Big news, Patrick Kane is coming home, I dig into the news of Kaner coming back to Chicago. Also Jason Robertson signing and the Flyers locking up some core pieces. Enjoy.\n
\n \nWhat makes a youth hockey tryout feel fairand what causes the entire process to break down?Tryouts can be one of the most emotional parts of the hockey season. Players are nervous, parents are analyzing every drill, coaches are trying to build balanced teams, and organizations are under pressure to make decisions that families can trust.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Gabe Malinski of TeamGenius, a platform that helps youth sports organizations improve tryouts, player evaluations, communication, and long-term development.Gabe explains why many associations make evaluations more complicated than they need to beand why collecting more scores does not always lead to better decisions. The group discusses how organizations can create clearer evaluation criteria, prepare evaluators more effectively, reduce bias, and provide feedback that helps players improve.They also explore an important truth: a tryout should not be viewed as one isolated hour. A players habits, development, coachability, effort, attitude, and performance throughout the season all contribute to a much more complete picture. In this episode, youll learn:Why the purpose of a tryout should remain simple: build appropriate teamsHow evaluation criteria should change by age group and association sizeWhy skating is often the most important skill for younger playersHow unclear scoring systems can create major evaluation mistakesWhy evaluators need detailed rubricsnot just a one-to-five scaleHow organizations can reduce bias through outside evaluators and objective dataWhy hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and coachability still require human judgmentHow honest feedback can turn disappointment into a development planWhat players should do physically and mentally before tryoutsHow parents can support their child without increasing the pressureWhy not making the desired team may create a better long-term opportunityHow technology should support coaches rather than make decisions for themGabe also shares the remarkable journey of his brother Sam Malinski, who played B-level hockey as a young player, faced setbacks throughout his development, went undrafted, and continued working his way toward the NHL. His story is a powerful reminder that one roster decision does not determine a players future.The biggest takeaway? Tryouts should be part of a larger development processnot the only evaluation a player receives all year.When organizations communicate clearly, coaches provide meaningful feedback, players prepare consistently, and parents remain supportive, tryouts can become far more productive for everyone involved. Listen now, share this episode with another hockey family, and remember: the team your child makes this season does not define the playeror personthey can become. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Tryouts Should Build Teamsand Help Players GrowThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Learn more about TeamGenius#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #TeamGenius #YouthSports #HockeyEvaluations #GrowthMindset #OurKidsPlayHockey\n
\n \nA week ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch announced an extension of their affiliation which dates back to 2012. The four-year deal will carry them through the 2029-30 season and continue the longest, and most successful, partnership in Lightning franchise history. On Wednesday, Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon released a statement about the deal on social media:
<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-x\"><blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">A letter from owner Howard Dolgon about our four-year affiliation extension with the <a href=\"https://x.com/TBLightning?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@TBLightning</a>. ⚡️👊<a href=\"https://x.com/hashtag/TampaCuse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#TampaCuse</a> <a href=\"https://t.co/gQEOMMDHit\">pic.twitter.com/gQEOMMDHit</a></p>— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) <a href=\"https://x.com/SyracuseCrunch/status/2079920148907962433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 22, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src=\"https://platform.x.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script></div>\n</div></figure>
\n<p>Dolgon alludes to Syracuse as a town that was once referred to as a “hockey graveyard” yet that the Crunch have not only survived as an independently-owned AHL franchise for 33 years, but has thrived, especially since linking up with the Lightning in 2012. As he points out, the Crunch have been to the Calder Cup Final twice, made the playoffs almost every season, and have had a stream of future NHL hall of famers (and one head coach) roll through the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.</p>
\n<p>In all, 104 players have suited up for the Lightning and the Crunch, including Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Gabriel Dumont, and Daniel Walcott. Some have spent several seasons in Syracuse before getting the call, others, like Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Dominic James, have spent just a handful of games there before heading to the NHL.</p>
\n<p>One thing that players who have spent time in both cities have mentioned during the affiliation with the Lightning, is how professional the set-up in Syracuse is. The workout facilities mirror what is in Tampa, which isn’t always the case with AHL teams. The Crunch have done their part as well, with players who get called up able to jump into the line-up right away and make an impact. </p>
\n<p>Having a tight relationship with an affiliate is important to a NHL team as it helps create stability in the organization and level sets expectations for the players as they move through the organization and makes it easier for the parent club to monitor their prospects. While the Lightning have dipped into the AHL well a little more than Syracuse has anticipated over the last few seasons, they’ve never ignored the needs of the Crunch. Julien BriseBois and Joel Bouchard have worked well together to make sure Syracuse has what it needs to be competitive in a tough AHL North Division.</p>
\n<p>It is also worth noting that Dolgon mentioned the possibility of a new “state of the art” facility for the team. It is worth noting that the Oncenter was built in 1951, which in terms of modern sports facilities basically puts it closer in relevance to the Colosseum in Rome than Benchmark International Arena. </p>
\n<p></p>
\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hockey News</h2>
\n<p></p>
\n<p><strong>How Tampa Bay inspired Stephen Gionta’s transition to scouting </strong>[<a href=\"https://www.nhl.com/lightning/news/scouting-report-how-tampa-bay-inspired-nhl-alum-stephen-gionta\">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>]</p>
\n<p>It’s not always easy to transition to a post-NHL career. For Stephen Gionta, the prospect of working in one of the league’s top organizations was too big of a draw to ignore when the Lightning’s current Director of Personnel, Jamie Pushor, called him about a scouting job back in the summer of 2019. </p>
\n<p><strong>Living Sisu Hockey League</strong> [<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABlLU66sEL8\">La Poche Bleue YouTube</a>]</p>
\n<p>Have you missed live hockey with professional players? Well, if you need your fix, it’s summer hockey league season. Here is some 3-on-3 action. Jeffrey Veal is on one of the teams. Andre Roy is one of the broadcasters. </p>
\n<p><strong>Delving into a Nikita Kucherov extension</strong> [<a href=\"https://www.rawcharge.com/delving-into-a-nikita-kucherov-extension-tampa-bay-lightning-free-agency-new-contract/\">Raw Charge</a>]</p>
\n<p>We try and predict how much it’s going to cost the Lightning to sign Nikita Kucherov. The best we can figure is – a lot. There aren’t many players in the league that are in the situation that Kucherov is in, that makes things a little difficult.</p>
\n<p><strong>Jeffrey Viel ready to embrace Lightning-Panthers rivalry</strong> [<a href=\"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/jeffrey-viel-ready-to-embrace-lightning-panthers-rivalry-after-joining-tampa-bay\">The Hockey News</a>]</p>
\n<p>The good news is that the Lightning’s newest grit-guy will have some time to get his feet wet before the Lightning and Panthers meet in the regular season in late November. Then again, they’ve had some festive pre-season games over the last few years and they meet two times this September before the season gets underway. </p>
\n<p><strong>“It’s just business”</strong> [<a href=\"https://www.milehighhockey.com/colorado-avalanche-feature-stories/65434/its-just-business-how-the-nhls-favorite-phrase-shields-organizations-but-buries-players\">Mile High Hockey</a>]</p>
\n<p>The Lightning aren’t the only team trying to sign a generational talent to a new contract. Out in the thin air of Denver, Colorado Cale Makar needs a new deal, and there is a chance it could be a record breaker. Adrian Hernandez expresses some thoughts on the new player empowerment era.</p>
\n<p><strong>Thoughts on whatever the hell is going on with the Red Wings</strong> [<a href=\"https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/thoughts-on-whatever-the-hell-is-going-on-with-the-red-wings-steve-yzerman-dylan-larkin-nhl/\">Winging it in Motown</a>]</p>
\n<p>Speaking of thoughts, things might not be going so well for our friends over at WIIM.</p>
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"card-text\"><a href='https://www.rawcharge.com/lightning-morning-news-crunch-owner-comments-on-the-extension-of-partnership-with-tampa-bay/' class=\"btn btn-secondary\">Go to website</a></p>
\n</div>
\n</div>
\n</div>
\n
</div>
\n![](\"https://i.scdn.co/image/ab6765630000ba8a292de8c73bd7e986f7fbabe3\")
\n\n Sur cet pisode de Le Sick Podcast, Jacques Rougeau se joint Tony Marinaro ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices\n
\n \n![](\"https://i.scdn.co/image/ab6765630000ba8a464a2ea4f652273e4daecc91\")
\n\n Matt Drake and Patrik Bexell discuss the Top 25 Under 25 voting and reminds you to vote before 24th of July - 20:59 EDT. (Not 23:59 as we say in the podcast!) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.\n
\n \n\n\n On this episode of The Sick Podcast, Tony Ferrari joins Tony Marinaro to discuss the top Montreal Canadiens prospect, which ones project to be impact NHL players, potential surprises and deceptions, which ones could the Habs afford to trade and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices\n
\n \n![](\"https://www.TheHockeyAddict.com/images/content/our_kids_play_hockey.webp\")
\n What makes a youth hockey tryout feel fairand what causes the entire process to break down?Tryouts can be one of the most emotional parts of the hockey season. Players are nervous, parents are analyzing every drill, coaches are trying to build balanced teams, and organizations are under pressure to make decisions that families can trust.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Gabe Malinski of Team Genius, a platform that helps youth sports organizations improve tryouts, player evaluations, communication, and long-term development.Gabe explains why many associations make evaluations more complicated than they need to beand why collecting more scores does not always lead to better decisions. The group discusses how organizations can create clearer evaluation criteria, prepare evaluators more effectively, reduce bias, and provide feedback that helps players improve.They also explore an important truth: a tryout should not be viewed as one isolated hour. A players habits, development, coachability, effort, attitude, and performance throughout the season all contribute to a much more complete picture. In this episode, youll learn:Why the purpose of a tryout should remain simple: build appropriate teamsHow evaluation criteria should change by age group and association sizeWhy skating is often the most important skill for younger playersHow unclear scoring systems can create major evaluation mistakesWhy evaluators need detailed rubricsnot just a one-to-five scaleHow organizations can reduce bias through outside evaluators and objective dataWhy hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and coachability still require human judgmentHow honest feedback can turn disappointment into a development planWhat players should do physically and mentally before tryoutsHow parents can support their child without increasing the pressureWhy not making the desired team may create a better long-term opportunityHow technology should support coaches rather than make decisions for themGabe also shares the remarkable journey of his brother Sam Malinski, who played B-level hockey as a young player, faced setbacks throughout his development, went undrafted, and continued working his way toward the NHL. His story is a powerful reminder that one roster decision does not determine a players future.The biggest takeaway? Tryouts should be part of a larger development processnot the only evaluation a player receives all year.When organizations communicate clearly, coaches provide meaningful feedback, players prepare consistently, and parents remain supportive, tryouts can become far more productive for everyone involved. Listen now, share this episode with another hockey family, and remember: the team your child makes this season does not define the playeror personthey can become. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Tryouts Should Build Teamsand Help Players GrowThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Learn more about Team Genius#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #TeamGenius #YouthSports #HockeyEvaluations #GrowthMindset #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okphHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube\n
\n \n![](\"https://www.TheHockeyAddict.com/images/content/locked_on_lightning.png\")
\n Tampa Bay Lightning shake up the goalie core as Denis Hildeby arrives and Jonas Johansson's future hangs in the balance. Could these moves help prolong Andrei Vasilevskiy's dominance between the pipes, or signal the start of a new era in Tampas crease? Nick Morgan and Greg Stephen break down the offseason's high-stakes goaltending battle, the potential impact of recent trades, and how increased depth could shift the Lightnings approach to Vasilevskiys workload and long-term health. Major NHL signings ignite the offseason, with Jason Robertsons one-year, $12 million deal keeping the Dallas Stars guessing and Patrick Kanes return to the Chicago Blackhawks sparking debate about legacy versus chasing another Cup. Plus, a sizzling hot take: Can Macklin Celebrini surpass Connor McDavid as the NHLs best player, or will McDavid remain the gold standard for years to come? 00:00 Lightning Goaltending Changes 13:12 NHL Big Signings 22:27 Summer Hot Takes Watch Locked On Lightning on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@LockedOnLightning Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Us on Social Media! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockedonlightning/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonlightning Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lockedonlightning X: https://x.com/LO_Lightning Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, its time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your teams community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.\n
\n \n![](\"https://www.TheHockeyAddict.com/images/content/rinkside_rundown.png\")
\n This week on Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Belleville, Ontario native Zoe Uens.Zoe walks me through how her love of hockey started from watching her dad and brother play, why playing multiple sports mattered for her development, and what it was like growing up in Belleville. We talk about her junior career with the Kingston Ice Wolves, her decision to commit to Quinnipiac, and the growth she went through over four years as a Bobcat.Since we recorded this conversation, Zoe was drafted in the third round, 36th overall, by the Montreal Victoire.Follow Zoes food journey on Instagram: @chueyeatsIf you like deep dives into womens hockey and hearing the stories behind the players, click that follow button and subscribe on Substack.\n
\n \n![](\"https://www.TheHockeyAddict.com/images/content/sdpn-logo.webp\"){kind=logo}
\n On this episode of The Steve Dangle Podcast, 00:00 Watch 3ICE on the sdpn YouTube Channel all summer long! 11:00 We have to talk about it 1:13:00 Patrick Kane to Chicago again 1:26:00 Jason Robertson and Dallas reach a deal 1:32:00 Ken Daneyko joins the show! Visit this episode's sponsors: Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code DANGLE at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/dangle Watch all episodes of The Steve Dangle Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEidkgWpSiHVkYT7HrIzLPXlY Watch clips of The Steve Dangle podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEieOJuIrqWyZPWSIJtVMCbLz Buy SDP merch https://sdpnshop.ca/ Visit https://sdpn.ca/schedule to see when our next live stream airs! Check out https://sdpn.ca/events to see The Steve Dangle Podcast live! Watch hockey with us! Live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEifCTX0vkKEaGg9otrW4Zl2k Subscribe to the sdpn YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sdpn?sub_confirmation=1Join Subscribe to SDP VIP!: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0a0z05HiddEn7k6OGnDprg/join Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/thestevedanglepodcast Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdpvip/subscribe - Follow us on Twitter: @Steve_Dangle, @AdamWylde, & @JesseBlake Follow us on Instagram: @SteveDangle, @AdamWylde, & @Jesse.Blake Join us on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/MtTmw9rrz7 For general inquiries email: info@sdpn.ca Reach out to https://www.sdpn.ca/sales to connect with our sales team and discuss the opportunity to integrate your brand within our content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices\n
\n \n