By Kevin Ruiz A brief history of Soccer in the U.S. Soccer in the United States dates back to the 1800s , with colleges across the country playing different forms of soccer, and rules varying from institution to institution. Oftentimes, the sport was played more like rugby than soccer itself. There were different failed attempts in the late 1800s and early 1900s to establish a soccer league in the U.S. It wasn’t until 1913 that the U.S. Football Association was established, evolving into what is now known as the U.S. Soccer Federation.   In the 1930 World Cup  in Uruguay, the U.S. Men’s National Team  (USMNT) was one of the 13 teams to participate in the inaugural tournament. They eventually lost to Argentina  in the semifinals. In the 1950 World Cup , the United States managed to beat soccer giants England in a major upset, one of their biggest wins to date. Soccer stars like Pele came to play for the New York Cosmos  in 1975 and helped establish soccer in the United States. Twenty years later, the World Cup was hosted by the United States  for the first time. Here is where the sport reached mainstream popularity among American audiences.  You can’t talk about the history of soccer in the United States without mentioning the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team  (USWNT). In 1985, the USWNT played its first friendly match. The women’s team has captured the crown of best in the world four times and won the inaugural competition in 1991 . Household names like Megan Rapinoe , Alex Morgan , and Carli Lloyd  have etched their names in the history of the sport. The current team, led by young stars such as Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith , won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.   Now, more than 30 years later, the United States is once again gearing up for another opportunity not only to win World Cup glory but also to capture the attention of Americans. While soccer is the most popular sport across the world, soccer falls behind in the United States to the major sports like football (the other one), basketball, baseball, and hockey. The United States is set to host the 2026 World Cup  alongside co-hosts Mexico and Canada, with the tournament expanding from 32 teams to 48 teams, marking the largest in its history. To preview the event, FIFA held its first-ever FIFA Club World Cup (FCWC)  in the United States. The FIFA Club World Cup spotlights the current status of U.S. Soccer. This tournament differs from the World Cup, where players compete with their international teams, rather than competing at a club level. The FCWC is designed for European clubs, such as Real Madrid , Paris Saint-Germain , and Bayern Munich , to compete against smaller clubs from North and Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The tournament was originally an eight-team event in its past iteration, with only one team from each region qualifying. While European teams have historically dominated the previous tournaments, this new version of the FCWC has allowed the rest of the world to compete with the best. Historic clubs outside of Europe made appearances, with the likes of Boca Juniors  and River Plat e, Palmeiras  and Fluminense  participating and representing the South American continent.  The tournament brought big clubs closer to fans and featured familiar faces like Lionel Messi, who played against his old team, Paris Saint-Germain, in the round of 16. To complement Inter Miami's representation of the North American region, the Seattle Sounders ,  C.F. Monterrey , Pachuca , and LAFC  also participated.  Image provided by FIFA.  The same history of European dominance continued with Chelsea  winning the final against Paris Saint-Germain, which had just won its first UEFA Champions League  title. The Brazilian team, Fluminense, was the only team outside of Europe that managed to make it to the final four. While some questioned the tournament model, including whether teams would care about it after a long season and the lack of fan attendance for less attractive matchups,  it brought a lot of excitement to fans.  Fans carried their love and passion with them as they took over stadiums, specifically those from River Plate and Urawa , who filled Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. A highlight of that is sure to be replicated at next year’s World Cup.  Image owned by Kevin Ruiz Another highlight was the young talent that was displayed throughout the different clubs. Young talents from clubs all over the world shone with players such as Desiree Doue , Gonzalo Garcia , Cole Palmer , Savinho , Obed Vargas,  and Elias Montiel , leading their teams. Young athletes like F.C. Barcelona’s   Lamine Yamal , who didn’t qualify for the tournament but has become a prominent face of soccer, are spearheading a movement where young soccer players are competing at an elite level more than ever before.  So while the FCWC didn’t have the complete takeover that maybe FIFA expected, it gave a perspective on the current state of soccer in the United States. The passionate fans will continue showing up, but it raises the question of how the event will get the average fan to be more invested. Will it be the young stars around the world, or will the USMNT replicate the success of the 1994 World Cup with a showing of their own?  With the U.S. cultivating a collection of talent , their young star might show up just in time for next summer's biggest event. According to Dario AS , as of January 2025, the U.S. has over 34 players among the top six leagues in Europe, with 21 of them being under the age of 25. The MLS has continued to provide young players with opportunities to play, a proven formula that has worked for the biggest clubs in Europe.  With the U.S. cultivating a collection of talent , their young star might show up just in time for next summer's biggest event. Although recruiting that talent to come to play for the U.S. isn’t set in stone. This is because Mexico and the United States continuously compete for talent at the youth levels  because of the influx of players who hold dual nationalities. Bournemouth's   Julian Araujo  played for the U.S. growing up but switched over to the Mexican national team when he was called up for the senior team. So while the USMNT will be one of the big headlines to watch next year, their neighbors down south will have just as much to say. The World Cup will impact the decisions of these young players going forward, so success matters for now and the future of the sport. What the 2026 World Cup means for the U.S. and Mexico The U.S. and Mexico rivalry  is fierce at different levels of the soccer pyramid. Both have a history of soccer that is not only important for the game itself but for the culture in the region. Given the political chaos of the United States, next year’s event will turn out to be a collision of soccer and culture.  Since the 1994 World Cup, the U.S. has qualified for several World Cups, making it as far as the quarter-finals by beating Concacaf rivals, Mexico, in the 2002 World Cup  behind Landon Donovan . Then, in 2014, USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard had a World Cup record 16 saves  before the team lost to a strong Belgium national squad. The future looked bright heading into 2018.  All that progression was swept away when the team missed the 2018 World Cup  and shifted its eyes to a new generation. A new generation of young players led by AC Milan  star Christian Pulisic  has brought hope to U.S. soccer fans, but has also dealt with controversy . Fans haven’t seen any significant results from this generation of the USMNT in the World Cup. The team fell short after being eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup  by the Netherlands. For a country trying to win its first World Cup, it does not come without failures and disappointment. Just ask Mexico fans.  When the U.S. and Mexico play in the United States, the crowds are overwhelmingly in support of the Mexican national team.  Another example of how the sport is seen in the United States and the work that needs to be done to shift the culture. A heavyweight for players who want to compete at the highest level. For Mexican players, that same responsibility is rooted in a history of soccer deeply ingrained in Mexican culture. The last two World Cups in Mexico were won by soccer legends Pelé and Maradona . Mexico’s history will be on full display when the team opens the 2026 World Cup  in Mexico City.  Throughout their history,  Mexico has beaten international powerhouses in major tournaments. In 2018 , Mexico defeated the then-defending world champions, Germany, in a huge upset. Their players, like Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa, have captured the world’s attention with their heroic saves  in the World Cup. The Mexican national team has achieved different successes throughout the region year after year. Still, they have failed to advance past the round of 16 in what fans call the dreaded “Quinto Partido” , which translates to the fifth game, or the quarterfinals, in the World Cup.  To add to the pain, the United States has gotten the better side of ‘El Tri’ beating three times out of four in their last four competitive matchups. Mexico finally ended the streak by defeating the USMNT in the 2025 Gold Cup  final, the last competitive matchup between the two nations until the 2026 World Cup.  For Mexico and the United States, this is an opportunity to make a statement that this time around, things will be different to both their fan bases, which often transcends borders. While the US seeks to prove to American audiences that it is worth watching, Mexico has its eyes set on establishing itself as a soccer powerhouse that was once thought to be achievable. While the national teams are focused on World Cup glory, the competition at the club level is becoming just as fierce.  The summer soccer season in North America continues to raise the stakes with the 2025 Leagues Cup . The tournament pits MLS  and Liga MX  teams against each other in a three-game league phase, with the four best teams from each league advancing to the knockout stage. The tournament has already provided shocking results, with the Seattle Sounders defeating the current Concacaf Champions Cup champion, Cruz Azul , 7-0. Yes, you read that right: 7-0 . This is now the largest margin of victory for an MLS team against a Liga MX team.  For many years, the Liga MX has been recognized as a top league in the Americas, and it has been well ahead of the MLS. However, tournaments like the Leagues Cup and FCWC have put those rankings in question. Both leagues have seen top European players make the move to North America. According to ESPN, LAFC is reportedly signing Heung-Min Son  in a record-breaking MLS deal, and the Vancouver Whitecaps have their eyes set on signing Thomas Muller . Mexico’s Club Monterrey signed Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos  just last year, and Pumas'  signing Aaron Ramsey  was another big move. Both leagues are bringing in older but notable talents, which is making competitions like the Leagues Cup even more interesting.  Both leagues are growing at the youth and professional levels, and there is a growing fire of soccer culture in the United States, with Mexico and the rest of Latin America just as much a part of the mix. The national teams have even more to play for, and if the World Cup is anything like that in 1986  or 1994, it is set to be a fantastic tournament that will capture the eyes of audiences all over the world and put the spotlight on soccer in North America. A spotlight that will inspire another generation of soccer fans and players for years to come.  Disclaimer:  This article reflects personal opinions and research and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any individuals, teams, or organizations mentioned.

by Whitney Randall Big changes are coming for the world of Division I (DI) college football, and they’re called conference realignments. Realignments are everywhere, affecting almost every conference.  Within DI football, there are two subdivisions: the Football Championship Subdivision  and the Football Bowl Subdivision.  While both are under National Collegiate Athletics Association  jurisdiction, there are a few key differences between the subdivisions. The biggest difference comes down to scholarships and postseason playoffs. The FBS is home to the largest schools in DI football, with 136 schools divided between 10 conferences and two independent teams. The FCS comprises 129 smaller universities, divided among 13 conferences and two independent teams. The FBS can offer up to 85 full-ride scholarships, but the FCS is limited to only 63 scholarships that can be split into partial scholarships. In addition to the scholarship differences, they also vary with competition brackets. FBS teams play in bowl games with the top four earning automatic spots in the College Football Playoff, while the FCS has a 24-team playoff bracket meant to crown the national champion. The money, media attention, and recruiting power heavily favor the FBS, but the path to an FCS championship is more straightforward and competitive. Realignments are happening all over the country, and the FCS is heating up fast. Schools like Kennesaw State University , Jacksonville State University , and Sam Houston State University  have already made the jump to FBS, with the University of Delaware  and Missouri State University  close behind. This left holes in the ASUN Conference,   Big South Conference , and Western Athletic Conference , forcing them into new alliances and a rebrand. In 2026, the ASUN-WAC alliance will rebrand to the United Athletic Conference (UAC). One of the biggest shifts is the instability in the regional rivalries, especially with powerhouse schools like the University of Montana and North Dakota State University, reportedly exploring a move to the FBS . Everyone’s watching to see if the FCS power structure crumbles or if new rivalries rise from the chaos. FBS College Football Map November 12, 2019 If you thought that the FCS was messy, just wait for the FBS. The Pac-12 , a former powerhouse conference, collapsed practically overnight, with the University of Oregon , University of Washington , University of Southern California , and University of California, Los Angeles  joining the Big Ten , while the University of Arizona , Arizona State University , University of Colorado , and University of Utah  switched to the Big 12 . Meanwhile, schools like Southern Methodist University  are heading over to the Atlantic Coast Conference . These shifts aren’t just geography nightmares; they’re redefining the Power Five. The Group of Five is scrambling, too, with Conference USA  rebuilding itself through a few key FCS call-ups. The balance of power is changing fast, and money is driving every move. The WAC, once a college football powerhouse, is on the verge of extinction. It struggled to stay afloat, crushed by FBS departures and instability. In July 2026, it will officially cease to exist with the strategic alliance, as ASUN rebrands to the UAC. The recent departure of Sam Houston State University to the FBS and the impending departures of Southern Utah University  and Utah Tech University  to the Big Sky Conference have accelerated the WAC’s collapse. While the name itself won’t survive, the new additions and emergency alliances will help create a new powerhouse conference. Looking ahead, several confirmed moves are already on the calendar. With the arrival of the fall 2025 season, the University of Delaware will leave the Coastal Athletic Association  to move up to Conference USA, joined by Missouri State University from the Missouri Valley Conference . The American Athletic Conference  will be dropping the American and rebranding to the Athletic Conference. In 2026, Louisiana Tech University  is set to leave Conference USA for the Sun Belt , and the  University of Texas at El Paso  is scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference  in 2027. Clemson University  has also announced plans to leave the ACC sometime in the next decade following its lawsuit. With these changes locked in, the next few seasons will bring a very different look to the college football map.   Over in the FBS, Conference USA has been poaching FCS teams like it's Black Friday. Liberty University , Jacksonville State University, Sam Houston State University, Kennesaw State University, and New Mexico State University just finished out their first season or two and are awaiting the University of Delaware and Missouri State University’s first season. While they might be gaining teams, they’re also losing a few key ones. Florida Atlantic University , University of North Texas , Rice University , and University of Alabama at Birmingham  left in 2023 for the AAC, as well as Marshall University , Old Dominion University , and the University of Southern Mississippi left in 2023 for the Sun Belt. They’ll also be losing Louisiana Tech University for the Sun Belt and the University of Texas at El Paso for the Mountain West Conference in 2026 or 2027. They've been in a constant rebuild mode, leaning into markets and TV contracts rather than tradition or competitiveness, creating a strange blend of FBS leftovers and former FCS powers. The question is whether they can hold it together long enough to matter.  A clear pipeline is forming; more FCS schools are making the jump to FBS, driven by financial gain, increased exposure, and improved recruiting opportunities, with the University of Delaware and Missouri State University leading the way. To make this jump, the schools have to meet certain requirements, starting with scholarships and increased travel. In October 2023, the NCAA added new hurdles to the process by implementing a $5 million reclassification fee . With the teams making the jump to FBS, FCS is filling their gap by moving up Division II  schools like the University of West Georgia  and Texas A&M University–Commerce . The next ones moving up are the University of New Haven  and Mercyhurst University . These changes are like a game of musical chairs. Everyone’s trying to move up, even with the foundation crumbling below. The future of college football is less about geography and more about money. Traditional rivalries like Oregon-Oregon State, Oklahoma-Oklahoma State, and USC-Stanford are losing ground to cross-country matchups that make more money and mean less to fans. Looking ahead, expect more FCS teams to make the jump to FBS. Conferences like the Mid-American Conference and Mountain West Conference are already watching. While rivalries and regional identity might be dying out, the realignment train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Disclaimer:  This article reflects personal opinions and research and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any individuals, teams, or organizations mentioned.

Gallery by SoJung Kim The City of Hamilton and Mayor Andrea Horwath honoured hometown hero and global basketball superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the Key to the City, celebrating his record-breaking 2024–25 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

By Allison Cho Image courtesy of LAFC Communications LOS ANGELES — Aug. 6, 2025 — Son Heung-Min  (손흥민),  South Korea’s soccer icon, is bringing his skills and dedication to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) . Leaving the Premier League’s   Tottenham Hotspur  after ten years, Son’s move to play in Major League Soccer (MLS)  is more than a simple transfer. It’s a homecoming for a global star whose story resonates in Los Angeles’ diverse communities, especially the Korean American community.  For Son, soccer is his life. Growing up in Chuncheon, South Korea, he developed his talents under his father’s coaching, turning his talent into world-class skill. From Germany’s Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham, where he became the Premier League’s top Asian goalscorer and 2022 Golden Boot winner, Son’s journey is one of resilience and determination. When he’s off the field, his humility has made him a beloved figure, as evidenced by his smiles and fan interactions.  "Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football," said  LAFC general manager John Thorrington.  "Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community, both on and off the pitch." Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean population outside of South Korea, and Son’s arrival feels like a celebration of identity and pride. The Korean community has been buzzing ever since rumors of his potential move to LAFC began to spread. Eventually, the fans showed up at Los Angeles International Airport, waving South Korean flags and banners celebrating Son’s arrival on social media before any confirmation was made.  For Son, this move is a chance to connect with fans who share his roots. “As a Korean, to know that Koreatown here in Los Angeles has so many Koreans, here in this country, I’m very proud to be a part of the club and the city,” he said. “And I’ll make them proud with my performance.” The community strongly supports him, with fans gathering outside BMO Stadium to welcome him, as Son expressed his eagerness to get on the pitch in a press conference. Son’s presence sends a positive message that representation matters and that Asian American athletes can also lead in sports. As he sought a new chapter and challenge in his career, he chose to join LAFC, bridging cultures and generations. Although people might think he’s too old at 33, he has yet to show that he’s slowing down. Son is not only fast and ambitious but also committed to mentoring younger players as a veteran leader. His pace, vision, and will will strengthen the team, as his humility and engagement with fans align with his legacy among both old and new generations. From Seoul to London to Los Angeles, his global fan base will boost MLS’s visibility.  Like Lionel Messi’s  impact with Inter Miami , Son’s arrival draws the Asian community into MLS’s culture, strengthening soccer through inclusion, while his role goes beyond his stats to meet community expectations. Off the pitch, his humility and community focus will inspire many. From signing autographs to mentoring young players, Son leads with purpose, connecting European football’s legacy with American soccer’s future.  As Son steps onto BMO Stadium’s pitch, he’s not just chasing goals. He’s fostering connections, inspiring dreams, and showing what representation looks like in American sports. Los Angeles and the world will be watching as fans’ excitement fuels a new era for LAFC and MLS. Disclaimer:  This article reflects personal opinions and research and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any individuals, teams, or organizations mentioned.

Written By Nina Kremer | Tour Info Photo Courtesy of The Lumineers Though the Lumineers called it “The Automatic World Tour,” the show felt less like a promotion of their newest album and more like a retrospective of everything the Lumineers have had to share throughout their decade of music. On July 17, the band took the stage at Fenway Park in Boston, with openers Hippo Campus and Young the Giant. The founding members of the Lumineers, Wesley Schultz (lead vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion, piano), were joined onstage by featured members Stelth Ulvang (accordion, piano, guitar), Byron Isaacs (bass), Lauren Jacobson (violin), and Brandon Miller (guitar, mandolin, percussion). They began with “Same Old Song,” the first track off of their newest album “Automatic,” before transitioning into “Flowers in Your Hair,” the first song off of their debut self-titled album, deliberately showcasing their growth throughout their lengthy career. While “Flowers in Your Hair” is gentle and optimistic, “Same Old Song” alludes to the maturation of the band lyrically. It is an interesting choice to open with, given the somber nature of the lyrics, but Schultz’s vulnerability is captivating, as he brings the audience into his innermost thoughts and feelings right off the bat. During “Flowers in Your Hair,” the band came forward, playing on the edge of the stage, as close as possible to the tens of thousands of audience members. “Flowers in Your Hair” has a distinctly warm and youthful sound, one of my personal favorites. It’s one of those songs that you could imagine singing with friends while sitting around a campfire, and the Lumineers brought that same comforting feeling to the stage, making the crowd feel less like strangers. The sentimentality was a throughline through the entire show, from the delicate finger-picking of the guitar to the powerful soulfulness of Schultz’s voice, as he sang “A.M. Radio,” echoing the poignant chorus: “I couldn’t give you up.” In the outdoor venue Schultz’s voice could be heard loud and clear, picked up by the wind and reverberating throughout the space. There was minimal distraction from the thunder of his voice, the soft guitar strums serving more as an accoutrement rather than the focus of the song. Schultz then brought Sameer Gadhia of Young the Giant back to the stage to sing “Gale Song.” As the two sang together the wristbands in the crowd flickered to the beat, making the audience feel as if they too were on the stage, with the bright stage lights illuminating the now dark Fenway Park. The lighting coming from not only the stage but throughout the stadium made the sound even more immersive, as the heartbeat of the song visibly pulsated through the crowd. Before singing the delicate “Donna,” Schultz spoke to the crowd with the same earnestness and heart that he brings to his lyrics, expressing his gratitude for their support. Another stripped-down song with just the founding members of the band, Schultz sat on the piano played by Fraites, the warm orange glow from the stage reflecting the warm feeling in the crowd. Next, surprisingly, the band launched into “Ho Hey,” their most highly streamed song. I would have assumed this would have been played later in the set; however, it was a good way to reinvigorate the crowd after playing a few tender ballads in a row. It brought the liveliness back to the crowd, which went from listening with rapt attention to singing, clapping, and cheering. Keeping the energy of the crowd up, at every show on the Automatic Tour, Schultz takes a stroll through the audience during “BRIGHTSIDE,” bringing the performance right to their seats. Wristbands from each section lit up as Schultz passed to mark his path, and excited fans ran to follow the lights. He held his hand out to touch those reaching out, reminiscent of a Fenway Park tradition: At every game in the middle of the 8th inning, the crowd can be heard screaming that lyric from the iconic “Sweet Caroline”: “Hands, touching hands, reaching out.” A highlight of the show was Ulvang’s energetic performance, which continuously stole the spotlight. During “So Long,” he stood on top of the piano, ushering people to clap before dramatically jumping off of it when the beat dropped. Before playing a cover of Justin Bieber’s “Ghost,” Schultz got vulnerable and shared that his younger brother recently passed away from a heart issue. “He was my best friend. I’ve been playing these shows just thinking about him every time. Just trying to make him proud, and remember him in some way. I think that’s the beauty of playing music is that you get to put all this grief and all these emotions into something and I’m grateful for that.” Schultz said he was inspired to play the cover after last year’s Newport Film Festival, where he saw Josiah and the Bonnevilles perform the song. He brought the band onstage as a touching tribute, and the two lead singers’ voices blended beautifully together. An old favorite, “Cleopatra” indicated the end of the show was near. Schultz sang the first verse acapella before the sound was filled out by the rest of the band. At the end of the song Ulvang, who had been hyping up the excited crowd, mysteriously left the stage, only to be found by a spotlight as he stood on top of the Green Monster, Fenway Park’s iconic left-field wall. Leading into “Stubborn Love,” Ulvang played his accordion before climbing down the wall. He proved to be fearless of heights, using a ladder draped down the front of the wall rather than the stairs typical ball game goers take. The whole band also changed into Red Sox jerseys, paying tribute to their hosts for the evening, as a montage of the band and fans played on the screen behind them. Though it was bittersweet that the show had come to an end, Schultz comforted the audience with a final refrain of “Head up, love,” a warmhearted end to a show that felt like a labor of love.

By Kevin Ruiz Independent digital sports creators are leading the movement Are you a passionate sports fan? Have you ever thought about making content following your favorite sports league? Well, Cassie Chantel  has done just that. Chantel runs an Instagram and TikTok  page that has pulled in over 40,000 followers and counting due to her coverage of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) . “I can tell you right now, like across my platforms, I'm getting 12.5 million views a month, and that's regularly,” Chantel said.  On her pages, you can find postgame interviews with coaches, analysis on trades and games, player stats, and general news from across the league. Chantel, who currently coaches youth basketball when she’s not creating content, has taken her journey as an independent digital sports creator all the way to the press room, interviewing some of the league’s biggest names like A’ja Wilson .  Photo owned by Cassie Chantel In the 2024 season, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)  saw all-time records for digital consumption . Its social media engagement more than quadrupled from 2023. This spike in digital consumption is part of the growing popularity  of the WNBA and reflects a pattern across multiple sports leagues. Instagram and TikTok have become major sources for sports news and content, led by independent digital sports creators. Generation Z and millennial audiences are now using digital platforms as their primary news source , and the shift to digital media is giving independent digital creators an opportunity to fill the voids left by traditional sports media. A soccer page by the name of “FutbolAsada”  covers the first division Mexican soccer league, Liga MX , and has over 118,000 followers. The account has capitalized on the large audiences of Latin American fans living in the United States who follow the league. The league isn’t covered by U.S. media companies, so finding English-based content and up-to-date news was difficult before pages like Futbol Asada started appearing, as most news comes from Mexican media outlets that provide the content specifically in Spanish. Photo owned by Futbol Asada. A sentiment can be shared between WNBA and Liga MX fans, given the lack of coverage for the league before the WNBA’s surge in popularity. Chantel saw an opportunity to fill this need. “When I was doing the content, I was looking on Google, trying to find images and just trying to find stories and history, and it just wasn't a lot. So the entrepreneur brain that I have, there's a need to fill this void. So that's what made me take it a little more seriously,” Chantel said.  Another account, called “ Hoops for Hotties ,” creates content catered to her audience of “hotties,” who are new to the sports world. The account has over 115,000 followers covering NBA , WNBA, MLB , and more. The owner of the account, Mariah Rose , takes a unique approach covering the drama, fashion of sports, and breaking down sporting events like the MLB All-Star game. An example of how creators are finding innovative ways to cater content that fills voids in sports media.  Is digital media the new major media? Media conglomerates are following in similar footsteps to bring coverage to their niche audience bases. ESPN continuously ranks among the highest in digital sports consumption . Across their social media, they have specific accounts for soccer, WNBA, UFC, F1, etc. Their content is more catered to social media than ever before. “Networks like ESPN have reverted to social media to push everything. So I would say that social media is equal to any other platform. More people are watching social media for their content, for their news resources, than anything else,” Chantel said. The push from companies like ESPN has increased the opportunity for digital creators in the sports industry. At the end of the day, money talks, and major corporations won’t miss out on an opportunity to bring in more viewers.   Another great sign for creators is the rise of streamers. During the WNBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend, Minnesota Lynx  players, Natisha Hiedeman  and Courtney Williams, livestreamed for 72 hours on Twitch , capturing the raw and authentic behind-the-scenes of the All-Star festivities.  In a media environment where TV personalities are trained to say the right things, followed by minutes of commercials, streaming allows creators to engage with audiences through an authentic lens. Major corporations like ESPN  and FOX Sports  are already finding ways to blend authentic digital sports media with traditional sports media, and as the major stakeholders in the industry, the shift is showing that independent digital creators are starting to gain more control over the digital landscape.  Though the new age of digital sports media requires money, and with that arise issues of monetization. An issue arises where misinformation and rumours  devour the internet because creators are looking for clicks and views. Social media companies sell the attention and data of fans to advertisers. It is up to sports fans to understand how not to get caught up in the fake news and clickbait. Whether that's through the creation of their own content to understand media from a creator perspective, or consuming different forms of content that provide in-depth perspectives and research. As well as creators and fans, to push for regulations and community standards that hold perpetrators accountable.  Perpetrators need to be held accountable because there continues to be racist, homophobic, and abusive commentary that is directed at athletes and creators. According to The Athletic, Manchester United  flagged 2.6 million posts that fit under that category across their social media channels in 2023. Social media companies are now faced with addressing these issues, especially as major industries like sports begin shifting their content to these platforms. Otherwise, people will continue to capitalize on that opportunity at the expense of creators and athletes.  Why athletes are more invested in digital sports media than ever before For athletes, it’s just as important to have a say in the commentary about them. After many years, the mainstream media has controlled the discourse around athletes. Athletes are now just as involved in the process. Several former and current professional athletes have their own shows and podcasts.  In 2024, LeBron James  started the “ Mind of the Game ” podcast. The biggest NBA star’s investment in creating content during the off-season shows just how much the space has changed. Several other former and current professional athletes have done the same, continuing the movement towards a sports world where the authentic perspective of athletes and creators is shining through.  “I don't have that type of personality where I need to mince my words for the truth. I just tell the truth, then at the same time, I feel like, as humans, there's always going to be bias,” Chantel said.  More creators are delving into that biased facet of digital content creation and allowing their personalities to shine through their fandom. Which in turn creates even more niche content that helps resonate with more specific audiences. Communities are then formed, and fans not only have a place to go, but they also have a space where they can be just as involved in the discourse. The space is available for everyone to be involved.  “Just do it and don't think about it too much. The biggest block for creators is thinking things have to be perfect, and you perfect things along the way, but the first step is you have to do it,” Chantel said.  For growing leagues like the WNBA, independent content creators taking the leap into digital media are paying dividends and contributing to the surge in popularity. At the same time, it works as a gateway to advocate for athletes and fans. In a space that felt controlled by three or four companies for the longest time, now there is an opportunity to have a real voice.  "It's important to me because I was a player, and I wish that there was this type of coverage to educate me on the game. And as athletes continue to become better athletes, they need this type of notoriety, and women need their fair share, and they need to be earning millions of dollars for basketball contracts just like the men are,” Chantel said.  Covering smaller leagues like the WNBA proves valuable for those younger generations of athletes who aspire to be professionals one day. As younger athletes are beginning to dominate on the court, they are also the generation that will grow up in this new digital age.  “I have a sense of duty at this point to keep it going for the younger generations, like just the kids, just the younger ones that are coming up now, like Malaysia Fulwiley , JuJu Watkins , Olivia Miles , the ones that are about to be pros, It’s important for them to have their stories told,” Chantel said.  Looking towards the future, athletes, fans, and creators are more connected than ever before. It provides a perspective on how far the passion of fans and athletes has taken the digital sports world and how far it can extend into the next generation. Independent creators have a significant impact on the sports world, and with that comes the responsibility of fighting for justice and fairness in the prism of sports.

by Emily Kulyk If you watch an interview with a retired player who lived through playoffs, record-breaking seasons, and intense moments, they may not mention the behind-the-scenes battles they faced. They may not reveal that they pushed through injuries, mental strai,n or the difficulty of recovering, both physically and mentally. While playing with grit remains true even now, it’s likely those retired players didn’t have the assistance players and teams currently have. The intersection of mental health, performance, and psychology is becoming more visible in sports. Fans are seeing more examples of this. The New Jersey Devils brought in psychologists and mental health professionals to help players stay focused and aligned with team goals. Kirk Cousins  was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the 2012 draft. Since being drafted, Cousins has played for three NFL teams: the Washington Commanders, the Minnesota Vikings, and, just recently, signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The Netflix special Quarterback  showed Cousins working with a psychologist during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. The NHL and NFL  are just a sample of leagues that work with these coaches. Mental challenges could be something where the entire team is collectively feeling the challenge throughout a season. Maybe luck isn’t going in favor of the team, and they must work through the slump that hits teams throughout a season, all while trying to play the game as they know, against the words of the media and fans. Older players didn’t have the levels of social media and the media as a whole that we see currently in sports. This could be a contributing factor to the mental challenges current players face. Veteran players didn’t see those same challenges at the level it is now. Challenges you could see now would be, as referenced, the challenges of the media and social media. However, trades, getting used to a new system and team environment, can also be additional factors. In unique cases, players come from other countries to play in the United States. In a league like the NHL, this is especially true. Adjusting to America can be a challenge in itself, and when families are involved, the stress may compound. But now, more than ever, resources are available. At the end of the day, players are still people. Needing help can cover a wide spectrum. Bringing in performance coaches or other mental health professionals can be based on maintenance. Sorting something out can begin before the impact is felt. Sports psychology has evolved from a practice that was brought in as a reactive approach, something done when something happened. While that is still a helpful way to use the practice, it is now being used as a proactive way to enhance athlete performance. Some athletes use it similarly to how they would train with a personal trainer. It would be on their own time, as a supplemental tool. It becomes an element they use as a habit. Elements like emotional regulation, visualization, and setting personal goals might seem silly to some, but many professional athletes count on and depend on these for their needs and goals. The positive influence can be seen through their performance. The modern history of sports psychology dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Of course, the practice looks much different than it did then. The topics sports psychologists focused on at that time were athletic performance and adapting mental skills to fit those performance ideas. Throughout those early years, sports psychology was a research-based method, and then the ideas were followed to be used in athletics. In the 1920s, the first team to work with a sports psychologist was the Chicago Cubs. A society focused on sports psychology wasn’t developed until the 1960s. It wasn’t recognized as an academic program until about a decade later. Fast-forwarding to the present day, the overall psychology discipline has evolved and continues to do so. Methods have been worked into performance and exercise psychology. Performance psychology can be adapted to ideas outside of sports, like performing arts or other high-stakes areas where performance is vital. Exercise psychology attempts to understand the physical aspects of physical activity. This portion of sports psychology looks to understand how physical activity plays into one’s mental wellness. Sports psychology now broadly focuses on load management for athletes and how to help them perform without exhausting their bodies. The discussion around professional athletes using mental health professionals is an important one. Referenced in the study “ Athlete Mental Health and Wellbeing During the Transition into Elite Sport: Strategies to Prepare the System ,” the transition to professional leagues is something only a few understand when looking at the grand scheme of it all. The idea of early intervention isn’t as common. Studies are finding that young athletes should be utilizing treatments to reduce risk factors around that transition. Risk factors may include new performance expectations, lifestyle changes, training loads and possibly becoming public figures. The larger the market they play in can be an influence, too. Implementing practices to keep wellness in mind can help the longevity of their playing careers. While sports psychology can be labeled as an early intervention or maintenance program, it can also be used as a treatment option. The study “ Mental Health Symptom Burden in Elite Ice Hockey Players and Its Association with Self-reported Concussive Events ” references understanding how treatment can be used if and when symptoms begin to onset. Hockey players experience high rates of injuries, including concussions. It’s no surprise that hockey is a contact sport, and that comes with its own set of risks. It has been found that players who experience three or more concussive events are twice as likely to have depressive symptoms and over three times more likely to have burnout symptoms compared with those with no concussion history. Concussions could be a predictor. While being a predictor does not mean it is a definite correlation. Professional athletes are just as susceptible to mental health challenges as any other person, but the stressors they face could be an influence. Having regular mental health screening, which could include monitoring beyond an injury, could be a factor in adequate treatment for professional athletes. Sports psychology and mental performance coaching have some overlap, but there are key differences. Mental performance coaches target specific mental skills based on how the athlete is performing. Sports psychology can be a broad range and adapted to fit the needs of an athlete. It is becoming more common to hear athletes talk about working with these professionals. By doing this, it opens a world to young athletes that is beneficial to their development as athletes, but more importantly, as people. Fans respect athletes for what they do when performing. Many believe players deserve respect for who they are off the field, too. Many avenues within sports psychology are being explored, and it is a growing practice. The information in this article is simply a small piece of a much larger puzzle. Disclaimer:  This article reflects personal opinions and research and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any individuals, teams, or organizations mentioned.

Gallery by Kaleb Jennings The Reading Fighting Phils defeated the Hartford Yardgoats 6-3 on Friday at Dunkin' Donuts Park. The ballpark hosted a Cuban Heritage-themed night. Check out the full game gallery below. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Portland Timbers kept a clean sheet against LAFC Falcons in a 1-0 win on July 25, 2025, at BMO Stadium. Unfortunately, LAFC saw its four-game win streak come to an end last night. Check out the gallery below to relive the action. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and Major League Soccer (MLS). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Written By Nina Kremer | Photos By Faith Nguyen & Brittany Rose Queen Photo By Faith Nguyen Q and A disclaimer: Responses have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length. Megan From Work is an indie rock band based in New England featuring singer/songwriter Megan Simon, bassist Joey Martin, guitarist Quintin Surina, lead guitarist Luis Hernandez and drummer Alex Ruscansky. Upbeat, yet still honest, Megan From Work blends the energetic and the earnest. After taking the stage at Boston Calling performing songs from their debut album, “Girl Suit,” the band recently released their latest single, “Back on the Saddle.” In this interview, the band discussed the story behind the song, what it’s like to play a music festival, and shared a look behind the scenes of shooting a music video. Q: Who would you guys say is one of your greatest inspirations or someone that you like to emulate in your sound? Simon: Oh yeah, definitely. Everyone laughs preemptively because The Killers is number one by so much for me. The obsession runs really deeply here. And aside from that, I really love just big anthemic rock bands with synth undertones — Phoenix, Metric, Blink 182 — anything that's like energetic but still has that emotional depth to it. Like I'm dancing, but I'm singing about being bummed out. I love that stuff.  Surina: I mean, I feel like I kind of snuck myself into this band, because I'm also a huge Killers and Strokes fan. So, you know, that was the big driving factor. Like, “Oh, my God, that's what I want to sound like.” But yeah, I would say the number of times when they're trying to figure out a part, or we're just, you know, playing something new that Megan’s like, “Yeah, you know that Brandon Flowers bit, I want to kind of do that here,” or “Let's do that little Rilo Kiley guitar part.” So, I feel like those two are probably the ones I see us emulating the most. Simon: I always forget to say Rilo Kiley, and they're so important to me. Thank you for that.  Martin: Yeah, I've gotten that a few times, like, kind of out of the blue, and I was just like, “I don't know who that band is. I'm sorry.” I've only recently heard some songs. Surina: They sound like Megan from Work.  Martin: I think my biggest influences would probably just be like the bassist for Dillinger Four, Patty Costello. He's kind of just been like to me, like one of the pinnacle bass players in my life, which probably sounds silly for a punk band, but I feel like he can do no wrong. And yeah, I appreciate that. Trying to go for stuff like that. But I actually — I really try to emulate my tone off of isolated Cliff Burton bass tracks. And I know he was like, you know, thunder fingers, and I'm playing with a pick, but same idea. Just try to be a little aggressive with it. Playing Boston Calling Q: Can you tell me what that experience was like, and maybe how the energy of a bigger crowd compares to a smaller crowd, or and how that affects your energy on stage? Martin: I thought I was going to be a lot more scared than I actually was. And I think it's honestly because there was a lot of positivity from the crowd, like, pretty immediately, and that made it super comfy, and not even that scary at all. Simon: Well, people show up to have a good time. You know, they come to the festival because they want to hear fun music and maybe dance, and especially if you're at the Orange Stage, if you're at the local stage, you want to see somebody new, and you're there to be supportive, just by your presence being there. And it was just so exciting to see the crowd of people, and getting to perform these songs. We did a cover of “American Girl” by Tom Petty, because I was like, “I want to play one that people can sing along with and know.” And I just remember seeing this one guy in the crowd who was like, red in the face from getting emotional. And I was like, “Yes! If I've touched one person today, then we did it.” So yeah, it was a lot less scary than I thought it was going to be, also because I think that we prepared really hard for it. We were practicing twice a week for two months leading up to it. And yeah, the energy is incredible, like when you have a real back and forth with the audience. It's a conversation, and a call and response, even if it's not a literal one. It was the coolest day ever. Surina: Yeah, there was a great vibe in that crowd too because it was just starting to rain, but you could see everyone was just so excited to see the set, which, yeah, just immediately quelled any fears I think any of us had. We were all bouncing around. Songwriting Process Q: [Megan,] I know, as you just said, you're the primary songwriter, but I also heard that you guys also do add your own instrumental parts, so I was wondering if you could give me sort of a rundown of what that collaborative process looks like, and maybe how you guys build off of each other's creativity? Martin: Yeah, so since Megan's coming with, at the very least, the big idea of the song to us and saying, like, now it's time to put, you know, your part to it, what I would like to do is pull whatever the bass part is out of Megan's head and put it in the song. And so I don't try to write just one part. Like when we're writing it, like, say, the first time we play the verse, I'll play it one way. The second time I’ll play something different just to give something to compare it to, and then we — I don't want to say it's a democracy — but we all kind of weigh in. Like, which one do we think sounds the best here, you know, what works better? Like, you know, I'm always trying to not write to step on anybody else's parts either. And so what works the best with all that? Simon: Louis specifically just has such good taste. I'm always going to shout him for that. Whenever we're torn between two or three ideas, you know, Joey being like, “This is bass line one. This is two and three,” whatever Luis says I'm typically like, “Yeah, that's a good call.” And then Alex, Alex is awesome to work with on drums, because that's definitely the thing that I hear most in my head. And so he says that I'm good at drummer speak, where I’m like, “You know, I’m thinking like [pretends to play drums].” Good luck writing that in your written article.  Martin: “Does drum onomatopoeia.” Surina: Just put an audio clip in.  Simon: Exactly. Just one little note. But that's how we communicate for that. He’ll be like “Something like this?” And I'm like, “Ooo no, but I like what you're doing.” Back on the Saddle Q: I know I read on your Instagram Megan, that you said it was about your time living in LA, so I was wondering if you could give a little bit more of a backstory, if possible, to the song, and maybe what you hope listeners take away from it? Simon: For songwriting, I can never just sit down at a guitar and be like, “Okay, time to write a song.” It typically comes to me while I'm driving, or in the shower, or in this case, to be a little “woo” with it, I had cleaned my room on the new moon in Aquarius to make space. In that process, whether it was because I was just like, kind of zoning out from just cleaning or whatever, that whole chorus just kind of came to me, melody and words. It just felt like a gift. Then I could take it to guitar, and just the whole thing came out.  So I didn't sit down and say, like, “I'm going to write a song about living in LA,” but just the way that it was going I was able to kind of trace it back to that. And when I was living out there I was pursuing comedy, and I was going to crappy open mics, and I didn't know anybody. I knew, like one person, and that one person knew a person that took me in, into their friend group, and into their comedy show as a producer, just fully embraced me, and set me up with a support system. Even though I was subletting for the first nine months of living there and living in — oh my gosh, I think I moved five times in that nine months, like place to place, because I was waiting for my friend to move out there with me, all my stuff in my car in a storage unit. Even though my life was very unstable, multiple jobs, the whole thing of trying to make it in the city, I had this base group of people that I could rely on to, you know, smoke weed and watch movies, go to karaoke rooms, that kind of a thing. So if there's anything to take away from the song, it's just lean on your group of people and rally and go out. If you don't feel like going out, go out with your friends. Q: I noticed that you teased a “Back on the Saddle” music video potentially on the way, so I was wondering how you guys go about creating visuals to enhance the messages of your songs? Simon: I feel like I got really lucky with the last two singles. “Life into a Movie” and “Back on the Saddle” are just clear themes. So for “Life into a Movie,” that song is almost entirely references to being on set, which is something that I have some experience with. So I tend to take the reins on the visual identity and the production. And Joey was instrumental in helping that one come together. Martin: Shout out to Kate too. Simon: Yes. Shout out. So many shout outs. You’ll have to find our post and tag everyone who we shouted out.  Martin: Yeah, because everyone helped. It was really sick.  Simon: So, that was a really clear one. I knew I wanted to do a video where there was a director who was micromanaging and overstepping, and to the point that we all just want to break up and quit. “Back on the Saddle” is not a country song. It has nothing to do with cowboys. But I said the word “saddle,” so I was like, “I need to do something low budget and easy to execute.” And so we played cowboys in some parks. And, yeah, that'll be coming soon. I edit all the videos as well. So we have a tour coming up, and I need to — I 've been saying this for months — I have a lot going on right now. Surina: Hell of an undertaking to decide to write the song, come up with the idea of the music video, record it, edit it yourself...  Simon: Direct it, tell my friends how to act — which is very funny. It's just because everyone has so much fun that I have to be like, “Joey, you're not happy in the scene. You can't be smiling.” Martin: Too bad. Simon: “This is a fight scene, you can’t laugh.” Surina: “Put the squirt guns down. We need those for later.” Q: My next question kind of goes back to something that you mentioned earlier, Megan, when I was listening to your music, what I really loved about it was that I feel like your lyrics are super vulnerable, but the music is super powerful and really punchy and upbeat. So yeah, this is not just a question for you, but also for the whole band. But what do you think it is about that pop rock genre that allows you to express yourself so authentically? Simon: There's such a power in loud music, it drowns out the thoughts. And I just love anything anthemic, anything that you can sing your heart out too. I like to write music that you drive with all the windows down and it's 100 degrees and you're sweating your ass off, but it's so loud that you can't help it. Yeah, I just think that the human ear likes the human voice, and people like to sing and that's just such a—I like expressing myself loudly and taking up a lot of space there, because I feel like I don't really get to do that in my day to day, either.  Q: Quintin and Joey, do you guys have anything to add about, when you're doing the songwriting, how you maybe take the lyrics into consideration, or anything about why you like to play the way you like to play? Surina: I think there's definitely something to be said — like Megan was saying — obviously I'm not singing, but you turn an amp up and you just have that sound shaking the room. And it really just — I feel like you feel like you can do anything when you're up on stage and you are just putting that power out into the room. Which can be really cool, because I'm a very shy person, but you know, the second you crank the amp up a little, you're just like, “All right, I can be a little funny. I can be a little silly. I'm a goofy little guy.”  Martin: Yeah, I don't know, I just like playing loud with my friends. Simon: Joey likes to rock. We all like to. I think the common denominator is we all just really like to rock. Surina:  Yeah, I think about that “Simpsons” episode where Homer tries the bass and he jiggles it and his whole body jiggles. And he's just like, “All right, yeah.”  Martin: I don't play that loud… but I could.  Simon: But you do help drive the bus. You and Alex both drive.  Upcoming Tours (Both Real and Aspirational) Q: I know you guys have a tour coming up, so I'm just wondering what are you most looking forward to about that? Martin: Want me to say it?  Simon: You can say it. Martin: The Bruce Springsteen Museum! If it’s open. Simon: Oh, it's the summertime. I think it has to be open.  Martin: I want to go. Simon: I’m also really excited for Asbury Park. Specifically because I am a little Cancer crab, and I’m so drawn to the ocean. And last time we played there was October, and so we were right on the boardwalk, and it was a beautiful day, but we couldn't really go touch that big blue. So I'm excited to have — I think that that day of tour is going to feel kind of like a beach day vacation as well.  Surina: I didn't get this week off work, so Megan's playing guitar for this little tour. So you know, they're back on the saddle. Simon: Yep, it's a real heartbreaker. It is.  Surina: So I'm deeply jealous to find out you guys are hitting the Bruce Springsteen Museum.  Martin: Yeah, sorry.  Simon: We’ll FaceTime.  Martin: I wasn't trying to keep it from you. Surina: No, it's okay. You probably should have. Q: What would you say is maybe a hope that you have for the band in the future, like a next step, or just a way that you'd like to continue to grow, maybe in your career, maybe in your sound, anyway that you'd like to progress in the next couple of years, months, however long you'd like? Simon: To open for the Killers on a world tour. Surina: I knew that would be the answer. Simon: You know I had to do it. No, genuinely, I just, more than anything, want to see the music that I've written recorded and put out into the world. And however that is, is fine with me. We have a lot of stuff in the tank right now, so our focus for the next few months is going to be to get all those songs in the room together, flesh out parts and do some demoing and try to see if maybe a label would like to release our second album … Mainly world tour! Martin: We have a little running bit in the band where our next tour is going to be Japan. Let's make it happen. I don't know how that happens. Surina: I’d quit my job for that one. Martin: I'd have to tell work, “Listen, yeah, I gotta go live my life.” Surina: “I’m taking a month off. Sorry, make it work.”  Martin: “You'll be alright without me. I won’t be alright without this.” Photo By Brittany Rose Queen Megan from Work are making a name for themselves in the local scene. Most recently they embarked on an east coast tour with fellow New Englanders, Hell Beach. Next up, the band will be continuing to play around Manchester, NH, and Megan will also be playing as a solo act. While they dream of one day taking their talents to the world stage, Megan From Work continues to hone their craft and bring emotional depth to their pop punk tracks.

Gallery by Holly Arend Step behind the scenes of the 2025 Shoulder Check Hockey Showcase , where the game meets a greater purpose. From big plays to quiet impact, these moments tell the story of how hockey is helping change the conversation around mental health. Relive the action below. These photos are owned by Hazze Media, the National Hockey League (NHL), and Shoulder Check.. They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

By Whitney Randall Picture this: a fresh lineup of 18-to 20-year-old men all waiting for their shot. Everyone’s dressed to the nines. There’s drama, last-minute commitments, and lifelong connections on the line. No, this isn’t “Love Island,” it’s the National Hockey League draft.  Photo owned and provided by NHL If you’ve ever found yourself a little lost with the sports talk but fluent in Love Island lingo, here is your ultimate cheat sheet because the draft is just “Love Island” with skates and sticks. The draft consists of 32 teams picking the best possible player. Every June, an eager batch of eligible hockey players enters the scene. They’ve spent the last year putting in the work with minor leagues, college teams, clubs, and even internationally, all to catch the eye of the NHL. Think of them as our bombshells from Casa Amor, competitive, confident, and ready to turn heads.  Before the draft, our teams begin scouting heavily, looking for their next new connection. They watch tape after tape, conduct interviews, and invite players to camps, all to get a feel for who they are as individuals or players. You could say they are constantly pulling them for chats to see if they’re a good fit for their team.  Now it’s time to put those connections to the test because it’s time for a draft night. Or as the islanders know it, our first recoupling. One by one, general managers announce their pick: who they will be adding to their roster.  With our first pick of the season, the New York Islanders are coupling up with D. Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters.  For our second pick of the season, the San Jose Sharks are exploring their connection with F. Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit. Next, the Chicago Blackhawks couple up with F. Anton Frondell, Djurgårdens IF. With our fourth pick of the night, the Utah Mammoth chose to couple up with F. Caleb Desnoyers, Moncton Wildcats. This continues across all 32 NHL teams, each making multiple selections over seven rounds. Instead of forming just one connection, our teams are building their rosters, seeing who is best for them in the long run.  The top 10 draft picks are like the first bombshells; they show up week one ready to steal hearts and take up all of the screen time. These are your Will Smiths, Macklin Celebrinis, and Logan Cooleys. They are your players with the best stats, biggest hype, and a guaranteed shot at the main villa or joining the team roster permanently.  For our late rounders, these are the fifth, sixth, or even seventh-round draft picks. These are your Hildebys, Finnies, Vejmelkas, and Hradecs. They are the slow burners, the fiercely loyal and hardworking individuals who end up winning over the fans. They may not be the day ones, but they could be the ones hoisting the Stanley Cup in the end.  Now, for our Casa Twist, in season 7 of “Love Island,” the twist was a recoupling that left the single islanders dropped from the villa. For the NHL, they have Development Time, where they train with the team, hoping to move on to the permanent roster. Like Casa Amor, not everyone makes it back to the villa, or in this case, the team. Some get sent to the junior leagues, college, or the American Hockey League to continue growing. It’s not a setback, it’s the hockey version of Casa Amor: separation, challenges, and tests of loyalty. Development Time is where teams find out if a player is really ready for the NHL and the season roster spot. And just when you think your OG islanders, the fan favorites that have been on the roster forever, are safe, they get recoupled too. Before the draft even starts, teams make deals and trades to get the more experienced players on their roster. With every one of these trades, it feels like our favorites are getting dumped from the villa. Once drafted, players aren’t just impressing the coaches anymore; now they’re under public scrutiny. Every bad game, wrong move, or postgame quote is going to be torn apart by the fans. It’s like TikTok edits or posts after every “Love Island” episode. Fans are brutal, but unlike the islanders, players still have their phones, so they’re seeing all of your judgments in real-time. These athletes have to keep the good energy, great game presence flowing to keep the fans on their side. At the end of the day, these teams are just trying to find someone to close things off with. They are searching for the player who’s loyal, skilled, and in it for the long haul. The one who brings amazing stats and fan engagement. A franchise favorite. Just like “Love Island,” they go through ups and downs trying to find that one perfect match that they can see joining their team. While the NHL may not have $100,000 and their ultimate match on the line, they do have over three million dollars, a championship title, and the Stanley Cup that every team is vying for.

Gallery by Christina Winnegar Today’s game at the Orlando Ice Den was full of energy, smiles, and board taps as the next generation of hockey stars took over the rink! From drills to team building, the kids got a chance to learn from the pros, like Solar Bears Forward Anthony Bardaro, who jumped in to share tips, shaping the future roster. Catch all of the fun on-ice moments in our gallery below! These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Kaleb Jennings The Somerset Patriots defeated the Hartford Yardgoats 8-5 on Friday at Dunkin' Donuts Park. The Ballpark hosted a Boy Band-themed night. Check out the game gallery below. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and Minor League Baseball (MiLB). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Christina Winnegar The spotlight was on Week 2 of the SOFLO league at The Rink on the Beach (July 17–19), where teams Kodsi , Cheremeta , Vets , Kent , and Blachy took the ice battling in a 3v3 throwdown. Whether it’s the threads, the sharpening, or the on-ice showdowns, this week’s gallery captures the essence of SOFLO's seasoned pros, fresh gear, and community spirit rising together. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and SOFLO Hockey League. They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.