The San Jose Barracuda wrapped up its season with a mix of growth and some unfinished business, and the players’ exit interviews gave us a glimpse into where each player and the team are headed. For a group filled with rookies, vets and everything in between, there was a clear thread of hunger that ran […]
The San Jose Barracuda wrapped up its season with a mix of growth and some unfinished business, and the players’ exit interviews gave us a glimpse into where each player and the team are headed. For a group filled with rookies, vets and everything in between, there was a clear thread of hunger that ran through each conversation.
Take Collin Graf, who jumped into the pro grind straight out of college.
“It’s a grind every day. It’s super competitive. It’s not like college, it’s your job to be a hockey player,” he said.
Graf made it clear he’s always pushing to elevate his game.
“I’m never going to be satisfied with how I’m playing, or think that there’s nothing I can’t get better at,” he said.
Luca Cagnoni, just 20, reflected on how fast things had changed from where he was a year ago.
“Being in the AHL at 20 years old is pretty special, especially where I was in my development a year ago,” he said.
And while Cagnoni acknowledged the personal growth, he was quite quick to credit the people around him.
“My family is a big part … the coaches and the teammates here, like, unreal … It’s just so easy to come into the rink with a smile on your face,” said Cagnoni.
He spoke highly of veteran Jimmy Schuldt, calling him a mentor who showed up just as much off the ice as he did on it.
“He’s not the biggest guy, but he still puts his body on the line, sticks up for guys,” said Cagnoni.
Andrew Poturalski, who led the league in points this year, was still obviously hungry for more.
“I’m too competitive to just be content with being an AHL veteran,” he said. “I want more.”
Not getting a full shot with the Sharks this season clearly stung.
“I’m still chasing the NHL … it was a little frustrating on that standpoint.”
But despite the disappointment, his drive hasn’t wavered—he talked about still feeling like the “five-year-old kid in the driveway” dreaming of Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. You can’t fake that kind of passion.
Danil Gushchin’s first season in North America came with ups and downs, but his self-awareness was pretty striking.
“I have some shots on there, but end of the day, I think I need to score more goals to be a better player,” he said.
He was candid about the emotional toll of missing playoff time due to his injury, calling it “sucks … kind of being helpless sitting at home.”
Like many of his teammates, Gushchin made it clear the goal is still the NHL—”My goal is playing NHL, so yeah”—but he’s thoughtful about the journey.
Even in Coach John McCarthy’s words, you could hear the focus on both raising expectations and maintaining a good perspective.
“We should be a team that’s in the conversation every year and pushing to go on deep playoff runs,” he said.
He praised how the team responded late in the year, playing more structured when it mattered. The message from McCarthy was clear: this season set a new standard.
“We’ve kind of raised the bar, and we’re not going to lower it back down at the start of next season,” said McCarthy.
From rookies learning the grind to veterans still chasing the show, the Barracuda locker room was full of voices that all pointed in the same direction. Which is to get better, compete harder, and don’t settle. Whether the players are on the cusp of a call-up or just finding their footing, this group knows there’s more work ahead. No one’s taking days off.
Kirby Smart Ignites College Football Recruiting Amid Player Exodus
Kirby Smart’s Bold Recruiting Strategy In the fiercely competitive landscape of college football, Kirby Smart has emerged as a formidable force on the recruiting trail. The head coach of the University of Georgia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a powerhouse program, particularly evident in June when his team secured commitments from four highly […]
In the fiercely competitive landscape of college football, Kirby Smart has emerged as a formidable force on the recruiting trail. The head coach of the University of Georgia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a powerhouse program, particularly evident in June when his team secured commitments from four highly sought-after recruits within just a week. This surge in talent acquisition appears to be a strategic counterbalance to the recent challenges faced by the program, including the departure of 18 players, a situation that could easily destabilize any team.
Navigating the Aftermath of Player Departures
The mass exodus of players from Georgia has left a significant mark on Smart’s coaching journey. Each departure represents not just a loss of talent but also a challenge in maintaining team cohesion and morale. The impact of these transitions can be profound, as Smart works to foster a culture of resilience and adaptability among the remaining players. The recent recruiting successes signal that Smart is not merely reacting to these losses but is proactively shaping the future of his program.
The NIL Landscape and Its Implications
A pivotal element in this recruiting narrative is the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Smart’s recent stance on NIL compensation, particularly the $220,000 figure, has sparked significant discussions within the college football community. This figure represents not only a monetary value but also a philosophical approach to how athletes are compensated in the collegiate arena. Smart’s clear position on NIL could serve as a double-edged sword—while it may attract recruits who value integrity and a strong program culture, it could also deter others who are swayed by more lucrative offers elsewhere.
The Future of Georgia Football Under Smart’s Leadership
As Kirby Smart navigates these complex dynamics, the future of Georgia football hinges on his ability to blend traditional recruiting strategies with the new realities of NIL. The recent influx of talent suggests that he is adept at adapting to the changing landscape, yet the true test will come as he balances the financial aspects of recruitment with the foundational values of his program.
Conclusion: A New Era of College Football
Smart’s journey illustrates the shifting paradigms within college athletics, where the intersection of talent acquisition, player welfare, and financial considerations is more pronounced than ever. As he continues to build his roster amid the challenges of player retention and NIL negotiations, the implications of his strategies will resonate far beyond the field. Kirby Smart is not only shaping the future of Georgia football but also contributing to the broader conversation about the evolution of college sports in a new era.
Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami over alleged tampering, inducement | News, Sports, Jobs
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season. Allegations of tampering rarely […]
The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida school this upcoming season.
Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.
The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.
Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.
The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.
“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.
Wisconsin said in January that it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.
Wisconsin and VC Connect allege that the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and that they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”
A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said that Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.
Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”
“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.
Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Florida, had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.
Heitner said that Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school.
Heitner also argued that Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.
Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.
In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.
Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4 million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.
Several Potential Suitors Named For Panthers’ Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand is one of the top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can hit the market on July 1. Both the Florida Panthers and Marchand have expressed interest in getting a new contract done. However, with Panthers stars Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad also needing new deals, there is certainly a possibility that No. […]
Brad Marchand is one of the top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can hit the market on July 1. Both the Florida Panthers and Marchand have expressed interest in getting a new contract done. However, with Panthers stars Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad also needing new deals, there is certainly a possibility that No. 63 could end up becoming a UFA at the start of next month.
After the playoff run Marchand just had, he would be a very popular target if he became available on the free-agent market. The 37-year-old winger has proven that he is still a star and that he can still step up big time in games that matter most.
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Due to this, in his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned several potential suitors for Marchand if the Panthers are unable to re-sign him by July 1. These teams include the Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals.
The Mammoth making a push for Marchand would be understandable, as they could use a star winger like him as they look to take that next step and become a playoff team. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, Kings, Devils, and Capitals also make sense as possible suitors, as they each are playoff-caliber teams with high expectations for next year. Thus, bringing in a clutch playoff performer like Marchand would be huge for them.
Nevertheless, it is going to be intriguing to see what happens between Marchand and the Panthers this off-season. If Florida is unable to keep him around, it’s clear that the future Hall of Famer will have plenty of other options to consider.
Brad Marchand Has Big Message For Panthers GM Bill Zito
Brad Marchand Has Big Message For Panthers GM Bill ZitoBrad Marchand is one of the
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Florida Panthers’ top pending unrestricted free agents (UFA) with the summer here. The star winger has undoubtedly increased his value after his marvelous playoff run, as he recorded 10 goals, 20 points, and a plus-17 rating in 23 games. With this, he was one of the major reasons why the Panthers were able to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Rutgers University currently fields 24 teams in the Big Ten Conference, which range from the major revenue sports of football and basketball to swimming, diving, volleyball, and golf. But if Rutgers were to add more athletic programs, which ones would make the most sense? We came up with a short list here, with men’s volleyball, […]
Rutgers University currently fields 24 teams in the Big Ten Conference, which range from the major revenue sports of football and basketball to swimming, diving, volleyball, and golf. But if Rutgers were to add more athletic programs, which ones would make the most sense? We came up with a short list here, with men’s volleyball, crew, swimming & diving, gymnastics, and ice hockey taking the top spots.
Men’s Volleyball
Rutgers has a Division 1 women’s volleyball program, which recently competed in an overseas tour against European pro teams, yet does not have a men’s squad. As well-known as women’s volleyball is in the college landscape, men’s volleyball is just as exciting. Rutgers-Newark has a volleyball team, and Rutgers has a successful men’s club volleyball team that competes against other colleges. Some of the top teams in women’s volleyball are members of the Big Ten conference, including Penn State and Nebraska, and the conference should add men’s volleyball to the mix. Matches can happen at basketball venues throughout the conference, just as women’s volleyball games do.
Men’s Gymnastics
Gymnasts amaze at the Olympics every four years, and the Big Ten has a robust men’s gymnastics competition involving several of the conference’s marquee schools, ending in the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. The Rutgers women’s gymnastics team recently hired a new coach, Anastasia Candia, and the program qualified for the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2014 this past year. Although both men and women compete in vault and floor exercise, men’s gymnastics brings many other competitions to the table, many of which emphasize upper body strength. Pommel horse, still rings, and parallel and horizontal bars are events that men compete on that women do not, making men’s gymnastics an event that fans would enjoy seeing. As does women’s gymnastics, men’s gymnastics can compete at Jersey Mike’s Arena for their home meets.
Men’s Swim and Dive
Swimmers and divers are a main staple of the Olympics, and similar to gymnastics, the Big Ten has a comprehensive men’s swim and dive schedule, including many of its teams hosting invitationals throughout the year before conference and national championships. The Rutgers women’s swim and dive team hosts meets at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center on campus, and even made waves recently, with synchronized divers Bailee Sturgill & Katerina Hoffman claiming the gold medal at the Canada Diving Cup. Similar to men’s gymnastics, Rutgers could produce athletes who go on to compete on the national stage in men’s swimming and diving, making it a top program to invest in.
Ice Hockey
This one is a very tall ask of the university, but it would still be fun to have at Rutgers. Nearby schools, such as Penn State, Boston College, and Boston University, have electric crowds for their Hockey games. New Jersey is a state full of Hockey fans, and since there is no major college hockey power in the state, there is enough of an audience to be sustainable. Rutgers does have an Ice Hockey team loosely linked to the University; however, they play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which is a very small D1 conference. They also play 30 minutes off campus in Monmouth Junction at Proskate Arena. The Big Ten has a hockey conference that Rutgers could move into if it elevated their program.
This one is more far-fetched because Rutgers would have to build the team their own rink. With that being said, a Big Ten level hockey team has serious potential to garner support at Rutgers.
Crew
This one should be less of a sport that Rutgers should add and more like a sport they should bring back. Rutgers has such a rich history with its Crew team, one that should have never been taken away. Several Olympic athletes spent their time on the RU crew team. New Jersey is a hotbed for high school crew teams when compared to other states. Rutgers does have a Crew team that is still well supported by its alumni. In their previous efforts to be restored to varsity status, Crew didn’t even ask the university to fund their scholarships. The money is there, the support is there. There isn’t much of an investment that needs to be made when it comes to equipment and facilities. Why not bring back one of the most storied programs at Rutgers?
Ex-Ohio State Football Player Kirk Barton Charged in Deadly Ohio Car Crash
Former Ohio State offensive lineman Kirk Barton is facing an aggravated vehicular manslaughter charge following a fatal crash early Saturday morning, according to multiple reports. Police in Dublin, Ohio, say Barton is suspected of speeding, although they haven’t said how fast they suspect him of driving, when his truck hit a car at 2:56 a.m. […]
Former Ohio State offensive lineman Kirk Barton is facing an aggravated vehicular manslaughter charge following a fatal crash early Saturday morning, according to multiple reports.
Police in Dublin, Ohio, say Barton is suspected of speeding, although they haven’t said how fast they suspect him of driving, when his truck hit a car at 2:56 a.m. ET. The driver of that car, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, died at the scene, ESPN reported Saturday.
Barton was driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup eastbound on U.S. 33 before he crashed into Perry’s westbound Lexus on West Bridge Street, just west of Franklin Street, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Barton, 40, was hospitalized briefly with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. He was later taken to Franklin County Jail, where he is facing the felony charge. Barton has a court hearing on June 23.
Barton was an offensive lineman for Ohio State from 2003-2007 and started at right tackle for four seasons. In his final season with the Buckeyes in 2007, he was team captain for the 11-2 Big Ten championship-winning OSU team.
Barton went on to play in the NFL, being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
Barton has a history of traffic offenses dating back to his first year in the NFL, per The Columbus Dispatch’s report, including speeding and suspicion of OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired).
In all the speeding cases, Barton paid a fine. One OVI charge from 2010 was dismissed, and another from 2017 was pleaded down to reckless operation and failure to stop. He received another fine and a 180-day license suspension.
This is a developing story.
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Kirby Smart Faces Emotional Challenge After Losing 18 Key Players
Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Resilience In the high-stakes world of college football, the emotional toll of losing key players can weigh heavily on a coach. Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia, has recently navigated the unsettling aftermath of losing 18 pivotal players. This mass exodus has not only reshaped his roster but has […]
In the high-stakes world of college football, the emotional toll of losing key players can weigh heavily on a coach. Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia, has recently navigated the unsettling aftermath of losing 18 pivotal players. This mass exodus has not only reshaped his roster but has also posed significant challenges on the recruiting front. Yet, in the face of adversity, Smart has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a formidable team.
Navigating the Fallout of Player Departures
The departure of such a substantial number of athletes is not merely a logistical headache; it carries with it a profound emotional impact. Each player lost represents not just a statistic but a unique story, a personal connection, and a piece of the team’s identity. Smart, who has built his reputation on cultivating strong relationships with his players, is undoubtedly feeling the weight of these losses. The emotional cost of such a transition can be staggering, often leading to a period of adjustment as the team seeks to redefine its culture and cohesion.
A Surge in Recruiting Success
Despite the challenges, Smart has quickly shifted gears on the recruiting trail, showcasing his ability to adapt and strategize under pressure. In a remarkable display of determination, he secured commitments from four highly sought-after recruits within just a week in June. This impressive feat serves as a testament to his recruiting prowess and the enduring appeal of the Georgia program. Smart’s ability to attract top talent speaks volumes about his vision for the future, even in the wake of significant roster changes.
The NIL Factor in Modern College Football
Central to Smart’s current recruiting strategy is the emerging landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have transformed how college athletes are compensated. The challenge of navigating this new terrain is compounded by financial limitations; a staggering $220,000 NIL hurdle stands in the way of securing a pivotal recruit. This figure underscores the competitive nature of college football today, where financial incentives can heavily influence a player’s decision to join a program.
Smart’s clear stance on NIL reflects a broader philosophy that prioritizes the integrity of the program while still striving to remain competitive. His approach highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between fostering player development and adapting to the evolving dynamics of recruitment.
Looking Ahead: Building a New Legacy
As Kirby Smart continues to chart a path forward for the Georgia Bulldogs, the journey will be marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. While the emotional cost of losing 18 key players cannot be understated, it has also opened the door for new opportunities and fresh talent. The challenge of rebuilding is daunting, yet it is also a chance for Smart to redefine his legacy and solidify his vision for the program.
In the ever-changing landscape of college football, Smart’s ability to navigate these complexities will ultimately determine the future success of his team. As he embraces the challenge ahead, the focus remains on fostering a new generation of athletes who can carry the torch and uphold the proud tradition of Georgia football. The road may be fraught with obstacles, but with each recruiting victory, Smart inches closer to crafting a new chapter in the storied history of the Bulldogs.
