After making the move from the University of Minnesota Duluth to Michigan State in 2023-24, the 21-year-old who wants his first name to be pronounced as ‘Ike’ over ‘Isaac’ put up eight goals and 28 assists in 36 games for the Green & White before exploding offensively the following year, winning the Hobey Baker Award with 26 goals, 26 assists and 52 points in 37 games and an average of 1.41 points per game.

Howard also goes by the nickname ‘Iceman’ from a combination of his name, deadly offensive ability with the puck and cool confidence away from the rink, having worn a white suit and USA belt buckle during the 2022 Draft when the Lightning took him 31st overall, followed by a memorable TV interview with ESPN’S Emily Kaplan where he called himself “the best-looking guy here.”

“I just really tried to buy in,” Howard said. “I thought I had a solid sophomore season. I thought I could’ve done much more in my junior year, and I tried to buy in and listen to the coaches about what I needed to work on. I think improving in areas away from the puck helped me this year to create more offensive chances. I think ultimately, just finding the back of the net, I had more of a scoring mentality this year.”

Howard was the joint top scorer at the 2024 World Juniors, showing his natural goalscoring ability by helping lead the United States to a gold medal with seven goals (nine points) in seven games. He also had the opportunity to embed himself with Team USA for four games at the 2025 World Championships, recording one assist in four contests against heightened competition, with his confidence beaming for an opportunity to break through at the NHL level.

All that experience has Howard feeling confident he can make the jump to the NHL next season and fill a much-needed scoring role in Edmonton’s top six.

“I’ve got a lot of buddies who’ve been in similar spots, and a handful playing in the NHL have made that jump,” he said. “I got a cool opportunity at the World Championships this year to just be engraved in that kind of system of pro hockey, seeing how those guys act and stuff like that. So that was super valuable. It’s obviously a lot to do with your mindset. It’s going to be faster and stronger, and it’s the league that everyone’s goal is to get to and play in.

“A lot of it stems from a mindset and being confident in your abilities and just embracing it.

Along with his potential as a young and impactful scoring winger, Howard says that the energy he brings to the locker room is one of the many intangibles he can bring to the table immediately for an Oilers team that’s made back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final and has high ambitions to win it all next season.

“I’m just going to try and be myself,” he said. I love the game. I have great passion. I think that’s one thing that I do well is bring energy to practice and workouts, and I just love what I do. I believe that can rub off on people in a good way with positive energy around the rink and stuff like that, and obviously on the ice, using my speed, my shot and my IQ to do whatever I can to help the team. Hopefully, we’ll be able to accomplish our collective goal.”

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings and American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign, announced that defenseman Tristan De Jong has re-signed back with the team for the 2025-26 season.

De Jong makes his way back to Greenville after beginning his professional career with the Swamp Rabbits near the end of last season. He made his professional debut on Feb. 23 against Atlanta, posting his first professional assist in the effort. He finished the season with 18 games in a Swamp Rabbits sweater, earning a pair of assists and 22 penalty minutes.

The 25-year-old turned professional following the conclusion of his college hockey career with the University of Guelph. As a senior, he tallied 17 points (3g-14a) in 28 contests, serving as captain for a second campaign. He finished his time as a Gryphon with 37 points (6g-31a) in 92 games over the course of four seasons. Before going to college, De Jong suited up in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League with the Moncton Wildcats, garnering 55 points (13g-42a) in 154 games.
 

The federal judge who presided over the recently approved House v. NCAA settlement awarded legal fees on Friday that will pay out roughly $750 million to the plaintiffs’ lawyers over the 10-year life of the agreement.

The landmark settlement, which resolved a trio of class-action antitrust lawsuits against the NCAA and its power conferences, will result in nearly $2.8 billion in backpay damages to former college athletes and a new financial model that allows schools to begin directly sharing revenue with college athletes over the next decade, capped at $20.5 million per school in 2025-26.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken granted legal fees and costs that will pay the plaintiffs’ lawyers nearly $525 million, and will allow those lawyers to apply annually for additional fees related to the forward-facing revenue sharing model. Those future fee payments, which will be calculated as a percentage of the money schools spend in revenue sharing, are expected to total roughly $250 million over 10 years. Attorneys Steve Berman and Jeffrey Kessler served as co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

“The Court finds that the fees just described are fair and reasonable,” Wilken wrote in a motion.

Wilken also granted service awards to class representatives in the lawsuit, including $125,000 each to former college swimmer Grant House and former college basketball player Sedona Prince, as well as $50,000 to former college running back Chuba Hubbard.

“We are pleased to see this monumental case take another step in its final stages after 20 years of litigation for college athletes,” Berman said in a statement.

The judge noted that the benefits and compensation distributed to Division I college athletes as a result of the settlement are expected to exceed $19 billion in value over the course of the 10-year agreement.

The defendants — the NCAA and power conferences — recently created the College Sports Commission as part of the settlement terms, an organization that will oversee and enforce the revenue sharing model, as well as a clearinghouse for additional third-party name, image and likeness (NIL) deals. Schools were allowed to begin direct revenue sharing with athletes on July 1. On Thursday, the CSC released new guidance on the “valid business purpose” and “range of compensation” requirements for any third-party NIL deals that should further restrict payments from booster-led collectives to college athletes.

These restrictions have led some in the industry to argue that individual athletes could ultimately earn less in NIL compensation as a result of the settlement, which could result in additional antitrust complaints against the defendants and CSC. The settlement is currently facing multiple appeals that will not impact the forward-facing revenue sharing but could pause the distribution of backpay damages.

(Photo: David Buono / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s a great time of year for hockey fans to look ahead. The recently completed NHL draft, in which the Minnesota Wild selected five players, provides an opportunity to learn more about the newest additions to the organization. 

The team selected two defensemen and three forwards, and I’ll spend some time examining each one in detail in the coming weeks. Yesterday, I shared what I learned about 2nd-round pick, defenseman Theodor Hallquisth. 

Today, I’m going to do a deep dive into the other defenseman the Wild selected, 5th-round pick Justin Kipkie. I spent some time watching film on Kipkie to see what I could learn. Here’s what I discovered:

Justin Kipkie 

5th round, pick No. 141 (D) 

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta 

6-foot-4, 193 pounds 

Shoots: Left

This was Kipkie’s second time getting drafted. The Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth) took him in the 5th round of the 2023 draft, but Utah didn’t sign him before June of this year and therefore lost his rights, making him draft-eligible once again. 

After watching some of Kipkie’s games from this past season, I’m genuinely shocked that Utah didn’t try to sign him to an entry-level deal. They could have allowed him to continue playing for the Victoria Royals in the WHL, where he has been for the past three seasons, including two as team captain. However, given Kipkie’s recent decision to play college hockey at Arizona State next season, it’s possible that the player chose not to sign.

Regardless, Kipkie has a lot of tools that will translate well to professional hockey, and I think the Wild were wise to take a flyer on him.

I’ll get to some of those tools in a second, but I must immediately note that Kipkie is a slow skater. He has decent top speed, but it takes him a long time to get there, and he loses a lot of footraces as a result. Unlike David Jiricek, who is still working on quick footwork and balance in small spaces and when changing direction, but has a powerful stride and good speed for a guy his size, Kipkie is flat-out slow in most situations.  

Kipkie doesn’t have quick feet and can’t rapidly accelerate in any situation. He doesn’t crossover as quickly as you’d like when trying to pick up speed going backwards. Kipkie compensates by shifting his weight to get additional leverage off his foot when gliding between pushes, which, combined with his size and reach, is adequate for staying with most skaters at the junior level. 

However, it’s something players will exploit at higher levels. If he gets caught out of position or puck watching, he has difficulty recovering. It’s fair to wonder whether he can improve his skating to a level that makes him capable of defending in professional hockey. He will need to develop exceptional discipline in terms of positioning and taking risks when defending if he wants to advance in the AHL and NHL.

That said, Kipkie has access to a range of professional-level tools that allow him to become a quality pro if he can develop his skating skills. He reads the game well and uses his size and reach to disrupt plays. He’s not overly physical, but is effective at clearing traffic in front of the net and at gaining body position. 

He has excellent balance on his edges and a decent turn radius. These tools allow him to keep a good stance in all situations, which is especially beneficial when he has the puck. He has soft hands and pretty good skill for a big defenseman.

Kipkie’s hands and stickhandling, combined with his balance, allow him to release quick, accurate passes from a lot of different stick positions; in his feet, out front, or behind his body, and also when reaching out. These attributes enable him to find passing lanes that aren’t always readily apparent, resulting in him delivering pucks to places where his teammates can make something happen.

Kipkie has above-average offensive instincts and makes good puck moves to try to shake defenders. If they close on him, though, Kipkie has little escapability due to his slow feet. In pro hockey, he’ll need to make quicker puck decisions at the offensive blue line when opponents pressure him, or he’ll turn it over. However, when Kipkie gets into space, he becomes a threat and can dissect defenses with good vision and deception, complemented by a shot that has to be respected.

He has a good release on hard snap shots and wristers. When Kipkie can put his full frame into a slap shot, he can unleash it with great effect. As an all-situations player for Victoria, he produced offense at even strength and on the power play. While he’ll likely never rise to a level where he gets much power play time in the NHL (if he gets there), he can be an effective power play quarterback in the AHL.  

Outlook

There’s a scenario where Kipkie never develops as a skater and tops out as an ECHL or bottom-of-the-lineup AHL player. I’m not sure a coach can fully correct his skating deficiencies. Still, suppose they can, and his skating becomes adequate enough not to be a serious liability. We might see a scenario where Kipkie’s very real pro-level tools and large frame enable him to become an NHL defenseman. 

I love this pick for Minnesota and am looking forward to watching how the next few years unfold. The Wild have two full seasons to see how he develops before deciding to sign him, and playing college hockey will be a great next step in evaluating how Kipkie grows his game against tougher competition. There’s also a chance that the Wild signs him before that and views the ECHL as a next step. 

Either way, expect them to take it very slow with him. Jake Middleton didn’t become a full-time NHL player until he was 25 years old. While they’re different players, I’d view that as a best-case scenario for Kipkie and the Wild.

A viewing and celebration of life for longtime Dauphin County Magisterial District Judge Michael J. Smith will take place this week.

Smith, 72, died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on July 4 while riding his bike in Lebanon County, the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office said.

A viewing is scheduled at the Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. in Middletown from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 11.

A tribute to Smith’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at The Forum Auditorium, located at 5000 Walnut St. in Harrisburg. Visitation will start at 10 a.m.

Smith, born in Harrisburg on April 18, 1953, served nearly 50 years in public service roles. He worked with Swatara Township police from 1977 to 2005, when he was appointed to Magisterial District Court 12-2-01 on July 29, 2005.

He was serving his third term at MDJ 12-2-01, which covers Lower Swatara Township, Paxtang and the bulk of Swatara Township.

Before his time as a judge, Smith earned degrees from Middletown Area High School, Harrisburg Area Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University.

During his time as an officer, Smith spent 11 years on the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team (SWAT) and primarily worked as a detective focused on sexual assault and child abuse cases.

He also worked as a physical fitness instructor at the Municipal Police Academy at HACC and previously served as a sniper, his obituary said.

According to his obituary, Smith was an avid cyclist who biked his age in miles on his birthday every year.

In 1988, he won a gold medal in cycling at the International police Olympics in Sydney. At the time of his death, he was a member of the South Mountain Velo Club and frequently competed in cycling events across the East Coast.

Smith was also an ice hockey enthusiast, holding season tickets for the Hershey Bears for many years and playing on the Swatara Eels hockey team, which primarily consists of police officers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made in Smith’s name to PA Wounded Warriors or the Middletown Alumni Association. Condolences can be sent online at www.matinchekfuneralhome.com.

From live performances to a craft beverage expo, the 58th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts has a variety of entertainment and activities slated for day two.

Here’s what you can expect Friday.

Art, of course

The annual Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and includes a range of original works. Shoppers can browse paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more.

Additionally, the festival’s street painting component will take place along Foster Avenue at South Allen Street. Artists are creating 6-foot by 4-foot chalk murals throughout the day.

Children can participate by creating their own 14-inch by 14-inch square painting in the Young Artists Alley for a $5 fee. Painting concludes at 8 p.m.

Silent auction

More than 160 items are available in this year’s Silent Auction, located on South Allen Street. The auction includes donations from participating festival artists, and raises money to support programs included in the festival.

Craft beverage expo

The Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail is hosting a craft beverage expo from noon to 8 p.m. at Sidney Friedman Park. Attendees can sample regional craft beverages while listening to live performances in the park. Entry requires a $5 cover and valid photo ID.

For the kids

The Kids Zone in MLK Plaza offers a break area from the festival. Children can enjoy crafting, yard games and mural painting.

Live performances

• 10 a.m. at Old Main Lawn- Yoga Lab
• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Allen Street- Chip Mock (additional cost involved)
• 11 a.m. at Schlow Library- The Music Academy
• Noon at Sidney Friedman Park- Adam Hallacher Septet
• Noon at Pollock- Biscuit Jam
• 1 p.m. at Schlow Library- The Music Academy
• 1 p.m. at Willard- Jeff Mamett
• 1:30 p.m. on Allen Street- Wanderlost
• 2 p.m. at Pollock- Below Centre
• 2 p.m. at Sidney Friedman Park- PennSoulvanians
• 3 p.m. at Schlow Library- The Music Academy
• 3 p.m. at Willard- Conner Gilbert
• 3:30 p.m. on Allen Street- Making State
• 4 p.m. at Pollock- Black Cat Belly Dance
• 4 p.m. at Shell- Astral Shakedown
• 4:30 p.m. at Sidney Friedman Park- The Triple A Blues Band
• 5 p.m. at Willard- Big Red & Zoe Makenna
• 5:30 p.m. on Allen Street- Urban Fusion
• 6 p.m. at Pollock- Hops & Vines
• 6:30 p.m. at Shell- Os Mutantes
• 6:30 p.m. at Sidney Friedman Park- Chivalrous Crickets
• 7 p.m. at Blue Brick Theatre- Happy Valley Improv (additional cost involved)
• 7:30 p.m. on Allen Street- Ted McCloskey & the Hi Fi’s
• 8 p.m. at State Theatre- Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal (additional cost involved)
• 9 p.m. at Shell- Velveeta
• 9 p.m. at Sidney Friedman Park- The Plate Scrapers
• 9 p.m. at Blue Brick Theatre- Happy Valley Improv (additional cost involved)
• 9:30 p.m. on Allen Street- Habbina Habbina

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