medal at the summer event.

"This is a crazy moment because we have dreamt of this since the start of the tournament, and it was our mission to win gold," said Schultz, who was named player of the game. "It feels great to be wearing the gold medal around our necks, and everyone is excited to get this win.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026

Hockey

Canada advances to Hlinka Gretzky Cup final with 6-3 win over Finland

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada advances to Hlinka Gretzky Cup final with 6-3 win over Finland

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

EDMONTON - Canada scored twice early in the third period to snap a 2-2 deadlock and then held on to beat Finland 6-3 on Friday to advance to the championship final at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Canada's Under-18 men's team will play the United States for gold on Saturday. The Americans beat Slovakia 5-2 in Friday's other semifinal.

Finland dominated the play and shot clock in the first half of the opening period in Friday's semifinal, with Olli Kylmala giving Finland an early lead with a power-play goal at 5:46.

But the Canadians settled down after that, and found their game at Rogers Place.

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Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

Hockey

Former NHL goalie turned broadcaster Kelly Hrudey says Sportsnet contract not renewed

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Former NHL goalie turned broadcaster Kelly Hrudey says Sportsnet contract not renewed

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

CALGARY - Hockey commentator Kelly Hrudey and Sportsnet have parted company.

Hrudey said in a video on a social media account that Sportsnet didn't renew his contract for the upcoming NHL season.

The former NHL goaltender retired from playing in 1998 and immediately embarked on a broadcasting career.

Hrudey regularly worked on Hockey Night in Canada and Calgary Flames regional game broadcasts.

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Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

Hockey

Pittsburgh Penguins sign 23-year-old forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year deal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Pittsburgh Penguins sign 23-year-old forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year deal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant investment in their future on Thursday, signing forward Ville Koivunen to an eight-year contract worth $4 million annually.

Koivunen, 23, was a restricted free agent. The deal signals Koivunen is an important part of the franchise as it navigates the twilight of the careers of icons Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

The Finnish-born Koivunen, acquired in a March 2024 trade with Carolina that sent Jake Guentzel to the Hurricanes, had two goals and five assists in 39 games with Pittsburgh during the 2025-26 season.

Koivunen excelled in the playoffs for Wilkes-Barre, Pittsburgh's American Hockey League affiliate, collecting four goals and five assists in nine games to help the club to the conference finals.

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Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

NHL

Central remains toughest division in league

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Preview

Central remains toughest division in league

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

With NHL training camps set to open in just over five weeks’ time, the Central Division still looks like one of the toughest places to earn a playoff spot in the league.

With three of the top seven teams in the NHL standings last season residing within it — including the Presidents’ Trophy winning Colorado Avalanche (121 points) — it’s clear that the most likely path back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Winnipeg Jets is by earning one of the two wild-card berths available in the Western Conference.

And since a couple of teams in the Pacific Division are on the rise, including the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks (who missed the playoffs by four points in Macklin Celebrini’s second NHL season), it’s likely going to take north of 90 or 92 points to punch a post-season ticket.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the moves that were made in the Central, realizing there are a few questions left unanswered for the Jets and the seven other clubs:

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Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026

Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs hire Andy O’Brien to oversee NHL team’s sport performance

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Toronto Maple Leafs hire Andy O’Brien to oversee NHL team’s sport performance

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs have made Andy O'Brien the team's vice-president of sport performance.

O'Brien will oversee the NHL club's strength and conditioning, sport science and nutrition, injury rehabilitation and mental performance.

The 48-year-old from Charlottetown has been a personal trainer of Sidney Crosby, and was a director of sports science and performance for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2015 to 2021. 

O'Brien's been a high-performance consultant with the Florida Panthers since 2021. 

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Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

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