The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter: THIS IS HOCKEY

Hello Hockey Heroes and Hooligans,

This issue, I am stepping away from Juniors to write about the big boys.

As most of you know, my week is spent scrutinizing advanced youth hockey and junior hockey. Working with parents and players to find the right fit is heavy work. However, at the end of the day—like all of you—I’m a fan of the game. I love watching the best players in the world battle night after night, showcasing elite skill, intensity, and everything that makes hockey the greatest sport on Earth.

Then, mid-winter rolls around, and for some reason, we stop all of that. The NHL takes a week-long break to shoehorn in an All-Star Game—an event that has somehow managed to get worse every single year. Nothing kills the spirit of high-level competition like watching a meaningless three-on-three gimmick tournament where no one plays defense, the goalies are left out to dry, and the players themselves look like they’d rather be on a beach somewhere than skating in an exhibition game no one cares about.

But this year, something was different.

Someone, somewhere had the brilliant idea to replace the usual All-Star snoozefest with the Four Nations Face-Off, a true best-on-best international showdown featuring the top NHL players from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Unlike past mid-season international events, this one had real stakes. There was no glorified skills competition—just national pride on the line and elite players competing at full intensity.

 Right from the start, it was clear that Sweden and Finland would put up a fight, but this tournament was always going to come down to the United States and Canada. Their first meeting set the tone, with three fights before the first minute was over. The Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem, tensions were high, and by the time the final horn sounded, it felt like a playoff rivalry had been reignited. A rematch in the final wasn’t just expected—it was inevitable.

And what a final it was. Every shift was electric, every hit had purpose, and both teams left it all on the ice. Then, in overtime, the moment that will haunt U.S. hockey fans forever unfolded. As the play developed, Connor McDavid found himself wide open in front of the net—an unforgivable mistake at such a critical moment. With a lightning-fast release, he buried the game-winning goal past the stunned U.S. goaltender, capitalizing on a defensive lapse that shouldn’t have happened. That lapse? It was Auston Matthews blowing his coverage, leaving McDavid unmarked in the most dangerous area of the ice. In an instant, Canada had won the tournament, and Team USA was left to wonder what could have been.

It was a heartbreaking ending for Team USA, but exactly the kind of finish hockey fans crave. It was fast, physical, intense—everything an All-Star event should be.

Naturally, fans and players wanted more. The tournament drew massive viewership numbers, dominated sports headlines, and delivered the most thrilling showcase of NHL talent in years.

So, of course, Gary Bettman has already announced that they won’t be doing it again.

Instead of building on the momentum of a truly electric international event, Bettman has essentially shut the door on a second Four Nations Face-Off, citing scheduling concerns and “other priorities.” You know, like his sudden obsession with putting a team in New Orleans, or his third attempt at making Atlanta a hockey town, all while continuing to ignore Hamilton and Quebec City, where fans are actually desperate for a team.

The players deserve better. The fans deserve better. Instead of forcing the return of another lifeless All-Star Game on us, the NHL should be figuring out how to make this tournament an annual event—or at the very least, a regular occurrence leading up to the next Olympics.

But for now, it seems Bettman is more concerned with chasing expansion markets than giving hockey fans what they actually want.

They finally got it right. And now, they’re throwing it away. Way to go Gary.

Keep chirping,Mike 

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In November 2024, NCAA Division 1 eligibility rules were amended to allow Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to participate in college hockey. Since then, the Western Hockey League (WHL) has seen 43 players commit to NCAA programs, surpassing commitments from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Players view this development as an opportunity to gain more control over their careers, balancing athletics and academics. Despite concerns about young talents leaving early, many players intend to maximize their WHL experience before transitioning to college hockey. 

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In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off at Boston's TD Garden, Canada edged out the United States 3-2 in overtime. Connor McDavid, an Erie Otters alumnus, clinched the victory with the decisive goal and earned Player of the Game honors. Nathan MacKinnon, formerly of the Halifax Mooseheads, was named tournament MVP after leading with four goals. Notably, 21 CHL alumni represented Canada, underscoring the league's significant contribution to international hockey talent.

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Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, sons of NHL veteran Keith Tkachuk, have become pivotal figures for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Both brothers have showcased exceptional skill and leadership, with Matthew serving as an alternate captain. Their on-ice chemistry and competitive spirit have been instrumental in Team USA's performance, reflecting their deep hockey lineage and commitment to representing their country on the international stage.

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The Notre Dame Hounds, a storied franchise in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), have received conditional approval to relocate to Warman for the 2025–26 season. This move aims to tap into a larger fan base and better facilities, ensuring the team's sustainability and growth. The Hounds, renowned for producing NHL talents like Rod Brind'Amour and Curtis Joseph, anticipate that the relocation will enhance player development and community engagement. The decision reflects strategic planning to preserve the team's legacy while adapting to evolving hockey landscapes.

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The New York Dynamo has announced the acquisition and relocation of the Seacoast Spartans, a junior hockey team formerly based in Exeter, New Hampshire, to Clifton Park, New York. This strategic move aims to enhance the team's presence and accessibility within the New York region, providing local fans with increased opportunities to engage with junior hockey. The relocation is expected to bolster community support and foster the development of young hockey talent in the area.

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Players and families,

We want to hear from you. If there are any questions, concerns, or if you just want to have a conversation, please feel free to contact us directly. We want to hear from you. Good Luck and Great Hockey!

 

Thank you,

Team VHC