Ref conflict of interest controversy in Minnesota prep hockey playoff Sports organizations are always trying to eliminate the whiff of impropriety that radiates from conflict of interest. And that takes a lot of Febreze when you have, say, a son playing in the league you’re governing or if, say, your wife works for the high school in the championship game you’re officiating.  The latter case … [Read more...]

Leafs deal Polak, Spaling to Sharks, continue to stockpile picks One day after acquiring a 12th selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs remained busy by dealing Roman Polak and Nick Spaling to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for second-round picks in 2017 and 2018 along with Raffi Torres.  Yes, Raffi Torres is now working for the organization that employs the man who used to … [Read more...]

Maple Leafs hold a dozen 2016 draft picks after trade with Avalanche In a trade Sunday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs sent forward Shawn Matthias to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Colin Smith and a fourth round draft pick in the 2016 entry draft. For those keeping track at home, the Leafs now have a total of 12 draft picks. Here's what they've got from General Fanager: … [Read more...]

Torchetti pushes right buttons with Vanek, Pominville in outdoor win MINNEAPOLIS – When John Torchetti took over as the Minnesota Wild’s coach about a week ago, he had confidence that forwards Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek could regain their scoring touch.  “Pominville's scored before, Vanek has scored before,” Torchetti said. “So just work with them a little bit on the side, one-on-one, … [Read more...]

Blues lose Alex Steen for a month as injury woes continue The St. Louis Blues sent out a press release with a familar theme on Sunday, which announced a couple of call ups from their AHL affiliate in Chicago. The reason? Another injury to one of their stars, this time to Alex Steen. During Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes, Steen landed awkwardly near the corner boards following a … [Read more...]

Blackhawks feel outdoor fatigue in 'embarrassing' Stadium Series loss MINNEAPOLIS – The Chicago Blackhawks' exhausting week of presidential visits and nationally televised games finally came to a close with a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Wild during Sunday's Stadium Series game at TCF Bank Stadium. Because of their heavy schedule, the Blackhawks had every reason to come up with … [Read more...]

Wild pummel Blackhawks 6-1 in Stadium Series game It was the first home game for new Minnesota Wild head coach John Torchetti. It just so happened to be a game played in front of thousands of fans outside at TCF Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Torchetti was brought in to light the proverbial fire under the Wild and appears to have worked (for now). Minnesota picked up … [Read more...]

Charlie Strong subpoenaed in Louisville trustee's divorce case Texas coach Charlie Strong might be heading back to a courtroom. WDRB-TV, the Fox affiliate in Louisville, is reporting that an attorney representing Louisville trustee Jonathan Blue has filed a motion in Kentucky family court to subpoena Strong as part of Blue’s divorce proceedings. The motion calls Strong a “critical witness” … [Read more...]

Texas A&M beats Kentucky in crazy fashion tightening SEC race It took everything Texas A&M had Saturday plus a silly mistake by a Kentucky freshman for the Aggies to upset the Wildcats 79-77 in an overtime thriller with a twist. Kentucky had a one-point lead and Texas A&M had the ball in the final 20 seconds of overtime. Texas A&M guard Anthony Collins drove into the lane and had his shot … [Read more...]

Jeff Gordon fans have a clear choice for new favorite driver DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Chase Elliott is getting the Jeff Gordon bump. When you walk around the infield and garages at Daytona International Speedway, it's hard not to notice people in brand new Elliott No. 24 gear. The rookie driver, who will start first in Sunday's Daytona 500, isn't the most popular driver by fan apparel sales – … [Read more...]