Released on May 23 via Pelagic Records, Les Maîtres Fous is not just a live album from French post-metal collective Year of No Light—it’s a decade-old document of intensity, confrontation, and artistic risk. We spoke with the band about the history, weight, and context of the piece—our full interview is available below. The recording, captured […]
Released on May 23 via PelagicRecords, Les Maîtres Fous is not just a live album from French post-metal collective Year of No Light—it’s a decade-old document of intensity, confrontation, and artistic risk. We spoke with the band about the history, weight, and context of the piece—our full interview is available below.
The recording, captured during their 2015 performance in Bordeaux, marks the final outing of a work that had only been played once before: a commissioned piece for Paris’s Musée du Quai Branly in 2012, responding to Jean Rouch’s controversial 1950s ethnographic film of the same name.
Written as a reaction, not a representation, the band’s take on Les Maîtres Fous isn’t an attempt to score the film or explain the Hauka movement’s rituals—it’s a process of grappling with what it means to witness them. Pierre, guitarist and founding member, recalls how the experience induced a kind of “trance,” as if the band were being pulled into the visual language of Rouch’s camera. “It was as if I was lost in the film, as if I were gripped by a kind of vertigo,” he says. Even in the second performance years later, that same “physically and emotionally demanding” sensation returned.
The band describes the creative approach as instinctive. Rather than hold back due to the rawness of the material, they found a natural point of entry by focusing on the aesthetic and psychic violence of the original footage. “The documentary is incredibly powerful and its aesthetic flirts with a psychedelic experience with striking bursts of violence and hallucinations,” Pierre explains. Their goal was to create a “trance-inducing sonic movement,” evoking tension and atonement without reducing the subject matter to background noise. “It was never too much.”
Les Maîtres Fous is part of a long lineage of Year of No Light projects that intersect with visual arts. But even by their standards, this piece asked for more. “Perhaps more confrontation,” Pierre admits. “It was a physically demanding experience.” Still, the band sees each collaboration as its own world, never a fixed formula between image and sound.
Formed in Bordeaux in 2001, Year of No Light emerged from a scene that bassist Johan describes as “overactive”—dozens of DIY collectives setting up shows, squats and clubs like Zoobizarre opening their doors to all genres. Johan himself booked more than 200 bands over 13 years. “We never had to struggle,” he says. “You wanted to see a particular band? Then you just had to book it.” That sense of spontaneous community, however, has shifted. Both Johan and Pierre reflect on how gentrification and the loss of small venues have hollowed out that ecosystem. “It sometimes doesn’t even feel like the same city,” Pierre adds.
Despite being labeled post-metal today, the band maintains distance from any rigid scene. “We’re just playing heavy, progressive instrumental music,” Pierre says. Their sonic identity blends sludge, drone, ambient, and black metal—resisting trends while acknowledging that uniformity is creeping in. “We pay very little attention to trends and fashions. We go our own way.”
Asked whether Year of No Light would get the same recognition today if starting from scratch, both members are skeptical. “Today, the musical landscape is over-saturated,” Pierre notes. Johan points out that while production has increased, the support infrastructure has not. “Small venues tend to disappear… zines are gone… it may be harder now for a young band to emerge.”
Still, they keep listening. Johan highlights death metal bands like Mandibula and Sepulcre, while noting that France’s most interesting current projects tend to lean experimental: Carte Noire, Clément Vercelletto, Héron Cendré, Bégayer, and others operating far from the mainstream. Pierre’s standout recent live experience was occult rock band AlukTodolo. Johan mentions Blood Incantation, Black Curse, and the ever-shifting Wolf Eyes.
The two also remain open to surprise. Feedback often arrives in odd forms—one fan once told them their music inspired a drugged-out nighttime car ride through the woods. But what stays with them are moments when listeners say the band helped them through difficult periods. When asked what they want people to feel when hearing Les Maîtres Fous with no context, Pierre offers three words: “Tension. Malaise. Hypnotisé.”
After nearly 25 years together, what keeps Year of No Light moving isn’t nostalgia or expectation—it’s the desire to explore. “Continue the exploration of new sonic territories,” Johan says simply. It’s that instinct—deliberate, unflinching, curious—that defines Les Maîtres Fous, and the band’s broader legacy.
Scroll down for our full conversation with Year of No Light, where we talk about gentrification in Bordeaux, the dangers of uniformity in heavy music, experimental scenes in France, and their dream setting for performing Les Maîtres Fous again.
Answered by Pierre and Johan
That live performance you did for Les Maîtres Fous… I mean, just imagining the weight of that setting—the film, the space, the subject matter—makes my spine stiffen. When you look back at that night in Bordeaux, what do you remember most vividly about the atmosphere onstage? Not just musically, but emotionally, physically—what was in the air?
P: Performing “Les Maîtres Fous” was always a physically and emotionally demanding experience. Performing it live was always a challenge. I remember that the first time we played it in Paris, at Musée du Quai Branly, the film was projected onto a gigantic screen. It was as if I was lost in the film, as if I were gripped by a kind of vertigo. It was really intense. The same thing happened in Bordeaux. A kind of trance indeed.
It’s rare to hear a band write in response to a visual piece rather than merely scoring it. Did the intensity of Jean Rouch’s original film change your creative dynamic? Were there moments when you had to pull back or rethink because the imagery felt too raw?
P: I’d say no. The first challenge was to find the right angle of attack and it came kind of naturally when we got together in our rehearsal space. The documentary is incredibly powerful and its aesthetic flirts with a psychedelic experience with striking bursts of violence and hallucinations. It’s something we’ve tried to piece together. The idea was to put our finger on this transformative and liberating trance experience.
Some of the tension in Les Maîtres Fous feels like it comes from not trying to “represent” the Hauka rituals, but instead trying to wrestle with your own reaction to them. Was there ever a moment during the composition where you thought, “This might be too much”?
P : Diving into the ritual practices of the Hauka movement gave us the substance to develop a reverberation and a sonic hermeneutic of this tension and the almost ontological need for trance, atonement and “madness” through the exploration of the sensitive world. The idea was to build a trance-inducing sonic movement, full of tension and intensity. It was never too much.
You’ve worked with a lot of visual artists before, but this project feels like it demanded more than usual—more empathy, more confrontation. Did it shift how you see the relationship between sound and image?
P: Visual arts in general are very important for us. Each time, it all started with a proposal that was unanimously and enthusiastically accepted. And each time, it’s a new exercise. I don’t think it shifted how we see the relationship between sound and image. As I said, each project was different, unique. But it’s true that this performance demanded perhaps more confrontation, it was a physically demanding experience.
When you first started in Bordeaux back in ‘01, the scene must’ve felt very different. What do you remember about the early days of experimental heavy music in your town? Were there places that welcomed it—or was it always a struggle to carve out space?
P: It was a really vibrant time. The scene in Bordeaux back then was incredibly active. There was something going on every night—metal, punk, all kinds of shows. The whole city was boiling with energy. It really felt alive. It felt like a true community—everyone went to each other’s shows. It was always the same faces, and that was part of the charm. Johan, our bass player, used to organize a lot of shows himself—over 13 years, he brought in more than 200 bands. Bordeaux used to be one of the biggest rock scenes in France. That’s changed a lot in recent years. Gentrification and other factors have really shifted things. These days, it sometimes doesn’t even feel like the same city.
Johan : As Pierre said the city of Bordeaux in the 90s / early 00s was overactive. Every band on tour played there. That’s what made me move to Bordeaux. There were at least 40 different DIY teams setting up shows in different kinds of musical aesthetics, every scene melting, a lot of small bars, squats and clubs like the Zoobizarre that welcomed us to set up shows. We never had to struggle & with this kind of venue it became natural to start organizing shows. You wanted to see a particular band ? Then you just had to book it in one of those venues! It’s really not the case anymore 🙂
Over the years, the post-metal and experimental scenes have gone through waves of hype and disinterest. How have you seen the underground shift—especially in France? Do you feel like there’s more room now for nuance and risk, or is it more uniform and trend-driven?
P: It’s difficult to answer this question. It’s true that nowadays we’re labeled as a “post metal” band, but we’re just playing heavy, progressive instrumental music. We’re not related to any particular scene but we have numerous connections with different scenes, be it experimental scene, metal scene or post rock/post metal scene. To tell the truth, we haven’t paid much attention to the evolution you mentioned Getting back to France, I don’t know if we can say that a post metal scene exists. Honestly, we pay very little attention to trends and fashions. We go our own way. But seen from afar, there seems to be a certain uniformity these days.
If you compare the early 2000s to now—especially through the lens of your evolution—do you think your kind of sonic language would even get noticed today if it were just emerging?
P: The early 2000s were a different world. Streaming wasn’t ruling the whole industry. Today, the musical landscape is over-saturated. In these conditions, it’s harder to get noticed.
J: As Pierre said, things are totally different from the early 2000s. It’s hard to say. I think it may be harder now for a young band to emerge with the musical overproduction happening and the lack of structured scene we had with zines and co. At the same time small spaces/venues (where most of the bands start) tend to disappear in cities due to gentrification.
Are there any younger or totally off-the-radar bands from France right now that you feel deserve a closer look? Something you stumbled on in 2025 that made you feel that same raw, early excitement?
J: Not a lot in heavy music apart from death metal with bands like Mandibula or Sepulcre. There’s a huge new metal scene (also in hardcore music) but most of the projects sound generic. If you are more into indie music the last album from Bryan magic tears is great as their madchester vibe during their live sets. But right now in France I feel the most interesting projects are coming from the experimental music scene. Just to name a few : Carte Noire (solo project of Romain who was the drummer of Headwar and current drummer of one of the best french band : France), Clément vercelletto (his setup reproducing an organ is crazy), Héron cendré (once again totally crazy modular setup), Bégayer (their live sets are always a real experience), 300mA, Undae tropic, Rg rough, Jihem rita, Ravi sharda…
Let’s flip it—what was the last live set you saw that really stayed with you? Something you couldn’t shake off, whether it was brutal, transcendent, or just plain weird?
P : It was the masters of occult rock Aluk Todolo. Their show was mind blowing. A real transcendental experience.
J: In music using guitars, I recently really enjoyed Blood Incantation, their current live set is really hypnotic. Also really enjoyed the sound of Black Curse live, which is massive.In experimental music, the current incarnation of Wolf Eyes is crazy, always re-inventing themselves. And also the comeback of Monopoly Star Chil Searcher was unexpected but still sounding amazing.
It’s your night off, no pressure, just a cold drink and loud amps—what’s the one band you’d most like to share a stage with in 2025?
J: Right now, I would say Blood Incantation P: Oranssi Pazuzu
You’ve done Hellfest, Roadburn, Psycho Vegas… but if you could design your own dream setting to play Les Maîtres Fous* live again—location, visual concept, even audience vibe—what would that look like?
J: It already happened when we played it for the first time at the Quai Branly museum in Paris.It was the best place we could have to play it.
P: We played there in a magnificent amphitheatre, in a magnificent museum. I like the idea of an amphitheatre. It could be cool to perform “Les Maîtres Fous” in an antic amphitheater, like Pink Floyd in Pompei ^^
I’m always curious how instrumental bands experience feedback. With no lyrics to dissect, people often project their own feelings onto the sound. Have you heard any surprising interpretations of your music that stuck with you?
P: We really like the idea that people project their own feelings onto our music. I remember one crazy comment where people said that listening to our music made them want to drive through the forest at night in a car full of drugs. But what touches me the most are the testimonials from people who say that our music has helped and inspired them during difficult periods in their lives.
Let’s say someone listens to Les Maîtres Fous without knowing the backstory. What would you hope they feel—or maybe even fear?
Tension malaise hypnotisé
You’ve been at this for nearly 25 years. What still surprises you about being in a band like YEAR OF NO LIGHT? What keeps the fire going when you’ve already explored so many sonic dimensions?
J: Continue the exploration of new sonic territories.
Back Mountain Triathlon: A love of travel, a love of challenge for Trumm
One of the most incredible qualities of the sport of triathlon is that the athletes who compete in multi-sport races are often unassuming. It may not be immediately apparent that our co-worker, family friend or neighbor is training for these races — unless your neighbor hasn’t cut their grass in two weeks due to […]
One of the most incredible qualities of the sport of triathlon is that the athletes who compete in multi-sport races are often unassuming. It may not be immediately apparent that our co-worker, family friend or neighbor is training for these races — unless your neighbor hasn’t cut their grass in two weeks due to final preparation for Ironman Ohio.
Such is the case for the neighbors of Jeffery Trumm.
Trumm began to exchange his lawn care time for training time at the age of 40. He began with half marathon and later Spartan races with his wife, Louise Alabre Trumm.
Trumm’s passion for pushing his limits led him to complete his first triathlon at the age of 59. His journey into the world of endurance sports is a testament to his determination and love for challenging himself.
Jeff loves to travel for races, often accompanied by his supportive wife. Together, they explore new destinations and create lasting memories while participating in various events. The ability to plan races around visiting friends and family give the trips an additional purpose, and the new sights are easy on the eyes when the body is fighting for the finish.
Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health and adventure, Trumm finds joy in the rigorous training sessions that prepare him for races. Trumm’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something new and that with dedication and support, extraordinary achievements are within reach.
He tells us more about his journey to multi-sport — and away from lawn care — in the questions below.
BACKGROUND QUESTIONS
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Erie, then moved to Aberdeen, Washington, before age 1. I lived here most of my childhood but finished my last three years of high school in Erie.
Q: What was your high school/college athletic experience?
A: In high school I wrestled but changed in 11th grade to track, where I ran the 100m, 400m, relays and also did the long jump. The last event was mainly because the team needed a filler. I also played football, but only until 10th grade.
Q: Did your athletic background help you in triathlon?
A: Not really. I just think there was too long of a gap between my high school career and starting triathlons recently. I started running again when I was 40 with some half marathons. My first was the Philadelphia half marathon, followed shortly by the Hershey half marathon. My wife and I started doing Spartan races after that, and then we started getting into triathlons.
Q: Do you have an inspiration or someone who motivated you to begin triathlons?
A: My wife initiated the beginning. We got connected with David Bass, who provided us with great group workouts and the motivation to continue training. When my wife signed up for the Back Mountain Triathlon, that was my final motivator to also sign up.
Q: How many triathlons have you done?
A: Two sprint distance triathlons (0.5-mile swim/12.4-mile bike/3.1-mile run) and one Ironman 70.3 (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run). I guess I skipped right over an Olympic distance.
Q: What/where/how long was your first triathlon?
My first triathlon was the Back Mountain Triathlon in 2024, sprint distance. I really loved being back into competition, against others but more importantly myself. I’m looking forward to the Olympic distance of this race this year.
Q: What is your proudest moment in triathlon/endurance racing?
A: Qualifying for 70.3 World Championship for 2026. The race will be in Nice, France, next year. I’ll have a full year of training to prepare for this incredible experience.
Q: Married?
A: Yes. My wife also runs and races triathlon. Even if she’s not racing, I try to pick locations that would make a good trip for her. My 70.3 was in Sandusky, Ohio, where she met up with some of her friends. Triathlon gives us a lot of places to visit and explore. Races with my wife are some of my favorite memories.
Q: Kids?
Yes, two boys (26, 24). One is in Nebraska and one is in Colorado. I was not competing when they were young, but I do hope do get them involved and race all together one day.
FAVORITES
Q: Swim, bike or run?
A: Run. That’s how I started age 40 and up.
Q: Has your favorite changed?
A: No, I’ve just always been a runner.
Q: Favorite triathlon/endurance race or dream race location?
A: I don’t have a dream location at this time. Nice, France, definitely looking forward to. The race will be unknown, especially the feeling of the course. But visually there will be a lot to look at keep me distracted.
Q: Ideal pre-race and post-race meal?
A: Pre-race I’ll eat yams. Post-race, ice cream is always my go-to.
Q: What is your favorite type of workout when training for a race?
A: No favorites, just prefer the early morning workouts.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of triathlon or endurance racing?
A: It used to enjoy working in the yard but that changed since training. I gave up yard work for training. I would say traveling with my wife. We just got back from Croatia and Slovenia biking. Both of those countries were so beautiful.
Q: Do you have a mantra or a phrase that gets you through the tough parts of training/racing?
A: I think Sara Leskosky said this to me: “Believe in your training.” I focused on that phrase nervously standing in line waiting for the start of the swim last weekend. Water temperature was 76.8, no wet suit and first time swimming this length in open water without.
Q: Favorite race weather conditions?
A: Cool, no rain and overcast.
THIS OR THAT
Q: Garmin, Apple or no watch?
A: Garmin.
Q: Indoor or outdoor training?
A: Outdoor for everything.
Q: Flip turns or wall touch?
A: Wall touch.
Q: Coach, training plan or self-led workouts?
A: Training plan.
Q: Full kit or mixed-up pieces for race day?
A: Mix.
LOOKING AHEAD
Q: Do you have any goals for your triathlon career?
A: I’d like to do one 70.3 Ironman race every year for the next 10 years, as I approach 70 years old.
Q: How do you stay motivated through the offseason?
A: Working out with others helps a lot and following a plan. My wife will also encourage me after work to just go for a run or get on the stationary bike, stating you will be happy afterwards you did.
Q: Any advice for those racing for the first time this year?
A: Just have fun and enjoy.
Q: What does your race calendar look like this season?
A: So far this year I’ve done the Scranton Half Marathon, the Harveys Lake Run, the Francis Slocum Trail run, the Black Diamond 5k (Montage Mountain), Ironman 70.3 in Ohio. Yet to come is the Back Mountain Triathlon (Olympic), and a half marathon in Boulder, Colorado.
EDUCATION ROUNDUP: Wyoming Area to hold virtual info session on phone pouches
Wyoming Area will hold a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 ahead of the district’s implementation of lockable cellphone pouches for students grades 7 to 12 to use during the school day, according to Superintendent Jon Pollard. Pollard said at the school board’s combined work session and regular meeting on Tuesday that […]
Wyoming Area will hold a virtual information session at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 ahead of the district’s implementation of lockable cellphone pouches for students grades 7 to 12 to use during the school day, according to Superintendent Jon Pollard.
Pollard said at the school board’s combined work session and regular meeting on Tuesday that a link will be posted on the district’s website for parents to access the meeting.
“The presentation will include the rationale for using pouches, the locking and unlocking procedures, communications options and emergency procedures,” Pollard said.
Additionally, Pollard said parents could email him with any specific questions they’d like answered at the meeting.
If anyone has specific questions they’d like answered at the session, Pollard said they can email him.
The policy is set to go into effect Sept. 3.
Andrew Petchel, a junior at Wyoming Area, objected to the policy. As someone will dyslexia, Petchel said he often uses his phone to take photos of the pages of his textbook, in order to read the page more easily.
Also at the meeting, the board approved the appointment of a new high school principal, Greg Riley, for the upcoming school year.
Riley is replacing Eric Speece, who was appointed Principal in 2022 when Pollard left his position to become superintendent.
Additionally, Metz Culinary Management was approved at the district’s food service management company. The company will take over duties previously assigned to the food service director, who retired in June.
“They would be constructing the menus, doing the ordering of the food, and have oversight over the cafeteria workers,” Pollard explained.
CRESTWOOD
Crestwood does not have any committee or school board meetings scheduled for July. Their next meeting is a committee meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the secondary campus, unless otherwise noted.
DALLAS
The next meeting of the Dallas school board is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11. The meeting agenda will be made available 24 hours prior to the meeting time. The district website says that school board questions can be directed to Chris Porasky at 570-675-5201, ext. 5223.
GREATER NANTICOKE
The next meeting of the Greater Nanticoke Area school board is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.
HANOVER AREA
The Hanover Area school board does not have a meeting scheduled in July. Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the high school.
HAZLETON AREA
The next meeting of the Hazleton Area School Board is has been rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 6.
All school board meetings will be held in the Hazleton Area Career Center, Large Group Instruction Room, Administration Building Entrance, 1515 W. 23rd Street, Hazle Township, unless otherwise stated.
For all meetings, in the event of inclement weather or any other situation that would prevent the Board from physically attending the meeting(s) on a scheduled Board and/or Committee meeting date, the Hazleton Area School District Board of Education may hold scheduled meetings virtually.
The meeting link and agenda(s) will be made available at https://www.hasdk12.org/sbagenda.
LAKE-LEHMAN
The Lake-Lehman school board will next meet on Monday, Aug. 18, at the junior-senior high school at 7 p.m.
NORTHWEST AREA
Northwest Area Board of Education will next meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 in the school’s high school library.
PITTSTON AREA
The next meeting of the Pittston Area school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19.
WILKES-BARRE AREA
The board will not meet in July. The next meeting will be held in August at a date to be announced.
WYOMING VALLEY WEST
The next work session will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6, followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13. Both will take place at 201 Chester St., Kingston, in the middle school auditorium.
EDUCATION ROUNDUP is a weekly column by Times Leader staff writers. Reach Bill O’Boyle at [email protected]. Reach Margaret Roarty at [email protected]. Reach Sam Zavada at [email protected].
In Loving Memory of Ronald (Ron) James Leonard Jr., 60, of Westminster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the warmth of his spirit, the joy of his laughter and the love he gave freely will continue to live on in […]
In Loving Memory of Ronald (Ron) James Leonard Jr., 60, of Westminster, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the warmth of his spirit, the joy of his laughter and the love he gave freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born in Medford Massachusetts, Ron was the beloved son of the late Ronald J Leonard Sr. and Lynda Fleming-Decker. He graduated from Shawsheen Voc. Tech High School and Middlesex Community College and lived a life filled with lifelong friendships, humor and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.
A passionate Boston sports fan, Ron especially loved the New England Patriots. Whether it was football, hockey, tennis, baseball or anything involving a ball or a puck he was always cheering with enthusiasm and heart. He also enjoyed playing sports himself, ice hockey and baseball as a young man, and softball, racquetball and pickleball in later years brought him joy and lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply.
Ron was an active and devoted member of the Redemption Rock Church community where his faith in Jesus was the foundation of his life. His belief gave him strength and peace. His kindness and compassion reflected that faith in every interaction.
Ron worked for many years managing many stores and a corporate kitchen for Dunkin Donuts. Most recently working for O’Reilly Auto Parts as a delivery driver. He especially valued the many longstanding friendships he developed along the way.
He is survived by his devoted wife Patty (Couture) Leonard of Westminster Ma. His loving mother Lynda Fleming-Decker of North Reading Ma. A sister Danni Fleming of Fitzwilliam N.H a brother Casey Decker of Round Rock TX; and the late Michael Fleming; his stepchildren Samantha Vose and Grandson Riley of Phillipston Ma. and Cody Couture of Gardner Ma. Ron was also deeply connected to his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews with whom he shared countless laughs, stories and moments of love. His two devoted best friends Douglas Deloge of Clinton Ma. and Rob-Bob Kenda of Hubbardston Ma.
A Celebration of life memorial service will be held Saturday August 16th at Redemption Rock Church 3 Hager Park Rd. Westminster Ma. from 2-4 p.m. light refreshments will be served. Where friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate Ron’s remarkable life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston Ma. honoring Ron’s generous and spirited nature.
Ron’s legacy is one of connection, faith and joy. He will be remembered not only for the games he played but for the unconditional love he gave, the faith he lived, the humble heart he shared and the countless lives he enriched.
Eiserman looking to help U.S. 3-peat at 2026 World Junior Championship
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The U.S. National Junior Team doesn’t hide from the fact that a third straight gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship is on the line. It’s something that hasn’t been done since Canada won the last of five straight in 2009, but the U.S. has that chance after two straight championship […]
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The U.S. National Junior Team doesn’t hide from the fact that a third straight gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship is on the line.
It’s something that hasn’t been done since Canada won the last of five straight in 2009, but the U.S. has that chance after two straight championship performances for the first time in its history.
There’s major motivation, too. Of the seven tournament championships won, the U.S. never has celebrated one on home ice in seven tries.
“I remember two years ago, (U.S. general manager) John Vanbiesbrouck was talking about how they never won in Sweden, and they ended up winning there (at the 2024 WJC),” U.S. forward Cole Eiserman said. “So now we have to win in the States. Hopefully history repeats itself with that and we can win on home soil, which would be pretty cool, especially in Minnesota.”
Eiserman (New York Islanders), a left wing with Boston University, is one of nine returning players from the team that won 4-3 in overtime against Finland in the 2025 WJC final in Ottawa. He played a variety of situations and had seven points (three goals, four assists) in seven games.
Lauded for his big shot on the power play (two power-play goals), Eiserman did see limited time last year, ranking 13th of 14 U.S. forwards in average ice time (10:08). While he’ll do whatever it takes to help his country succeed, there’s no question he’d like to have a greater impact this year.
“I’m one of the older guys this year, so having a leadership role would be huge,” Eiserman said. “Obviously playing on that first power play, playing more minutes, just kind of being a leader. I’ve played a year of college hockey and that’s pretty huge, especially going to these tournaments where you’re getting into different situations I’ve been able to prepare for just from college.”
The 18-year-old (6-foot, 200 pounds) led first-year NCAA players and Boston University skaters with 25 goals and ranked fifth among first-year college players with 36 points.
“Obviously he values scoring, which is great, and to end up with 25 goals shows he made a lot of progress during the season,” BU coach Jay Pandolfo said. “For me, I think his overall game got a lot better. I think early on he was probably putting pressure on himself to score. That’s how he feels like he helps the team best, and no question that’s one of the ways. But you also have to add other things to your game, and he certainly has done that, and it showed over the course of the season.”
What were those other things?
“Being able to play away from the puck a lot better, defensively very reliable, being able to play a 5-on-6, being out there for a defensive-zone draw, making more plays out of the zone, off the wall, being a good winger, being able to support your teammates … pro habits,” Eiserman said. “Being able to play defensively, play in the neutral zone, all three areas of the ice. It’s a lot of fun when you can get more trust from the coaches.”
Said U.S. coach Bob Motzko: “He knows exactly what he has to do. Plus, we want him to do what he does best — shoot the puck.”
U.S. defenseman Cole Hutson (Washington Capitals) has seen a more focused and determined version of his Boston University teammate this season.
“Cole is becoming a pro off the ice,” Hutson said. “Little details like diet, getting in the gym … I’ve honestly kind of taken things from him, but don’t tell him that. I don’t think he gets enough credit with how hard he works, how bad he wants to be out there and how competitive he is. He’s a dog on the puck when he wants it.”
Hutson and Eiserman are two of 42 U.S. players at the World Junior Summer Showcase this week at Ridder Arena competing for the right to earn a roster spot for their country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. It’s the second time the tournament will be held in Minnesota; the U.S. first hosted World Juniors in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in 1982.
“You want to do it in your home country,” U.S. center James Hagens (Boston Bruins) said. “As fun as it was when we did it over in Canada (at the 2025 WJC in Ottawa), it means a lot when you’re on your own soil. You don’t want to stand on that blue line and hear a different country’s national anthem.”
The 2026 WJC will be held at the Xcel Energy Center and 3M Arena at Mariucci from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2026.
“We made history last year, and hopefully we can extend history this year,” Hutson said. “Obviously we had a good tournament last year and now our expectation is gold. That’s what we’re pushing for.”
Said Hagens: “There are 42 guys here trying to make one roster. This isn’t summer hockey. This is real hockey. It’s high paced. You’re trying out to be able to wear your country’s logo so it means a lot. I know every guy here wants to be on this team, including myself. So it’s just getting prepared, making sure you’re starting your season off strong and that you’re ready for once that tournament comes.”
NHL.com senior writer Tom Gulitti and independent correspondent Jessi Pierce contributed to this story
2025 World Junior Summer Showcase Begins Sunday: The Rundown
The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase is set to begin on Sunday afternoon at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. On the opening day of the event, both USA teams will play a game. USA White will take on Finland at 2 p.m. ET and USA Blue will square off against Sweden at 5:30 p.m. Both […]
The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase is set to begin on Sunday afternoon at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.
On the opening day of the event, both USA teams will play a game. USA White will take on Finland at 2 p.m. ET and USA Blue will square off against Sweden at 5:30 p.m. Both games will be streamed on USAHockeyTV.com.
In total, four Boston College men’s hockey players will compete, forwards Teddy Stiga, James Hagens, and Will Moore as well as defenseman Will Skahan.
Nick Saban breaks silence on coaching return and makes feelings clear on Trump order
Nick Saban insisted that he has little interest in assuming a coaching position at this time despite voicing his support for Donald Trump’s executive order regarding NIL payments Nick Saban shot down rumors that he’s eyeing a return to coaching(Image: Getty Images) Nick Saban poured cold water on a potential return to coaching despite voicing […]
Nick Saban insisted that he has little interest in assuming a coaching position at this time despite voicing his support for Donald Trump’s executive order regarding NIL payments
Nick Saban shot down rumors that he’s eyeing a return to coaching(Image: Getty Images)
Nick Saban poured cold water on a potential return to coaching despite voicing his support for the sweeping changes coming to college football.
Earlier this week, Donald Trump signed an executive order barring student athletes from accepting pay-for-play payments from third-party sources. Regular NIL payments, meanwhile, will remain unrestricted.
Saban played a pivotal role in the President’s directive, which is why it came as no surprise that the 73-year-old was incredibly supportive of the move. “I think President Trump’s executive order takes a huge step in providing the educational model, which is what we’ve always tried to promote to create opportunities for players, male and female, revenue and non-revenue, so they can have development as people, students, and develop careers and develop professionally if that’s what they choose to do,” Saban said while making an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends.’
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“I think we sort of need to make a decision here relative to do we want to have an education-based model, which I think the president made a huge step toward doing that, or do we want to have universities sponsor professional teams? And I think most people would choose the former.”
Discussing the fine line between acceptable NIL deals versus pay-for-play agreements, Saban added: “I think the clearing house is there to authenticate name, image and likeness. In other words, is your marketing value relative to what you’re getting paid to do a marketing opportunity? When you cross that line, that’s when it becomes pay for play.
“So you have collectives that raise money that pay players, and they really don’t do a relative marketing job to earn that money, and that’s where this whole thing has kind of gotten sideways.
“I think this whole clearing house is there to sort of protect the collective affecting competitive balance in college sports.”
Given Saban’s vocal criticism of the transfer portal and multi-million dollar NIL deals, rumors swirled that the watershed changes to college football could sway the former coach to put the headset back on.
Nick Saban voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s executive order on NIL payments(Image: Getty Images)
Over a decorated coaching career at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama, Saban compiled a 292-71-1 record and seven national championships in addition to brief NFL stints with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.
Yet Saban asserted that he has little interest in assuming a coaching position at this point in time. “No, I’m really happy with what I’m doing right now,” he said of being a sportscaster. “It’s exciting to still be involved in the game.
“It’s exciting for me to work with athletic directors, conference commissioners, people in Congress to preserve the integrity of our game and continue to be able to create opportunities to help young people create value for their future that will help them be successful in their life, which is what we always try to do as a coach.”
“There is no opportunity that I know of right now that would enhance me to go back to coaching,” Saban continued.
“I enjoy what I’m doing. I did it for 50 years, I loved it. I loved the relationships with the players. I loved the competition.
“But it’s another station of life now. I enjoy what I’m doing right now and want to continue to do it — spend more time with my family, my grandchildren, my children. It’s been really, really good.”