Celly Magazine Rookies Volume 1 Issue 4 by At Home Magazine

on or off the ice, we live hockey.

THE ROOKIE ISSUE

KIRILL #97 KAPRIZOV

kaprizov With o v n ' GM ly Co A Cel sey Devils er ald New J m F itzger To

calder cup winners on the lookout with

central scouting

PWHPA #52 ELLA ELLA SHELTON SHELTON all-star ABBY rookies #11 ABBY ROQUE ROQUE

Teemu Selänne'S record-breaking rookie season issue Nº

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CP IMAGES

CONTENTS 6 8 12

JOBS IN HOCKEY

On the lookout with NHL scout John Williams

POWER PLAYERS

A roster of teens are growing the game of hockey

HOW IT'S MADE The evolution of the hockey stick

16 18 30

ROOKIE TEAM

The Seattle Kraken look to add to their lineup

ALL STARS

Top ranked rookies from the 2020-21 season

BIG SHOT

GM Tom Fitzgerald rebuilds the New Jersey Devils

PWHPA ROOKIES 22 CALDER TROPHY WINNERS 26 BETWEEN THE PIPES 40

L I N E2020 UP FALL Bahia is a Winnipeg-born entrepreneur and co-founder of Celly Magazine. As a mom to a hockey fanatic and stranger to the sport of hockey, she decided at 38 years old she had better get schooled from the inside out. You can now find her between the pipes for both men’s and women’s recreational clubs. Learning about the game, forging relationships, and participating in the highs and lows of organized sport has been a tremendous experience for Bahia and one she aims to share with as many people as she can introduce to the game or drag onto the ice! A rare combination of English teacher and hockey coach, Darren brings two loves – words and hockey – to Celly Magazine. Darren’s earliest hockey memories correspond to the end of Gordie Howe’s career and the beginning of Wayne Gretzky’s, and the mystique of those two players drove his obsession with hockey stats and history. A lifelong player, he still wears number 9 in tribute to Mr. Hockey when he plays rec league with his buddies. Danesh Mohiuddin is a cartoonist hailing from India who grew up in Dubai on a regular dose of Mad Magazine and now lives in Toronto. His colourful illustrations are bursting with energy, humour, and slick brushed ink lines. You’ll find his work splattered across magazines, comic books, children’s books, card games, toys, and advertising campaigns. He has been freelancing since 2006 and is learning all about hockey illustrating the comics in Celly Magazine. Carlee comes to CELLY with over three years of experience as a copywriter and content writer and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. In large part thanks to her Dad, a die-hard Boston Bruins fan, Carlee’s been speaking the language of hockey since childhood. Although there have been no shortage of memories revolving around the game, her favourite has to be Team Canada’s victory in the 2010 Olympic Gold Medal Game.

Volume 01, Number 04 Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief | Co-founder Leigh McKenzie Creative Director | Co-founder Olivia Hiebert Graphic Designer Twila Driedger Contributing Writer & Editor Nigel Taylor Junior Editor Contributing Writers: Carlee Baigrie Carter Brooks Jim Dear Darren Grunerud Don Meilleur Jim Taylor Melanie Truman Project Management

Owned and Published by: Celly Magazine A division of 7199083 Manitoba Ltd. For inquiries, please contact us at hockey@cellymagazine.com 5 Scurfield Blvd #25 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 3G4 www.cellymagazine.com

While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Celly Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Subscription rates: Canada $30.00 per year, plus applicable taxes; outside Canada $40.00 per year, no tax. Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement # 42575014 Printed in Canada

hen I was five, I fell in love with the game of hockey the first time I stepped onto the ice. The speed of the game, combined with the physicality, agility, and precision needed to play, made it my favourite sport. Soon I was a hockey superfan. I learned stats, talked about hockey non-stop, and wore jerseys supporting my favourite teams, especially during the Stanley Cup Finals. I remember dragging my family, who was unfamiliar with the sport, regularly to local AHL hockey games and then NHL games in the United States and Canada. Like most kids, I started out playing hockey in a house league and then advanced up the ranks. I played travel and then AA hockey for my local team. Throughout the winter, we would have games throughout upstate New York and Pennsylvania. One of my favourite memories of playing hockey is when I scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to win the championship game and was crowned tournament MVP. When I was researching an article I wrote for Sports Illustrated Kids about Kim Davis, Executive Vice President of Social Impact for the NHL, I learned about the Power Players program. Eager to join, I immediately submitted my application. After my interview, I was ecstatic to learn that I was selected as one of the few lucky people to be an NHL Power Player.

As a Power Player, I work with my peers to provide ideas to benefit the NHL. One of the best feelings is having your idea well received and seeing your idea make a difference. As a Power Player, I help the NHL grow the game of hockey. Some of the areas we cover are diversity and how the NHL can connect with Gen Z. Hopefully, the Power Players program will make a large difference and help grow the amazing game of hockey.

Keyahn sethi #11

NHL Power Player Guest Junior Editor, Celly Magazine

Visit cellymagazine.com for more information on how you could be our next guest Junior Editor #WeLiveHockey

J O B SFALL I N 2020 HOCKEY IN T E RV I E W W I T H

JOHN WILLIAMS NHL Central Scouting / Western Region Scout WORLD JUNIORS The World Junior Championship is a very important tournament for a lot of different parts of scouting. It gives amateur scouts a chance to see some of the top draft eligible players in the world compete at a high level. It also allows teams to measure their prospects against other team’s top prospects. It's good for both amateur and professional scouts. PERSONAL BACKGROUND I started playing hockey when I was six years old. At first, I was a goalie, then moved to defence the following year. Playing goal was too cold for me! I got to the U.S. college level, but my career was cut short by an injury. BECOMING A SCOUT I started out as a part-time assistant coach for the London Knights of the OHL while I was attending university. My dad was the Knight’s head scout, so I would tag along with him to some games and tournaments. Don Boyd was the coach and GM at the time, and when he moved to a new job in Sault Ste. Marie, he asked me to scout some games for him. My passion grew from there. JOB DETAILS I really do get paid to watch hockey! Watching hockey and seeing new players is incredibly fun, but it is a lot of travel and time away from home.

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John Williams, Istockphoto

LEAST FAVOURITE PART OF JOB Most of the hockey season is busy. Every week is different. It often depends on which players I am watching and where they are located. In a normal year (scouting during a pandemic has been challenging), I would spend the first part of the season identifying ‘players to watch’ in my own area (WHL and BCHL) and then cross

over to other areas to compare players from different leagues and regions. The toughest part of the job is being away from home. I do miss out on some life and family events, but I also get to be home a lot during the summer months, so I think the benefits outweigh any of the difficult parts. HOW TO KEEP UP WITH WHO'S-WHO We keep detailed notes and lists for the players we scout. We also have access to video on all the players. Prior to a meeting where we come together to rank the players, I will refresh my memory by going over my list and watching some video.

CLUB SCOUTING STAFF Most, if not all teams, have their scouting staff listed on their websites. Individual scouts may not be well known because drafting players is a collaborative effort. You want multiple opinions on a player whenever possible.

FAVOURITE PART OF JOB My favourite part of the job would be seeing so many great players and future players before they become NHL stars. It’s always interesting to me to see how players develop and improve over the length of their careers.

BEST PLAYER EVER SCOUTED Connor McDavid is the best player I ever scouted. I have been scouting for a long time and I was blown away by how good he was. I still am!

NATURAL ABILITY OR STRONG WORK ETHIC I think over the long haul, a great work ethic will take you further than natural ability. Most players that look like they have a lot of ‘natural ability’ got where they are because of their dedication and hard work. PLAYER BACKGROUNDS A lot of research goes into drafting a player. Teams do a lot of background work trying to learn as much as possible about the player. You are looking for players that will fit in with your organization and the other players on your team, so all aspects of character are considered. CROSS BORDER TRAVEL This has been a very unique year to say the least! The members of our staff who live in the U.S. have watched players locally, and those of us in Canada, have watched players in Canada. We have also watched a lot of video. NHL SCOUTING COMBINE The Scouting Combine is a very important event on the annual scouting calendar. It is an opportunity for NHL teams to not only meet with the players in-person, but also evaluate their athleticism. Teams want to get an idea of players' abilities and potential.

MAKE OR BREAK AGE There is no ‘make it or break it’ age for players. We see players coming into the NHL all the time that were never drafted. NHL teams want to win, and want players who will help with this objective, regardless of where the players come from or how old they are. They just want the best.

MOST DIFFICUT PART OF JOB One of the most difficult parts of the job is knowing that players can sometimes prove you wrong. The one thing we cannot measure is heart. It’s always great to see those players find a way to play in the NHL. LOOKING FOR IN A HOCKEY PLAYER The main thing I look for in a hockey player is that they are doing something to help their team win every shift they are on the ice. Not everyone can score goals like Connor McDavid, so you have to find what you can do to help your team. WATCHING PLAYERS Teams want to see a player as much as possible before they are drafted. Ideally, you want to see them at different times over the course of a season to be able to monitor their progress. Today, with video much more widely available, you can see players more often. ADVANCED STATS Most NHL teams will use advanced stats to help them determine which players to draft. Ideally, you want the advanced stats and the ‘eye test’ to match up. Both functions are great tools for scouts. All the information we can get, can help us with the process. CELLY

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P O W EFALL R P2020 LAYERS

n e w

t e a m

NHL

o f

POWER PLAYERS

Youth just like you are joining a roster of teens to grow the game of hockey

#WeLiveHockey

he NHL is welcoming a new team of NHL Power Players, teens ages 13-17 who are passionate about hockey, have mad skills, and are geared up to grow the game with a younger audience. The youth advisory board, which is entering its third season, consists of 25 kids from Canada and the U.S., each hand picked from a pool of applicants because of their innovative ideas and enthusiasm for the game. According to Heidi Browning, NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, the selected young hockey fans advise the league on hockey-related topics important to their generation. “We need to ensure that we’re listening to the ideas, feedback, attitudes, and behaviours of our next generation fans, so that we are relevant in the future,” Browning explains. Browning and her team work with the youth advisory panel throughout the hockey season, covering topics like social media and marketing to the business side of the NHL. Through thoughtful discussions (and lots of fun and games), the kids share creative ideas on how to promote the sport. “Some of them are focused on growing the game among girls, others are focused on Southeast Asian, Black, BIPOC audiences. Some are interested in growing the game through eSports because they see that as a huge opportunity,” Browning says. And while Power Players bring plenty of passion and proficiency for hockey to the board, Browning says that they also each contribute their own sort of “superpower.” “Some of their superpowers include: content creators, broadcasters, writers and editors, others are really into music, fashion, and culture,” explains Browning.

PUT ME IN, COACH! If you have ideas you want to share with the NHL, are willing to work hard, & fit the following requirements, you could be a future Power Player! •B etween the ages of 13-17 years old living in the 50 US States, DC or Canada •O pen, honest, and willing to share your ideas with the NHL & peers •A ble to access the internet & social media (not required but a plus) •P assionate about hockey

Throughout the season, Power Players connect over a Slack channel and attend meetings over the phone or Zoom, where they share ideas and honest and impartial opinions on topics ranging from community engagement and rules of play to events, social media, and fan-driven content. NHL, Istockphoto

And while participating on an NHL board and seeing their ideas come to life may seem like incentive enough, selected Power Players also enjoy additional perks, like attending NHL events, meeting NHL players and mascots, and making a bunch of new friends. CELLY

POWER PLAYERS DRAFT The newest team of Power Players will be announced before the 2021-22 NHL season. Selected applicants will serve as an advisor for one season and help increase fandom amongst fans under 17. Learn more by visiting: www.nhl.com/fans/power-players. Keyahn Sethi, current NHL Power Player is this issue’s Junior Editor! Turn the page for a full Q&A with Keyahn & read his letter on page 5.

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Q&a

WITH WITH POWER POWER PLAYER PLAYER

Keyahn Sethi

We sat down with current NHL Power Player Keyahn Sethi for the inside scoop on what it’s like to participate on the youth advisory board. Sethi is lending his savvy skills to the 2020-21 team, providing ideas and opinions that influence the League and generate new fans.

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CELLY: Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to hockey. KEYAHN SETHI: I was introduced to hockey by my parents and have been playing for almost a decade. I have fallen in love with the sport and it has taken over my life. CELLY: How did you hear about Power Players? Tell us about getting selected as a Power Player. KS: I heard about Power Players from a friend. I was ecstatic when I found out that I had gotten selected for Power Players. CELLY: What is the best part of being a Power Player? KS: The best part of Power Players is working with other Power Players on ideas. It is a great feeling when your idea gets complimented and when you see your idea in motion. CELLY: What do you consider your Power Player “superpower?” How have you used your superpower to contribute to the Power Players and promote hockey to the next generation of fans? KS: I would say my Power Player superpower is writer/editor. With my ideas, I am always trying to grow the sport, make it more diverse and more fun for the fans. I try to use my writing experience to help market the NHL and hockey in the best light.

CELLY: What area of hockey are you most passionate about growing? Why? KS: The area of hockey I am most passionate about and want to grow is the diversity of fans and players. I have had friends tell me that a reason they do not watch hockey is that it is not very diverse compared to sports like basketball. I feel if there is more diversity in the sport that it will attract more fans and show the NHL in a good light. CELLY: How do you think the NHL can best grow the game and reach new fans? KS: I think one of the best ways the NHL can grow the game and reach new fans is to market to kids who will become the new fans of the NHL. The NHL could market at schools or boys and girls clubs. They could also host more Try Hockey for Free events all over the country. CELLY: Do you want to work in hockey? If so, in what area and role? KS: When I am older, I would love to work in hockey. I plan to go into business or medicine in college so it would be amazing to become a team doctor or work on the business side for a team or the NHL.

CELLY: What is one thing you’ve learned about the business through your role as a Power Player? KS: One of the things I have learned about the hockey business from being a Power Player is just how important everyone is in making the operation run smoothly. Everyone has a large part and contributes to making it the best it can be. CELLY: What is your favourite user-generated marketing or social media campaign or post and why? KS: My favourite user-generated campaign is the Fan Choice Awards. It gives you an insight into what the fans think and gets to show off their creativity. One of the greatest things in sports is seeing fans rally behind a cause and making a change. CELLY: Which hockey player or hockey figure/ personality inspires you? Why? KS: P.K. Subban inspires me because he is such a great leader on and off the ice and he is more than just a hockey player. He branches out from just hockey and connects people in different ways. He is also trying new things as he is working with ESPN. CELLY

NETFLIX OR DISNEY+? Netflix TIKTOK OR INSTAGRAM? Instagram PLAYSTATION OR XBOX? Xbox CP Images, Keyahn Sethi, Istockphoto

STREET HOCKEY OR OUTDOOR RINK? Street hockey - nothing beats playing street hockey with your friends. MCDAVID OR CROSBY? Crosby - Crosby just gets the win because he has won a Stanley Cup.

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, H O WFALL I T 2020 S MADE

Members of Mi’kmaq First Nations carving sticks around 1890.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE HOCKEY STICK From humble solid wood beginnings to a stunning product of technology, innovation, and material advancement, this is the story of the hockey stick.

ver-evolving and ever-important, the hockey stick is the single most important piece of equipment a hockey player will ever hold. A great one feels like an extension of the arm, moving intuitively with the body. With flex, durability, feel, and power all crucial components, it’s no wonder we’ve taken 150 years to get where we are today. Historians credit the first design of the hockey stick to people of the Mi’Kmaq First Nations from Atlantic Canada in the mid 1800s. These sticks were made mostly from hornbeam trees (a clever material selection often referred to as “ironwood”), and were dubbed the “MicMac hockey stick.” These sticks were carved from a single piece of wood and look more like today’s field hockey stick than anything we might see in an NHL game.

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In 1927, Cy Denneny of the Ottawa Senators was the first to curve his stick into his iconic “banana blade,” however, this innovation did not gain much traction in the sport due to Denneny’s unpredictable knuckler shots. During this era, the most popular shots being used were backhands and wrist flicks, with the occasional slap shot (although no one was going bar down quite yet) thrown in for good measure. In the 1950s, companies like Sherwood and Canadien began manufacturing fiberglass wrapped blades, forever changing the game. They were able to switch to using aspen wood, a lightweight material that enabled better mobility and agility on the ice. Shortly after, Stan Mikita, leading scorer and hall of famer, initiated the greatest innovation the stick would ever see, by accident. After catching his blade in a crack in the boards, partially breaking his blade into a V shape. He continued playing with his broken stick (a big no-go in today’s game), noticing he was able to hit shots faster and with more power. After the game, Mikita and his teammate Bobby Hull began heating

Nova Scotia Archives

Around the time of industrialization, hornbeam supply was running low due to its wide variety of applications and relative demand. Yellow birch and ash soon took over as primary materials, with ash eventually winning out as the wood of choice due to its lightweight

properties. At this point, the Canadian hockey company Hespeler began experimenting with the design, inserting blades into the joint and then gluing the second piece in place over the blade. They figured out pretty quickly that they were onto something good, and filed a patent for their twopiece design. At this point in time, hockey sticks were still straight in shape.

An original Mic-Mac hockey stick, crafted between 1852-1856, recognized at the time as the world’s oldest hockey stick, was auctioned to an anonymous Canadian for 2.2 million dollars.

their blades under hot water and then jamming them into closed doors to create a lasting curve. From then, the curved blade catapulted into popularity, resulting in a league that had more power at their disposal than ever before. Shot velocities increased, sparking new regulations to limit curves.

PUblic Domain

In the 1970s and 80s, the evolution of the stick really picked up, with the Sherwood P.M.P. 5030, one of the most popular sticks ever brought to the market. With an aspen core shaft, multilayer birch lamination, and a white ash blade wrapped in impact resistant fiberglass, this stick was slightly more substantial in weight, extremely durable, and had an excellent feel with the puck. During this era, more companies, like Koho and Titan joined the race, producing the world’s first aluminum sticks, which were extremely lightweight and durable, but lacked puck feel. To solve this dilemma, manufacturers began inserting wood blades inside aluminum shafts—a recipe that proved highly successful. When Wayne Gretzky signed an endorsement deal with Easton to use their HXP 5100 aluminum shafted stick, the combination became the standard. But even with

widespread success, there were still some hurdles to overcome, with complaints that the stick had a harder feel that led to stiffer stick handling. These problems only led to even greater innovations, with the introduction of the world’s first composite blade in 1995. In subsequent years, the combinations and materials were advanced further, with composite shafts and blades becoming commonplace in the league and beyond. Then at the turn of the century, the one-piece composite stick was born, slowly stealing its way into the hearts of the now hockey-obsessed nation. Finally, they had found the perfect fit: a full composite model that produced that same feel as the original wooden sticks, with maximum durability and flexibility. Today, the main players in stick manufacturing are True, Warrior, Bauer, and CCM, but there are many start-ups in this space searching for the next best thing in hockey sticks, ready to disrupt the market all over again. We won’t be surprised if we see more improvements yet. Who knows, it might even be you who sparks the next hockey stick revolution! CELLY

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HEE TTH N ON ATTIIO ULLA GU R REEG : : N N W W O O D D K K A A E E R B BR STICK SHAFTS CAN BE A MAXIMUM OF 63” LONG BLADES CAN BE A MAXIMUM OF 12 ½” LONG & 2-3" WIDE BLADE CURVE IS RESTRICTED TO ¾”

PLAYERS ABOVE 6’6 CAN REQUEST A WRITTEN EXEMPTION (ZDENO CHARA IS 6'9)

TWIGS THROUGH TIME: 1800s

1930

1950s

Members of the Mi’Kmaq First Nations make the first hockey stick from hornbeam wood.

Hespeler begins experimenting with manufacturing, using two piece sticks consisting of a shaft and blade, both made of ash.

Companies like Canadien and Sher Wood join the race to build the world’s best hockey stick, while player Stan Mikita accidentally discovers the power of a curved blade.

#WeLiveHockey

RYAN O’REILLY: THIS ST. LOUIS BLUES PLAYER DIDN’T MIND THE FLACK HE GOT FOR HIS STRANGE CURVE (IF YOU CAN EVEN CALL IT THAT), WHICH FEATURED A SLIGHT RIGHT ANGLE AT THE VERY TIP OF THE BLADE.

IIYA KOVALCHUK: PENALIZED IN 2002 FOR VIOLATING STICK REGULATIONS, KOVALCHUK KNEW A THING OR TWO ABOUT THE BANANA CURVE. THE LA KINGS PLAYER’S STICK FEATURED A MEDIUM MID-CURVE WITH A CLOSED FACE.

Nathan Gerbe played with the shortest stick (he's 5'5). Here he is next to big Z! THE NEXUS GEO (RIGHT) BY BAUER HOCKEY WAS THE MOST POPULAR STICK USED IN THE 2020-21 SEASON, WITH 12.2 OF THE MARKET SHARE. IN SECOND PLACE WAS CCM’S JETSPEED FT3 PRO.

Getty, NHL, Istockphoto

1970s

1995

2001

Stick innovation becomes more competitive, with materials like fiberglass being used in production.

The world’s first composite blade is made.

The fully composite, one-piece stick becomes a mainstay in hockey sticks across the globe.

#WeLiveHockey

R O OFALL K I E2020 TEAM

THE NEWEst

NHL Seattle Kraken, NHL’s rookie team, looks to add to its lineup

he National Hockey League has expanded with the addition of the Seattle Kraken. It is following, the National Football League, going with an even 32 clubs. This means that going forward, half of the league’s teams will earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the remaining half will not get a chance to play postseason games. Just a handful of seasons ago, the NHL consisted of 30 teams. But then in 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights were born, becoming the first major sports franchise in Las Vegas, Nevada, and bringing the number of NHL teams to 31. Since then, the Golden Knights have made the playoffs in each of their four seasons, winning seven postseason rounds. This past summer, the Seattle Kraken joined the NHL as the rookie team. The addition of the Kraken gives the NHL four equal divisions of eight teams, while giving the state of Washington its first NHL team.

DID YOU KNOW? The Washington Capitals are based out of Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) and not Washington state, making the Seattle Kraken the state’s first NHL team.

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DID YOU KNOW? The Seattle Kraken selected its player roster from 30 NHL teams. Which hockey players would you have picked to fill the Kraken lineup?

Seattle Kraken, NHL, Istockphoto

The Kraken hope to have as much success as the Golden Knights had in their first season, back in 2017-18. The team has hired former NHL star Ron Francis as its general manager to steer the franchise through its first important test: the NHL Expansion Draft.

The Kraken's secondary logo features the Space Needle, which is a tower in Seattle and has 832 stairs to the top (although you can take an elevator).

T H E C O LO UR C ODE : Shades of Support

Announced as an expansion team for the 2021-22 season back in December of 2018, the Kraken revealed its name and team colours a year-and-a-half later. The team’s colours are deep sea blue, ice blue, boundless blue, shadow blue, and red alert. Seattle will work toward raising awareness of climate change with its brand-new, state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena, set to open in October and seat 17,100 spectators for hockey games.

2021 NHL Expansion Draft SEA MONSTERS OF SEATTLE

The meaning behind the name The Seattle Kraken is the first professional hockey team within the city since the Seattle Totems (194375) of the Pacific Coast Hockey League. Prior to that, the Seattle Metropolitans represented the state of Washington in the fight for the Stanley Cup until 1924. What is a Kraken? A Kraken is a mythical sea monster resembling a giant octopus. Its origin is in the Old Norse myths of the Vikings.

VEGAS BEATS THE ODDS

Most involved with the Golden Knights’ expansion draft figured that the first-year team would have a difficult time winning games, let alone finding its way to the playoffs. In its first season of operation, Vegas made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, beating the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference Final before falling to Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the finals. The Golden Knights showed that, with smart picks at the expansion draft, a new team could be successful in its first year.

Selecting players for the Seattle Kraken The 2021 NHL Expansion Draft had the same rules that were used when Vegas selected its players in the 2017 offseason. Seattle – like Vegas – chose one player from each NHL club except the Golden Knights. Each NHL club, excluding Vegas, was able to protect up to 11 of its players from being selected by the Kraken, with some stipulations about which players could be protected. Seattle had to choose at least 14 forwards, nine defencemen, and three goaltenders in its 30 selections. Each of the 30 teams involved submitted their protected players list by July 17. Just two days after the NHL Expansion Draft on July 21, the Kraken participated in its first NHL Entry Draft on July 23. Picking second overall behind only the Buffalo Sabres, Seattle had the choice of many talented prospects, with many more in the later rounds. CELLY

Glossary of terms BERTH - a position secured ahead of the season’s conclusion POSTSEASON - a period after the regular season when teams play each other for championship titles OFFSEASON - the time of year when there is no official competition STIPULATION - a condition or requirement PROSPECTS - a player who was drafted and/ or signed by a NHL team, and is assigned to a development farm team #WeLiveHockey

Top ranked rookies from the 2020-21 season

These guys may be newcomers to the NHL, but they’re anything but amateurs. This past season’s Calder Memorial Trophy contenders were the cream of the crop when it came to NHL rookies. Read more about the league’s top-ranked rookies and find out why they were in the running to receive the prestigious trophy, awarded the NHL’s rookie of the year. 18

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JEFF WEGGE, ISTOCKPHOTO

A LFALL L S 2020 TARS

BORN:

April 26, 1997

BIRTHPLACE:

Novokuznetsk, Russia

NHL TEAM:

Minnesota Wild

POSITION:

Kirill ov z i r p a K Left Wing

instagram handle:

@kirillkaprizov

WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HIM: Tearing it up as Minnesota Wild’s leader in goals (27) and points (51) and blowing by all other rookies with shots on goal (157) and average ice time (18:18). Not only was Kaprizov the league’s leading rookie, but he transformed the Wild with his polished game and slick skills. FIRST FOR THE FRANCHISE: As the Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, 24-year-old Kaprizov became the first Calder award winner in Wild franchise history. BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE: One game into his first year in the NHL, in a match against the Los Angeles Kings on January 14, 2021, Kaprizov intercepted a pass and took off toward the net on a breakaway. He deked goalie Jonathan Quick with a right-left move that bounced off his left skate for the overtime winner and his first NHL goal. BACKSTORY: Kaprizov was drafted in round five and 135th overall by Minnesota Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Before joining the Wild, Kaprizov played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), widely considered to be the premier professional ice hockey league in Europe and Asia, and second in the world behind North America's NHL.

NHL, ISTOCKPHOTO

DID YOU KNOW? Only three other rookies since 1993-94 have led a team in points during the regular season: Auston Matthews (2016-17 with Toronto Maple Leafs), Filip Forsberg (2014-15 with Nashville Predators), and Trent Hunter (2003-04 with NY Islanders). AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: Kaprizov was the youngest player on the Russian team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. As the Calder Memorial Trophy winner, Kaprizov is one of the oldest winners since a 1990 rule change that required candidates to be under 26 on September 15 of their rookie season. MONEY MONIKER: Kaprizov has two nicknames making the rounds — Kirill The Thrill and Dollar Bill Kirill.

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etroit R

ed Wings

BORN:

January 7, 1996

BIRTHPLACE:

Parma, Ohio, USA

rec en tly

D the o dt de

NHL TEAM:

Detroit Red Wings

POSITION: Goaltender

Alex Nedelj kovic instagram handle:

WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HIM: Sweeping in and stealing the Hurricanes’ thunder as a backup-backstop-turnedshowstopping-tender for the club. Nedeljkovic covered the crease for Carolina all the way to the NHL’s Central Division title, posting a 15-5-3 record, 1.90 goals-against average, .932 save percentage and three shutouts in 23 appearances.

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE: On February 20, 2021, Nedeljkovic recorded his first career NHL shutout in a 4–0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following this feat, Nedeljkovic and the Canes went undefeated for seven games from March 1-25 (6-0-1) and a season-best eight-game stretch from April 8-May 3 (7-0-1).

FIRST FOR THE FRANCHISE: The 25-year-old’s goals-against average and save percentage is a single-season record by a rookie in Carolina franchise history.

NEDELJKOVIC’S NICKNAME: Teammates and friends call him “Ned” for short.

BACKSTORY: Nedeljkovic was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (37th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He grew up playing minor hockey in Cleveland before moving to the Detroit area to play for Belle Tire and from there made his Ontario Hockey League (OHL) debut for Plymouth at 16 years old. Before joining the big leagues, Nedeljkovic played with Florida in the ECHL and dominated in the AHL (American Hockey League) for the Charlotte Checkers.

WHY IT’S CALLED THE CALDER 20

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INTERNATIONAL PLAY: Nedeljkovic has experience on an international stage, playing for the USA U18 team in the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and leading the team to a gold medal at the World Juniors in Finland in 2014. The netminder was on the USA U20 squad at the 2015 World Junior Championship as a backup to Thatcher Demko and Brandon Halverson. From 1936-37 until his death in 1943, NHL President Frank Calder purchased a trophy each year to be given permanently to the league’s outstanding rookie. After Calder’s death, the NHL presented the Calder Memorial Trophy in his memory. Source: NHL

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@alexned_

n o s a J n o s t r Robe WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HIM: Taking his team name quite literally, Robertson became the franchise star, contributing to Dallas’ offence in the absence of high-scoring forwards Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov, who missed most of the season due to injury. Robertson ranked second among all NHL rookies in scoring with 17-28-45 in 51 games and led all NHL rookies in assists (28). FIRST FOR THE FRANCHISE: If the 22-year-old had captured the Calder Trophy, he’d have become the first Stars player to win the award since the franchise moved to Dallas in 1993-94. BACKSTORY: Jason was drafted 39th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2017. He made his NHL debut in February 2020 after playing for the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League. BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE: Robertson posted a nine-game point streak from April 13-27 (4-9-13), the longest by a NHL rookie since the 2017-18 season.

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BROTHERLY BOND: The Robertson brothers - Michael, Jason, and Nick - have always been big hockey fans, attending Kings games with their dad, a season ticket holder, and playing mini hockey in the concourse during intermission. Their passion for the puck led them to join organized hockey in California, before moving to Michigan, where their careers really took off. Jason and Nick, both left wingers, were selected in the NHL Draft and made the U.S. National Junior Team roster. While older brother Jason won a silver medal with Team USA in 2019, Nick was the youngest player on the U.S. roster in 2020.

BORN:

July 22, 1999

BIRTHPLACE:

Arcadia, California

NHL TEAM:

Dallas Stars

POSITION: Left Wing

instagram handle:

@jasonrob19

FUN FACT: The Robertsons drove to different rinks around Los Angeles in an RV. While one brother was on the ice for practice, the others were in the motorhome, working on schoolwork or chilling out until it was their turn to play. GIFTED GAMER: When this rookie sensation isn’t racking up points on the ice, he’s taking it to the screen. Robertson is a heavy gamer, even bringing along his PS4 and monitor in a suitcase on travel trips. His game of choice? FIFA. CELLY #WeLiveHockey

P W H2020 PA FALL

P W H PA R O O K I E S

Abby Roque "Ever since I could walk, I had skates on my feet. We had a rink in the backyard for as long as I could remember, so I learned to skate on that. My dad played hockey himself, coached, and is now a scout." – Abby Roque Celly: Did you play other sports? Abby Roque: I played soccer, tennis, and golf growing up. C: Do you have any other hobbies or interests? A.R: I like to play golf in my free time. C: What did you study in college? A.R: I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. C: Future goals in hockey or otherwise? A.R: I want to help grow the game of hockey into a more diverse space while continuing my own career.

C: What is the biggest part of your game? A.R: My hockey sense. C: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? A.R: I do the same stretches on the ice in the same spot, just to the right of the net during on ice warm-ups. C: Who inspires you? A.R: My teammates. C: How has athletics shaped you as a person? A.R: It has shaped me into a tough, hardworking individual. C: What qualities make a good teammate? A.R: Loyalty and compassion.

ALL ABOUT ABBY ROQUE #11

Name: Abby Roque Born: September 25, 1997 Birthplace: Potsdam, New York Position: Forward Shoots: Right National Team: USA PWHPA Team: University of Wisconsin Badgers (college) Sault Blue Devils (high school)

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C: Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? A.R: Absolutely, you need to have a mindset that you are always capable of winning and have to be confident in that. But also, that everyone is going to come give you their best game so if you let up at all someone may beat you.

instagram handle:

@abby_roque

C: Who is your favourite sports hero? A.R: Pavel Datsyuk. C: What challenges have you faced in getting to the top of your sport? A.R: I grew up being the only girl on a boys hockey team up until college. I had to continuously prove that I was good enough and tough enough to be playing with the boys. C: Can you share the best piece of advice you have ever been given? A.R: To not allow anyone to tell you that you aren’t good enough. C: Can you offer any advice to a fellow rookie who finds themselves on a new team? A.R: Come in and prove that you’re a good teammate and a hard worker. C: What is your mantra or favourite inspirational quote? A.R: "Where there’s a will there’s a way."

Fast Five RECEIVE: AN EMAIL OR A HANDWRITTEN LETTER?

Handwritten letter

ICED COFFEE OR HOT COFFEE?

Hot coffee

DURING CARDIO: MUSIC OR PODCAST?

Music

SHOWS OR MOVIES?

Shows

AMUSEMENT PARK OR DAY AT THE BEACH?

ABBY ROQUE, PWHPA

Day at the beach

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P W H PA R O O K I E S

Ella Shelton rowing up with two older brothers and one younger brother, I did everything the older two did. If they were going to play hockey, so was I. If they were playing soccer, so was I. I am very thankful that my parents were able to place us all in sports and keep us active throughout the entire year. I started playing hockey at the age of five or six, just locally in our small town of Ingersoll, Ontario. The first time I put on hockey equipment and went out on the ice, I didn’t move. It was like I forgot how my feet worked. My parents put me in power skating where I could learn to get my feet underneath me and then the equipment became a non-issue. I played all the sports I could growing up but mainly stuck to hockey in the winter and soccer in the summer. I played competitive soccer but as I got older I spent more time focusing on hockey than any other sport. A lot of my hockey years were spent playing in Ingersoll until I moved to an all-girls organization in London for my peewee years. I played on the London Devilettes until my Grade 12 year and then I was off to Clarkson University. As much as I love hockey, I also have a love for outdoor sports and animals. Growing up on a farm, I was always outside playing in the dirt, field, forest, and barns. I love waterskiing and wakeboarding, hiking, ATVing, snowmobiling, etc., and there is no better place than our family farm and cottage to do all of them. I graduated from Clarkson in 2020 with a bachelor of science and a minor in chemistry. I still want to go back to school and possibly work in physical therapy, or as a physician assistant, teacher, or even a coach. As for hockey, I don’t know how I could stop playing, as it has been such a big and important part of my life. I have always dreamed of playing for Canada in the Olympics and representing our country. With this opportunity within reach, it all boils down to how hard and how far I push myself to make it mine. I also was humbled with the chance to play in the PWHPA showcase with Team Sonnet. The team is an amazing group (both players and staff) and the competition was best on best, making every game exciting! I hope that there will one day be a league for women to play in where they also make a livable salary. And when a young girl is asked what she wants to be/do when she grows up, she can say a “professional women's hockey player” and know it can happen.

instagram handle:

@ellaashelton 24

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C: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? E.S: I don’t have set things I always do, I would say it's more habit than superstitions. C: Who is your favourite sports hero? E.S: Manon Rheaume – she was the first female athlete in hockey I got to meet in person.

ELLA SHELTON, PWHPA

Celly: What is the biggest part of your game? Ella Shelton: I think the biggest parts of my game are my shot and my patience. I think my shot is very effective on the ice and I feel I am patient and composed with the puck, allowing me to make the right play rather than forcing something to happen.

C: Who inspires you? E.S: My family has always been the people who inspire me the most. My brothers have always been so supportive of my hockey journey and have always wanted the best for me. My dad was a hockey player and I think he is super excited to see me follow my dreams and play hockey at a very competitive and elite level. His excitement along with my mom's makes me want to do this for them. No matter how far I go and what I achieve, I share it with all my family members. C: How has athletics shaped you as a person? E.S: I think athletics has helped me create friendships that will last a lifetime. It has allowed me to visit so many different places in the world and most of all it has taught me many life skills, including time management (school, hockey, social, etc.), commitment, teamwork, taking constructive criticism, having fun, and being appreciative and grateful. Too often all the sacrifices that are made to make it possible for me to play are forgotten, so showing my appreciation to my coaches after practice, the bus drivers, arena staff, media personnel, etc., is very important to me. C: Do you think attitude is a factor in winning? E.S: Absolutely, I think attitude plays a big role in determining whether you will be successful or not. And not only in sports. C: What is your dream for young girls who are passionate about hockey? E.S: That nothing holds them back, and that they can play hockey for as long as they want and be able to make a career out of it. C: What challenges have you faced in getting to the top of your sport? E.S: I think one of my biggest challenges as a young player was being from a small town. There wasn’t as much exposure and to get anywhere it was a 30 minutes to an hour drive. As I got older, my biggest challenge was the off ice cardio. I have no problem with the weight lifting portion but when I got to college, I understood the value of cardio.

ALL ABOUT ELLA SHELTON #52

Name: Ella Shelton Born: January 19, 1998 Birthplace: London, Ontario Position: Defence Shoots: Left National Team: Hockey Canada PWHPA Team: Toronto Team Sonnet Former Teams: Clarkson Golden Knights, London Devilettes, and Ingersoll Minor Hockey

C: What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given? E.S: Never forget how hard you have worked to get to where you are and be humble. (From my mom) C: Can you offer any advice to a fellow rookie who finds themselves on a new team? E.S: My advice is to put yourself out there because you have nothing to lose! Being the new girl on a new team is exciting and scary all at the same time and if you just put yourself out there you will become more comfortable. When teammates feel comfortable on a team, I find everyone is their genuine self, everyone feels included and your team culture is a safe environment. C: What is your mantra or favourite inspirational quote? E.S: But the most beautiful things in life are not just things. They’re the people, places, memories, and pictures. They’re feelings, moments, smiles, and laughter.

CELLY

Fast Five RECEIVE: AN EMAIL OR A HANDWRITTEN LETTER?

Handwritten letter

ICED COFFEE OR HOT COFFEE?

Hot coffee, but I love tea DURING CARDIO: MUSIC OR PODCAST?

Music

SHOWS OR MOVIES?

Shows

AMUSEMENT PARK OR DAY AT THE BEACH?

Day at the beach

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r e d l a C rophy AFALL W A 2020 RDS

Tr s r e n Win

The Calder Memorial Trophy may be awarded annually to the best player in his first year in the NHL, but the trophy itself is pretty old. Ever since 1933, first-year NHLers (also known as rookies) have worked hard to win this award. The Calder Memorial Trophy is named after Frank Calder, the first president of the league, who was in charge of the NHL from 1917 to 1943. Many of the winners have gone on to become superstar players, win other awards, hoist the Stanley Cup, and 29 Calder Trophy recipients have been named to the Hockey Hall of Fame!

Winning the Calder Trophy doesn’t automatically guarantee a player will have a great career in the National Hockey League, but it sure doesn’t hurt!

Mike Bossy – 1978

Mike Bossy may not have the record for most goals but Bossy just might be the greatest goal scorer. Bossy was only able to play for 10 years before a back injury forced him to retire. In his 752 games, he scored 573 goals and holds the highest goalsper-game percentage in NHL history. He is also the only player to score at least 50 goals in nine straight seasons.

Bobby Orr – 1967

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Considered by many as the greatest hockey player ever, Bobby Orr holds the title as the best defenceman in NHL history. When knee injuries forced him to retire at the young age of 30, Orr had racked up 915 career points in only 657 games, 18 individual awards, and is the only defenceman to ever lead the league in scoring.

Terry Sawchuk – 1951

Only one of two Manitobans to ever win the Calder, Terry Sawchuk is one of the greatest NHL goalies in history. For many years, the four-time Stanley Cup champion held the record for most career wins (445) and most career shutouts (103). Sawchuk is known as one of the toughest tenders, having received more than 400 stitches to his face and head.

Tony Esposito – 1970

Tony Esposito made sure the choice for Calder winner was easy in 1970. In his first season, Esposito recorded 15 shutouts, the most since the 1920s and a total no goalie has matched since. Known as the first goaltender to use the butterflystyle, Esposito was a big reason why Chicago became a such a strong hockey team.

Ray Bourque – 1980

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Following in the footsteps of Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque was another superstar defenceman with Boston. After playing 20 seasons with the Bruins, Bourque was traded to Colorado and won his first and only Stanley Cup in 2001. After that season, Bourque retired as the NHL’s all-time leading defenceman in points with 410 goals, 1,169 assists, and 1,579 points.

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Dale Hawerchuk – 1982

The first superstar with the NHL’s Jets, Dale Hawerchuk continues to be a legend in Winnipeg and Manitoba. Scoring 103 points in his rookie season, Hawerchuk held the record as the youngest player to score 100 points in a season until Sydney Crosby overtook his score. Hawerchuk was a Winnipeg Jets first overall draft pick and signed his first contract at the corner of Winnipeg’s Portage and Main in 1981.

Mario Lemieux – 1985

When your nickname is ‘Magnificent One’ or ‘Le Magnifique,’ it pretty well sums up how good you are. Drafted first overall in 1984, Mario Lemieux scored on his first shot, on his first shift, proving to be one of the most talented players in NHL history. Lemieux finished his career with 1,723 points in only 915 games due to a variety of injuries and health issues.

Teemu Sel anne - 1993

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The ‘Finnish Flash’ smashed rookie records for goals (76) and points (132) in his first year, becoming an instant star. Teemu Selanne began his career with Winnipeg but was best known for his many years with Anaheim where he won a Stanley Cup. Selanne scored 684 career goals and holds the record for most points in Olympic hockey history. Learn more about Teemu Selanne in the comic on page 34. 28

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Evgeni Malkin – 2007

Drafted second overall in the 2004 draft behind his Russian country-mate Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin came to North America for the 2006-2007 season and immediately proved his worth. Malkin scored at least one goal in each of the first six games of his career, setting a modern-day NHL record. He’s led the league in scoring twice and was the league MVP in 2011-2012.

Alexander Ovechkin – 2006 Nathan MacKinnon – 2014

The top draft pick in 2013, Nathan MacKinnon comes from the same hometown as his idol, Sydney Crosby. Although both were drafted first overall, MacKinnon is the only one of the two to capture the Calder Trophy. MacKinnon is credited for helping Colorado go from last place overall in 2016-2017 to winning the President’s Trophy this season.

Auston Mat thews – 2017

Auston Matthews had a record-setting first game in the NHL when he scored four goals versus the Ottawa Senators in 2016. His performance was a sign of things to come for the proficient player who learned the game in his home state of Arizona. Idolizing the Phoenix Coyotes as a youngster, Matthews was a star with the US National Development Program and as a professional hockey player in Switzerland before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The man they call ‘Great 8’ is a goal-scoring machine and has a chance to break the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record. With 730 career goals so far, Alexander Ovechkin needs another 165 to overtake Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals. He scored 52 goals in his rookie season before adding another seven 50-goal seasons. Ovechkin has been awarded the Rocket Richard Trophy a remarkable nine times in his career.

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BFALL I G S2020 HOT

CALLING THE SHOTS GM Tom Fitzgerald on Rebuilding the New Jersey Devils Junior Editor, Nigel Taylor, caught up with Boston native Tom Fitzgerald and learned all about how he grew up dreaming of becoming a hockey player, how the drive required to make it in the NHL was instilled in Tom at a young age, and now, how he spends his days seeking out that same passion in younger players in his role as General Manager of the New Jersey Devils.

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fter playing 18 years (and almost 1100 games) in the NHL, Tom Fitzgerald knew he wasn’t ready to leave the sport he loved, taking on a position as Director of Player Development for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008. In 2009, the team went on to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Detroit Red Wings. Fitzgerald had been living away from his family home at the time, leaving his four young boys in Boston, but ultimately, the separation was worth it, reuniting on centre ice after the final buzzer rang. “I can tell you I blacked out because the clock, it was a last-minute save, and next thing you know you’re just screaming. It’s unbelievable,” shares Fitzgerald. After experiencing the euphoria of clinching the top spot and taking the cup home to celebrate with friends and family for a day (his first stop was the docks where his dad worked as a longshoreman), Fitzgerald spent some time thinking about his next move. “I realized… I really enjoyed the building part of an organization. So, I decided to step away from behind the bench. I realized someday—maybe—I could run my own team.” Fitzgerald’s instincts turned out to be spot on. In 2015, he joined the New Jersey Devils organization as Assistant General Manager, before taking the reins as General Manager in July of 2020. Over the course of the last year, Fitzgerald has been working hard to mold the young team into a group capable of capturing the cup. “Being a player in the league, [I] looked at what New Jersey was doing, how they played, and how good

they were—what Lou [Lamoriello] built. It was a tough team to play against. Now being part of that, [we’re] trying to revive all those characteristics and bring it back to where the fans and alumni want it to be.” For Fitzgerald, that looks like a fast-paced group of players that are as committed as they are talented. “I want our fans to watch our game and say, ‘Do they have six guys on the ice?’ because they are just always on the puck. High compete, dog on the bone… just never quit.” Although Fitzgerald knew that the talent needed to be stripped down and rebuilt (previously, the Devils had the oldest team in the league) to be contenders, the management of younger talent comes with different challenges. “We gave up a lot of odd man rush chances this year because we weren’t committed to having a high forward in the offensive zone so our D can pin it and chip it out. We have to be better, and I believe that comes with maturity in our players. [Now] we’re young, we’re the youngest team in the league. As we grow and mature, the kids will understand that playing without the puck is as important as playing with it.” This year, the New Jersey Devils had the fourth draft pick, putting pressure on Fitzgerald to make some tough decisions about the future of the team. Leading up to the draft his days were filled with listmaking, projections of player performance, and interviews with prospects to ensure his pick is one that proves promising. “The unknown is what’s exciting,” explains Fitzgerald. “There’s options with this pick. You could obviously use it and pick a highquality player. You could use it to trade up, you could trade back, you could trade for a player that can be impactful right now and for years to come. Those types of situations are ongoing with conversations I have with other general managers.” In his search for the next NHL superstar, Fitzgerald knows what he’s looking for, keeping the sage advice his father gave him when he was a young player starting out in the league top of mind. After leading the score boards in the American Hockey League, Fitzgerald was struggling

to find his place on a roster filled with players operating at a higher level than what he was used to. His dad sat him down and said: “Here’s the deal bud. If you can look yourself in the mirror after every game and tell yourself you actually worked your hardest, it doesn’t matter if you score or don’t score. If you give it everything you have, then you should be satisfied. Scoring goals is hard but working hard is not. It’s a mindset. So just go work hard.” Fitzgerald sees hockey as an individual sport as much as a team sport, requiring personal dedication from every player (like tennis or golf). “To get better in areas… you have to have the mindset,” he explains. “We look for the same type of people you look for in the office. Players who are hungry, who want to work, who want to put in the time at practice, on the ice, in the gym.” Of course, talent is crucial, and it’s often what opens doors for players, but a growth mindset is what keeps those doors open. “Having skill and ability is one thing but being able to manage it up here between the ears is another.” Fitzgerald is eager to continue building his team for next season – one with passion, dedication, and a bit more bite!

FAST FIVE CARDIO OR WEIGHTS: CARDIO DOGS OR CATS: DOGS WHO IS THE SHARPEST DRESSER IN THE NHL: GM OF MONTREAL CANADIANS, MARC BERGEVIN HOT DOGS OR HAMBURGERS: HOT DOGS BEST CHIRPER FROM THE BENCH: RAY FERRARO #WeLiveHockey

T RFALL A D I 2020 TIONS

Rookie Hockey Traditions Writen by: Keyahn Sethi NHL Power Player & Celly Jr. Editor

Hockey initiations are deeply ingrained in the sport. Hockey players tend to be very superstitious and as a result, fans will often see players grow a beard during the Stanley Cup playoffs or avoid stepping on the team logo in the dressing room. After players work their way up from the minors, many of them will experience rookie traditions when they join the NHL. These fun traditions help the team bond and are a way of welcoming rookies to the big leagues.

Veteran Mentors:

Apart from embarrassing the rookies, veterans help new players adapt to NHL life. For some rookies, the NHL experience begins with living with veteran players as their billet families. These seasoned players help new players adapt to the NHL. During the long season, with 82 grueling games, veterans guide rookies in game recovery, keeping a good diet, adapting to the busy season, and managing their time off the ice.

Billet Buddies

When Jaromir Jagr was drafted, he came to the US not knowing much English. The Czech player stayed with the Nemec family who were also Czech. “I couldn't speak any English, so they helped me a lot,” Jagr has said. Jagr is thankful for the experience as he was able to adapt to the country and the league. A leader in games played, Jagr competed in 1,733, the fourth highest in NHL history.)

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The following young guns were provided room and board by these veteran players.

Marner/Marleau Crosby/Lemieux Eichel/Moulson Barzel/Seidenberg

Warm-up Lap: One of the most famous traditions is the rookie lap during warm-up. The team will congratulate the player for making it to the NHL by letting them skate the first few laps by themselves.

Cole Caufield (above) earned the nickname "GOAL" CAUFIELD in college.

Max Domi took the first few laps of warm-up solo when his Arizona Coyotes faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in Toronto. He says it felt like an eternity before his teammates joined him on the ice. In an away game against the Calgary Flames this past season, the Montreal Canadiens let Cole Caufield take his solo lap without a bucket (pictured top left), welcoming him to the big leagues. Caufield went on to become a huge part of the Canadiens deep playoff run to the Stanley Cup Finals where they were beaten by back-to-back champions Tampa Bay Lightning.

Taping the Game Puck: The Great 8 (Alexander Ovechkin) kept the game puck when he scored his 700th NHL goal last year against the New Jersey Devils.

Another cool rookie tradition is taping the game puck. Rookies and veterans will save and tape the puck used in a milestone game, writing the date, team played, and achievement (e.g., first goal) on the tape. Players continue this tradition as they break more milestones in the NHL.

Team Dinners:

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One tradition that is a highlight for the team but not so much fun for the rookie is team dinners. The team will go out for dinner and stick the rookie with the bill. It is all in good fun, but the rookie should be wary of future invites and decline the offer to prevent a dent in his wallet.

Rookie hockey traditions add a new thrill for upcoming players who can’t wait to live out their dreams playing in the NHL. These traditions are fun for fans and players alike. #WeLiveHockey

B E T FALL W E E 2020 N THE PIPES

e, s r e v e R l, a c i t r Ve al t n o z i r o H r

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g, ever evolvin is g in d n e lt Goa ally n is continu io it s o p e and th speed and e th to g n adapti rs. Over the e y la p f o strength has oaltending g , e d a c e d t las the rowth with g f o t lo a seen H. VH and RV f o n o ti c u introd

The RVH is a great way to seal net drives and allow the goalie to pivot and swivel on the post and move around more efficiently. When implemented properly, the RVH gives goalies an excellent chance to prevent net drive goals, wrap around goals, and sharp angle shots. As effective as RVH can be, size plays a big role in the success of eliminating a goal on the sharp angle shot. Younger goalies still awaiting their growth spurt may have trouble sealing off the top side of the net. Another major factor when implementing this move is flexibility and strength. This position puts a lot of stress on hips and ankles.

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VIKING PROJECTS, ISTOCKPHOTO

Over the last ten years the VH, or Vertical Horizontal, has made its way into standard everyday play. The development of this move has provided goalies with a new way to play the post and stop net drives and sharp angle shots. The VH position occurs when the leg closest to the post is vertical alongside the post and the inside leg is horizontal and flat along the ice. Over time, the VH has evolved into the RVH, which is simply the opposite of the VH – the post leg is now horizontal along the ice with the foot on the post and the body bent toward the post to seal it while the inside leg is positioned upward for strength to push against the post or maneuverability to adjust to a new position.

BODY TALK Slowly work your way into the RVH position, step by step, until you feel confident

picking up the pace. In slow motion, break down how your whole body needs to move to create the best post seal and repeat the movements over and over. Creating positive muscle memory will help you achieve a smoother, more efficient RVH.

From a comfortable standing position on the post, first shift your weight to the inside leg (the leg away from post). This will allow the post leg to slowly drop down and be flush with the ice. Dropping the weight will enable you to keep your body sealed against the post. As you drop down to the ice keep constant upper body pressure against the post and end with your pad flush with the ice, skate pressed up against the post, and shoulders and hip close to the post creating a full seal for the net drive. While keeping as much of your body on the post as possible, don’t forget about your inside leg! Keeping the edge of your skate blade locked into the ice puts pressure on the post making you both stable and strong along the post. This positioning also helps tendies rotate and create different angles to release off of the post!

HELPING HANDS Another important aspect of creating the best RVH is hand position. By nature, the RVH position creates a hole or a little gap where your hip and pad meet on the post. Use your hand to plug that hole area up and increase the chance of making the save. Good shooters will be on the lookout for that hole in the seal! Utilize the blocker hand by keeping it active and working with your stick to disrupt passes or higher walkouts in the net drive scenario.

Andy Ko llar is the head instructo r at the Ice Lab in Winnipe g our contr and ibuting goalie-c oachextraord inaire.

even if it takes more time. Slow it down and do it properly, long-term muscle memory. Think about the bigger picture for

SLOW + AC CU RATE NO W = VE SE LE CT IO N LATE R FU NC TIO NA L + EF FE CT IVE SA

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TERRY SAWCHUK

TONY ESPOSITO

ALEXANDER OVECHKIN

EVGENI MALKIN

NATHAN MACKINNON

AUSTON MATTHEWS

E I K O O R S E L RU T H EFALL M E2020 NTAL GAME

established Navigating an w kid team as the ne

So, you made the team! Now what? You might be thinking, “Where do I sit in the dressing room? What do I say?” If you are a rookie on a team of veteran players, you might feel like a bit of an outsider. That’s okay though, it’s all part of the process. Here are a few things to remember when you are the new player:

It takes a while to be part of the culture of the team. Listen, observe, and learn. You’ll soon start to notice the way things work on your new team. You deserve to be there. While learning the culture of the team, make it a priority to be yourself. Allow your new teammates to get to know you and what you bring to the team.

Focus on the things you can control. You might be at a new level, playing with older players. While you can’t control being a rookie, you can always control your attitude and effort. Be sure to hustle and skate to the very end of every drill.

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I'm a full member and I understand the culture of the team. I know my role and I'm making the team better. I'm getting the hang of this.

As the new player, I don't quite know all the ins and outs of this team yet.

WHEN YOU ARE PART OF A NEW TEAM, YOU ARE PART OF A NEW COMMUNITY, AND IT TAKES A WHILE TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE LITTLE THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A FULL MEMBER. YOU WILL GET THERE! THINK OF IT LIKE YOU’RE NAVIGATING YOUR WAY THROUGH A MAZE - YOU’RE TRYING TO GET TO THE CENTRE BUT HAVE TO START ON THE OUTSIDE.

Communicate and be positive. Remember, be the teammate you would want to have next to you. If you don’t know what to say, start with hockey talk – call for the puck or talk strategy. It’s the one thing you have in common with your new teammates.

With new coaches, a new level, and new teammates, you will have to learn how to do familiar things in new ways. You know how to shoot, but perhaps you need to work on accuracy. You are a great skater, but at this new level, you might need to improve your agility. While you’ve always been able to keep the puck on your stick, the forecheck could be much stronger. You get the idea. Focus on learning, growing as a player, and stretching your comfort zone! #WeLiveHockey

G A M2020 ES FALL

Rookie

Sensations Can you name the newcomers? Test your recollection skills and see if you can recall these fun facts about Calder Cup contenders from years past. If you need a hint, reread the article beginning on page 26.

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ACROSS 2. I learned to play hockey in Arizona. 4. I was a pioneer of the butterfly-style. 7. I hold the record for the most points in history by a defencemen. 8. I am from the same hometown as my idol, Sydney Crosby. 10. I have a chance to become the all-time highest goal scorer in NHL history.

ISTOCKPHOTO

1. I scored on my first NHL shift. 3. I signed my first contract in downtown Winnipeg at the corner of Portage & Main. 5. I am a Winnipeg-born goalie. 6. I scored 76 goals in my rookie season. 7. I had to retire because of a back injury. 8. I scored a goal in each of my first six NHL games. 9. I am the only defenceman to lead the league in scoring.

T HFALL E S I2020 GNAL

CALLS DECODED

MARIO ZUCCA, ISTOCKPHOTO

TRIPPING A tripping (or obstruction tripping) penalty in ice hockey is called by the referee when a player trips an opposing player with their stick, or uses their skate against the other players skate, causing them to lose balance or fall and obstruct them from making their desired play.

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TEEMU SELANNE

AUSTON MATTHEWS

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L AFALL S T S2020 HIFT

THE NEW KIDS ON THE BENCH Rookie Numbers Talent is a notoriously tough thing to spot from a young age, particularly in a league as tough and competitive as the NHL. A lot can change from draft day to a player’s final buzzer, regardless of how long or short the distance between the two might be. But every once in a while, a newcomer rises above the ranks and takes the league by storm, proving himself as one to watch. We’re breaking down the greatest rookie moments in recent memory. Will you be the next all star to join the list?

Number of players who have led the league in scoring before their 20th birthday. To date, the only players to get this bragging right are Wayne Gretzky (for the 1979-80 season) and Sidney Crosby (2006-07).

The number of goals scored by rookie Auston Matthews during his debut game on October 12th, 2016. This was the first time a player had scored four times during their first game in nearly 99 years! The age of the youngest NHL player in history, Bep Guidolin, who made his debut with the Boston Bruins in 1942 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The number of goals scored by 22-yearold rookie Teemu Selanne in 1992-93, the highest number of goals scored by a rookie in NHL history.

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The number of teens who have achieved the greatest honour in hockey (hoisting the Stanley Cup!) - Robert Thomas with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, Tyler Seguin with the Boston Bruins for their 2001 victory, and Jaromir Jagr in 1991 with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The age of the youngest player to win the Vezina Trophy, Tom Barrasso. Barrasso also happens to be one of four players in history to have snagged this title, awarded annually to the best goaltender in the NHL, as well as the Calder Trophy in the same year. The number of goals scored by Alex Ovechkin in his rookie season with the Washington Capitals. This was the fourth time a rookie scored 50+ goals in their inaugural year.

The Professional Women’s Hockey Player’s Association (PWHPA)— featuring the world’s best hockey players — is working towards a viable professional women’s hockey league, and a future that includes more opportunities for young female athletes. Visit PWHPA.com to learn how you can show your support.

@PWHPA

AIM TRUE.

AVAILABLE 07.15.21 VISIT TRUETEMPERSPORTS.COM/HOCKEY

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