BEHIND THE BENCH: GO TIME! The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter

Hello Hockey Fans, Young and Old,

The 2024-25 NHL season is officially underway, and it's an exciting time for hockey fans everywhere! This issue, we're touching on some of the season’s biggest storylines and the thrilling changes shaping the game.

Leading the headlines is the debut of the NHL's newest team, the Utah Hockey Club. Formerly the Arizona Coyotes, this team has relocated to Salt Lake City, marking a fresh start in the mountains after years in the desert. The Utah Club kicked off with a bang, securing their first win against the Chicago Blackhawks (5-2) and setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. It was Utah winger Dylan Guenther who scored the team’s first goal besting ‘Hawks goalie Petr Mrázek.

As for Stanley Cup favorites, this season promises fierce competition. The Oilers, Rangers, and defending champions Panthers are among those vying for the Cup, each team powered by star talent and aiming to rise above an increasingly competitive field. With playoff spots more open than ever, expect surprises and showdowns as these contenders battle for the top.

Keep an eye on the future stars poised for breakout seasons, too. From Quinton Byfield’s power on the Kings' top line to Logan Cooley’s creativity for the Utah Hockey Club, these young players are set to become household names. Leo Carlsson is expected to make a big impact for the Anaheim Ducks, adding his playmaking prowess to their offense. Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets is ready to shine in a top-six role, bringing speed and finesse to their forward lines. And for the Nashville Predators, Luke Evangelista showed flashes of his scoring ability last season and is expected to be a strong offensive presence again this year. Watching these players develop and elevate their game promises excitement for fans and offers a glimpse into the next generation of hockey greats.

And in February, the international stage heats up with the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston, featuring players from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden. This tournament brings together top NHL players in a round-robin showdown, leading to a thrilling one-game final between the two best teams.

Lastly, some rule changes will add new layers to this season’s strategy and gameplay. Coaches can now challenge delay-of-game calls for pucks over the glass, though a failed challenge will result in a two-man disadvantage. Plus, teams face new restrictions on line changes after net dislodgments, and offensive centers taking faceoffs after icing calls will now receive warnings, not automatic dismissals. These tweaks are aimed at improving the flow and fairness of the game.

Here’s to an unforgettable season—one filled with fierce competition, rising stars, and fresh beginnings.

Enjoy the games!

Mike 

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Growing pressures in youth sports are leading to increased mental health challenges for young athletes. The demands of intense competition, high expectations from coaches and parents, and balancing academics contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Experts are advocating for more awareness and support within youth sports to prioritize mental well-being. Solutions include training coaches to recognize mental health issues, encouraging open communication, and reducing the emphasis on winning at all costs. By fostering a healthier environment, youth sports can better support the mental and emotional development of young athletes.

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If CHL players were permitted to join NCAA teams, it would significantly impact the hockey development landscape. Currently, players in the CHL forfeit NCAA eligibility, but changing this rule could create more flexibility and opportunities for young athletes. Allowing CHL players into the NCAA could enhance college hockey's competitive level and offer an alternate path to professional leagues. However, it also raises questions about balancing amateur and professional development systems, as well as how scholarships and recruiting strategies might shift. This change could foster a more integrated development pipeline but would require careful consideration of regulations and eligibility standards.

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Steve Jobs believed that persistence is the key trait distinguishing successful people from everyone else. According to Jobs, while talent and intelligence matter, the willingness to persevere through setbacks and challenges makes the real difference. Successful individuals keep pushing forward, even when facing adversity or failure. Jobs emphasized that true commitment and resilience drive success, as those who persist ultimately find solutions and achieve their goals. This perspective highlights the importance of staying focused and dedicated, no matter the obstacles, as a fundamental aspect of long-term success.

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Michigan State University’s hockey team will need to adapt to recent NCAA rule changes impacting gameplay and strategy. These changes include updates to overtime procedures, player conduct standards, and potentially expanded video review, all designed to improve game flow and safety. MSU’s coaching staff and players are working to adjust their strategies accordingly, as these rules may influence both in-game tactics and season outcomes. The team’s adaptability and understanding of these modifications will be crucial as they navigate the season under the updated regulations.

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A group of former CHL players is requesting a judge to halt the drafts held by major junior leagues, arguing that the draft system restricts players’ freedom to choose where they play. The plaintiffs claim that these drafts limit young players' opportunities and autonomy, with potential implications for their development and careers. They are advocating for a more open system, which they believe would provide fairer options for players entering junior hockey. This legal challenge, if successful, could lead to significant changes in the CHL structure and the way junior hockey talent is recruited and distributed across teams.

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A new format of hockey, 3x3, is being considered for inclusion in the 2030 Winter Olympics. This fast-paced, smaller-scale version of traditional ice hockey would feature three players per team, offering a dynamic and accessible approach to the sport. The proposal aims to attract a broader audience and provide countries with smaller hockey programs a chance to compete on the Olympic stage. If adopted, 3x3 hockey could add fresh excitement to the Games, showcasing speed and skill in a condensed format that appeals to both new and seasoned hockey fans.

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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