Talk about a &#8220;power play&#8221; gone horribly wrong: Veteran Philadelphia Flyers announcer Tim Saunders just learned the hard way that in radio, the mic is always mightier than the sword, and usually much more &#8220;turned on&#8221; than you think.
During a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Saunders thought he had successfully sent the broadcast to a commercial break. Feeling a bit too relaxed in the booth, he decided to drop a line that was definitely not in the media guide. After a few moments of silence, thinking he was safely in commercial break, Saunders <a href="https://twitter.com/travieballin26/status/2002031198109856073">piped up</a> with: &#8220;While you’re down there, would you mind blowing me?&#8221;
It might be when you&#8217;re used to describing guys &#8220;going hard to the net,&#8221; the terminology just spills over.
His partner, Todd Fedoruk, attempted a veteran defensive save, quickly whispering, &#8220;I think we’re still on the air, Tim.&#8221; Saunders, apparently thinking he was being &#8220;poked&#8221; by a prankster, let out a laugh before realizing he had just delivered the most memorable play-by-play of his 40-year career to every car radio in the Delaware Valley.
The Flyers organization, realizing this wasn&#8217;t exactly the &#8220;family-friendly friction&#8221; they promote, handed Saunders a two-game suspension. They released a <a href="https://www.phillyvoice.com/flyers-tim-saunders-suspended-hot-mic-comment">statement</a> saying, “We are aware of the inappropriate comment made during last night&#8217;s radio broadcast in the TV timeout of the Flyers-Sabres game. These remarks do not reflect the standards of conduct or values we expect from anyone associated with our organization &#8230; We take this matter very seriously and sincerely apologize to our listeners, fans and those affected by these comments.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
I think we’re still on the air Tim 😂😭😂😭 <a href="https://t.co/lwbeDR8aJy">pic.twitter.com/lwbeDR8aJy</a>
— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) <a href="https://twitter.com/travieballin26/status/2002031198109856073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Saunders issued a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nhl-announcer-suspended-after-hot-mic-catches-inappropriate-comment">heartfelt apology</a> on Friday, admitting, “During last night’s game in Buffalo, I made an error in judgement with my comments that were made when I thought we were in a commercial break. I recognize how offensive my remarks were, and the harm it has caused. I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize to the Flyers, 97.5 The Fanatic and all those affected by my remarks. To all Flyers fans and listeners of our broadcast, I promise that I will hold myself to a higher standard moving forward to ensure our broadcast is a safe and respectful place everyone can enjoy.&#8221;
For now, Saunders is on ice.

MixCollage-19-Dec-2025-04-56-PM-8112

MUST LISTEN: Flyers Announcer’s Hot Mic Lands Him in the Penalty Box

Hot Mic

Philadelphia Flyers

The singer who performed the Canadian national anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game Thursday night changed a lyric to “O Canada,” confirming it was done to protest U.S. President Donald Trump talking about the possibility of making her homeland the 51st U.S. state.
Fans in Boston could be heard booing the song, which comes after Canadian fans booed the Star-Spangled Banner at a previous tournament match-up in Montreal last week. 
Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyric from “in all of us command” to “that only us command,” telling the Associated Press in an email statement that she did it “because I believe in democracy, and a sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism.”
“I’m somebody who grew up on music that spoke to the heart and the moment, and it shaped me as a songwriter and really as a human being,” she <a href="https://apnews.com/article/canada-anthem-lyric-change-863c614bf3546742c551239d1e44895d">said</a>, via her publicist Adam Gonshor. “I don’t think it would be authentic to me to be given a world stage and not express myself and be true to myself.”
Kreviazuk followed up by writing the phrase “that only us command” with mascara on her hand. 
“I just put it on there so if I ever had a moment and I kind of froze, I would be able to look at my hand and see it,” the singer said. “I’d love to see people sort of get inspired and catch the fire and say their heart more in their art. &#8230; Sometimes you just got to speak the truth in your art and it’s awesome. That’s what it should be about.”
She posted a picture of her hand to Instagram with a lengthy explanation, which many followers took issue with, saying the singer had no right to change the words at will.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGUhyqPtaCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
&nbsp;
<div style="flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px;"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent;"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
&nbsp;
<a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGUhyqPtaCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chantal (@chantalkrev)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
She wrote in part, “&#8230;i want you to know that i didn’t plan this or plot at all… i was [honored] to get the gig! During soundcheck I sang the wrong words “in all thy sons command” out of habit and when i analyzed the new line i thought wow- this could mean something so pertinent to our country in this moment with a change in just two words, three syllables. i didn’t dream that such an effect would be had by deciding to go out there and do it. But it really felt like the right thing to do.”
<a class="c-link" href="http://dailywire.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="http://dailywire.com/subscribe" data-sk="tooltip_parent">PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE! 40% Off DailyWire+ Annual Memberships With Code DW40</a>
Many commenters made their opinions known in the comments.
“The national anthem is our song, not one written by you, nor do you have free rein to make changes in the name of your art. You should be ashamed. There was no patriotism only your ego,” one popular comment says.
&#8220;Changing the lyrics of the Canadian national anthem for a personal political statement is a blatant disregard for those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our country,&#8221; another person echoed. &#8220;This is not just your song—it belongs to all of us. It is not yours to change. Doing so on such a massive platform was an embarrassment to our nation.&#8221;
&#8220;Somehow your version of the anthem was more offensive to canada than the Americans booing it,&#8221; a third person chimed in.
Another person wrote, &#8220;You were commissioned to sing my song, the song of ALL Canadians. You had zero right to make this experience your personal expression. Very, very disappointed.&#8221;
President Trump was not able to attend the game due to a scheduling conflict, but he did <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/we-will-all-be-watching-trump-says-hell-call-team-usa-before-hockey-championship-vs-canada">call Team USA</a> ahead of time to wish them luck. Canada ultimately defeated the USA in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. 
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trudeau-says-you-cant-take-our-country-after-canadas-narrow-hockey-victory-over-team-usa">Trudeau Says &#8216;You Can&#8217;t Take Our Country&#8217; After Canada&#8217;s Narrow Hockey Victory Over Team USA</a>

Chantal Kreviazuk

Singer Gets Ripped For Changing ‘O Canada’ Lyrics To Protest Trump

Singer Gets Ripped For Changing 'O Canada' Lyrics To Protest Trump

Canada

General

Hockey

President Trump

Sports

U.S.

On Thursday night, Team USA played Finland in their first game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada — and the fans booed the American team as tensions between the United States and Canada have risen with President Donald Trump having imposed tariffs on American imports from Canada and discussed making the neighboring country the 51st state.
In fact, the fans even booed the U.S. national anthem, defying the request from the public address announcer to be respectful.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Now that’s what I was expecting, Team USA booed as they come onto the ice here in Montréal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4Nations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#4Nations</a> <a href="https://t.co/DnzDjb7Fc4">pic.twitter.com/DnzDjb7Fc4</a>
&mdash; Parker McLean (@ParkerMcLean15) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkerMcLean15/status/1890207573233791294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Some boos for The Star-Spangled Banner in Montreal despite an announcement to respect the anthems prior. <a href="https://t.co/gvPeX1xitG">pic.twitter.com/gvPeX1xitG</a>
&mdash; luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) <a href="https://twitter.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1890209297373470778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Team USA got the last laugh, though, thoroughly defeating the Finnish team 6-1 as brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each scored two goals, becoming the first siblings to score multiple goals in the same NHL international tournament game, as NHL.com <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/united-states-finland-4-nations-face-off-game-recap-february-13">noted</a>.
“I don&#8217;t really think it&#8217;s hit yet, to be honest with you,” Brady Tkachuk stated. “I can only imagine how proud my parents, family and friends that have helped us along the way [are]. I know from my experience I was really excited for this tournament and after a couple of days this has been the best experience in my hockey life.”
Team USA’s next game will be on Saturday against Team Canada.
<a class="c-link" href="http://dailywire.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="http://dailywire.com/subscribe" data-sk="tooltip_parent">PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE! 40% Off DailyWire+ Annual Memberships With Code DW40</a>
“It&#8217;s going to be the biggest game that I&#8217;ve ever played in my career,” Brady Tkachuk said. “There&#8217;s a big buildup to it. U.S. vs. Canada, it&#8217;s bigger than just the guys on the ice. It&#8217;s so many people past, present and future down the road that are so excited about it.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament features teams made up of NHL players who play for the USA team, the Canadian team, the Swedish team, and the Finnish team.  Team USA currently has three points: Canada, 2; Sweden, 1; and Finland, 0. Canada defeated Sweden 6-4 in overtime.
<a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/42736196/nhl-2024-25-4-nations-face-tournament-schedule-players-format-olympics">ESPN</a> explained:
<blockquote>
Each team will play three games, with the top two teams playing in a winner-take-all final. Teams will receive three points for a win in regulation, two points for an overtime or shootout win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss and zero points for a loss in regulation. Overtime will be a 10-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death period. If the game is not decided in OT, there will be a three-round shootout. Once the tournament reaches the final game, overtime will be held in the more traditional playoff format, with 5-on-5 play in consecutive 20-minute periods.
</blockquote>
Finland plays Sweden on Saturday. On Monday, the tournament moves to TD Garden in Boston, where Canada will play Finland, and Sweden will play the U.S. team. The championship game will be played on Thursday, February 20.

NHL 4 Nations Face-Off – United States v Finland

Hockey Fans In Canada Boo Team USA. Team USA Gets Last Laugh.

Donald Trump

Tariffs

United States

Canadian fans booed the singing of the U.S. national anthem at NHL and NBA games following President Donald Trump’s threat of putting tariffs on their goods.
In a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0yTsFijc9A">video</a> from Sunday night’s hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Canucks, Agasha Mutesasira started singing the words “The land of the free” and some fans at the game began to boo, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fans-boo-national-anthem-tariffs-canada-2c7210574c0373348870a94445814407">Associated Press</a> reported. However, by the end of the song, the crowd cheers for the singer’s performance.
It happened after Trump announced increased <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tariffs</a> on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico over the lack of sufficient action against human and drug trafficking that has poured into the U.S., as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/canada-mexico-slap-tariffs-on-u-s-after-trump-uses-trade-to-force-border-security">reported</a>.
“I mean, it’s too bad, right? It is what it is,” Red Wings&#8217; Patrick Kane said after <a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-wings-canucks-score-6f872c067c635cb24de06a2da1eccc4d">Detroit’s win</a>. “I guess you can maybe understand it from this side but, seems like it’s a thing that’s going around the league right now.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Amid Trump tariffs, fans in Canada boo U.S. national anthem before Red Wings vs. Canucks game" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v0yTsFijc9A?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Over the weekend, Canadian fans attending an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors  and the Los Angeles Clippers at Scotiabank Arena had a similar reaction when a 15-year-old female singer started singing “The Star Spangled Banner.&#8221;
In one <a href="https://x.com/william_lou/status/1886151383268626636">clip</a>, fans in the crowd can be heard booing from the second the young singer starts to sing the words, “Oh say can you see…” By the end of the performance, most of the loud booing subsided and the crowd applauded the young singer, as this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SWlZ6hn_SRM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a> showed.
Raptors’ Chris Boucher, a Canadian citizen, was asked about the booing after beating the Clippers and whether he’d ever experienced something like it, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/02/sports/toronto-raptors-fans-continue-trend-of-booing-us-national-anthem/?utm_campaign=nypost&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social">New York Post </a>noted.
“No, no, no,” Boucher replied. “But have you ever seen us getting taxed like that?”
A Toronto resident, who was at the game, said that while he doesn’t agree with the tariffs, he also thought the booing was the wrong approach, the AP noted.
“I have a bunch of American family, friends that live in the states that are Americans, we travel to America all the time, but I thought chanting, ‘Canada,’ would be a more appropriate stance,” Joseph Chua explained. “Usually I will stand. I’ve always stood during both anthems. I’ve taken my hat off to show respect to the American national anthem, but today we’re feeling a little bitter about things.”
“We were already talking about what businesses are Canadian, specifically, what are American, specifically, what to avoid,” he added. “When I go grocery shopping, I will definitely be trying to avoid American products and groceries.”

Nashville Predators v Dallas Stars

Canadian Fans Boo U.S. National Anthem At Sporting Events

Canada Fans Booing US National Anthem At Sporting Events

U.S. National Anthem

The <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHL</a> announced that it has postponed Wednesday night’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames due to the fires raging in southern California.
“In light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed,” a <a href="https://media.nhl.com/public/news/18544">statement</a> from the National Hockey League read.
“The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time,” it added. “A makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.”
The <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-closely-monitoring-developments-los-angeles-fires-vikings-rams-playoff-game">National Football League</a> also announced that it was monitoring the situation as it relates to Monday night’s playoffs game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Los Angeles County firefighters have been struggling to battle the blaze thanks to high-speed Santa Ana winds, leading to tens of thousands of evacuations in the Palisades Fire, Hurst Fire, and Eaton Fire, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/multiple-fires-blaze-throughout-la-county-prompting-thousands-of-evacuations">reported</a>.
&#8220;The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,&#8221; the league said.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/">JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN ’25 WITH 25% OFF DAILYWIRE+ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS WITH CODE DW25</a>
The Rams team posted on <a href="https://x.com/RamsNFL/status/1876823423575314666">X</a>, “Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe.”
LA Rams stars Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp praised the first responders trying to battle the blaze.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tonight&#8217;s <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHLFlames</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/LAKings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAKings</a> game has been postponed in light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. A makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed. <a href="https://t.co/IiY8l80RAR">https://t.co/IiY8l80RAR</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ff1TJeU0WD">https://t.co/Ff1TJeU0WD</a>
— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1877082040845119682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
“Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!” <a href="https://x.com/AsapPuka/status/1877043154127327302">Nacua wrote</a>.
“Our thoughts and prayers  are with everyone affected by the fires,” <a href="https://x.com/CooperKupp/status/1877074720283119897">Kupp</a> added. &#8220;Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.&#8221;
Dozens of stars are part of the thousands who were forced to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/multiple-fires-blaze-throughout-la-county-prompting-thousands-of-evacuations">evacuate</a> their homes in the area. <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/james-woods">James Woods</a>, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/mark-hamill">Mark Hamill</a>, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/mandy-moore">Mandy Moore</a>, and others have opened up on social media about leaving and losing their homes as the wildfires continue to burn, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hollywood-stars-talk-leaving-and-losing-homes-as-socal-fires-continue-to-burn">reported</a>.
Woods initially posted on <a href="https://x.com/RealJamesWoods/status/1876780073845408023">X</a> that he had safely evacuated the area, only to share later that his home was gone.
Later Tuesday night during an appearance on CNN, the actor broke down talking about the fire that had burned up his entire street, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mark-hamill-la-fire-malibu-evacuation-dog-trixie-1236104022/">according</a> to The Hollywood Reporter.
“There was so much chaos, it was like an inferno. Every house was on fire around us,” Woods said. “We were evacuated with the clothes on our back. One day you are swimming in your pool, and the next day it’s all gone.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/sag-awards-live-announcement-canceled-due-to-los-angeles-area-fires">Numerous premieres in Hollywood were canceled</a> due to the fires, including Universal’s “Wolf Man” and Paramount Pictures’ “Better Man,” The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/los-angeles-wind-storm-fires-pacific-palisades-celebrities-1236103557/">Hollywood Reporter</a> noted.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/multiple-fires-blaze-throughout-la-county-prompting-thousands-of-evacuations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Multiple Fires Blaze Throughout L.A. County Prompting Thousands Of Evacuations</a>

Powerful Winds Fuel Multiple Fires Across Los Angeles Area

NHL Postpones Kings-Flames Game Due To Raging SoCal Fires; NFL Monitoring Situation For Playoffs

Fire

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Rams

Natural Disaster

Playoffs

Actor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/will-ferrell">Will Ferrell</a> turned a few heads on Sunday when he showed up to an <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/nhl">NHL</a> game between the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers dressed in his costume from the popular 2003 Christmas comedy “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/movies">Elf</a>.”
The 57-year-old comedian donned his Buddy the Elf costume but not his demeanor, as multiple snapshots show Ferrell looking grim and watching the game with what appeared to be an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips. The actor attended the game at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena with his wife, Viveca Paulin, and their son Axel, 14, per <a href="https://people.com/will-ferrell-buddy-the-elf-smoking-drinking-grumpy-nhl-hockey-game-photos-8767408" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a>.
FanDuel Sports Network broadcaster Carrlyn Bathe reported live from the game saying she spoke to Ferrell, who reportedly said “it was a tough holiday season” and “he’s looking for a Kings win.” Ultimately, the actor got his wish as the Kings beat the Flyers 5-4.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Buddy the Elf isn&#8217;t looking too good these days&#8230; 😭🤣 <a href="https://t.co/tGgo6KGFSf">pic.twitter.com/tGgo6KGFSf</a>
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1873568394337026186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Elf” has become a Christmastime staple. It follows a human named Buddy (Ferrell) who is adopted by elves after sneaking into Santa’s sack while he’s visiting an orphanage. Chaos ensues when Buddy travels to New York City during the holiday season to meet his birth father, book publisher Walter Hobbs (James Caan).
Buddy is known for being childlike, exuberant, naive, and full of over-the-top Christmas spirit. He’s thrust into many uncomfortable situations with jaded New Yorkers, but over the course of the film, he teaches them to embrace Christmas magic. 
The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing $220 million worldwide against a $33 million budget. Ferrell was specifically praised for his depiction of Buddy.
Ferrell turned down an “Elf” sequel and an offer of $29 million to reprise his starring role. “I would have had to promote the movie from an honest place, which would’ve been, like, ‘Oh no, it’s not good,’” Ferrell explained. “And I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words? I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie,’” he <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/will-ferrell-rejected-elf-2-offer-no-regrets-1234675076/">said</a> in 2021, per <a href="https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/will-ferrell-rejected-elf-2-offer-no-regrets-1234675076/">IndieWire</a>.
The “SNL” alum told <a href="https://people.com/will-ferrell-says-he-feels-so-lucky-to-have-done-elf-exclusive-8752585">People</a> earlier this month that he’s proud of the film&#8217;s impact. &#8220;It&#8217;s really quite special,&#8221; the actor said. &#8220;I mean, it continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and it continues to kind of entrench itself as kind of a holiday classic for people. I&#8217;m so lucky to have a movie like that in my catalog.&#8221;

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell Attends NHL Game In ‘Elf’ Costume, With A Cigarette And A Frown

Will Ferrell Attends NHL Game In 'Elf' Costume, With A Cigarette And A Frown

California

Celebrities

comedian

Entertainment

President-elect <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a> urged hockey legend Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canada</a> on Wednesday, saying that he would win easily without even campaigning. 
Trump, who met with Gretzky on Christmas, said that the hockey player didn’t appear to have any interest in running, but that Canadians should start a campaign to convince him to run. Gretzky, who played 20 seasons in the NHL, won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and holds numerous professional hockey records.  
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113715216746072252">posted</a> on Truth Social. “I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada — You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.’”
“He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!” he added. 
In addition to playing for the Oilers, Gretzky played for the Los Angeles Kings, the St. Louis Blues, and the New York Rangers.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/">50% OFF ALL DAILY WIRE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS FOR A LIMITED TIME!</a>
Trump&#8217;s endorsement of Gretzky comes as he has continued to troll liberal Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the past month. During a meeting with Trudeau earlier this month, Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-calls-trudeau-governor-of-the-great-state-of-canada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> told the Canadian leader that if his country couldn’t afford to pay a potential tariff, it should consider becoming the 51st state. 
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all! DJT,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113626786987358864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> earlier this month. 
Trudeau had <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-canadas-trudeau-makes-commitment-to-u-s-during-mar-a-lago-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">met</a> with Trump a few days after the incoming president threatened to levy a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico unless the countries worked on securing their borders with the U.S. and cracking down on drug trafficking and illegal immigration in America.
New polls from Canada show that Trudeau is becoming increasingly unpopular, with one poll <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/americas/justin-trudeau-canada-popularity.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">showing</a> that 73% of Canadians believe he should resign as the leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau, who has led Canada since 2015, has faced criticism for his handling of immigration, the economy, and focusing on leftist climate initiatives.

Edmonton Oilers v New Jersey Devils

Trump Urges Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky To Challenge Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau

Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew died in an &#8220;unimaginable tragedy&#8221; on Thursday night when they were struck by a vehicle while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, and Matthew, a former minor league hockey player, were hit from behind by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, who police suspect was under the influence of alcohol, ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/41053342/blue-jackets-winger-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-die" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. According to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nhl/article-13796559/nhl-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-killed-columbus-blue-jackets.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Mail</a>, the fatal accident occurred on the eve of the Gaudreaus&#8217; sister Katie&#8217;s wedding.
Police said the driver of the Jeep was attempting to pass a vehicle on the right that had moved over to make room for the Gaudreau brothers. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
The Blue Jackets released a <a href="https://x.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1829481858968535120" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> after the deaths of Johnny and Matthew, calling the accident an &#8220;unimaginable tragedy.&#8221;
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724361346607000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZhyOQfEkxcMH_D1Ago3CQ">Tickets for “Am I Racist?” are on sale NOW! Buy here for a theater near you.</a>
&#8220;Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,&#8221; the team said. &#8220;He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.&#8221;
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children — an almost 2-year-old and a 6-month-old baby. The couple married in 2021.
&#8220;While Johnny&#8217;s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname &#8216;Johnny Hockey,&#8217; he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,&#8221; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
<a href="http://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1724211156439000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xQ8bdTcpfdrPBAzczIuck">WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI</a>
Both brothers played collegiate hockey for Boston College. Johnny led the Eagles to a national championship in 2012, and in 2014, he won the award for the top college hockey player in the country. Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He played nine seasons in Calgary before signing with Columbus before the 2022-2023 season. Johnny was an All-Star in 2023. Matthew most recently played for the Worcester Railers in the ECHL in the 2021-2022 season.

Johnny Gaudreau

Star NHL Player And His Brother Die In Bicycle Accident Day Before Sister’s Wedding

Star NHL Player And His Brother Die In Bicycle Accident Day Before Sister's Wedding

Death

New Jersey

Former <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHL</a> Pittsburgh Penguin&#8217;s star Konstantin Koltsov has died, according to his former Russian hockey club Salavat Yulaev. He was 42.
The Miami-Dade police department has labeled the Koltsov&#8217;s death an &#8220;apparent suicide&#8221; and said that &#8220;no foul play is suspected,&#8221; the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/19/sports/konstantin-koltsov-former-nhl-player-and-boyfriend-of-sabalenka-dead-at-42/">New York Post</a> reported.
Police and emergency personnel said they were called out in the early morning hours on Monday to the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami Beach, Florida, after a man had jumped from a balcony.
&#8220;It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the coach of Salavat Yulaev, Konstantin Koltsov, has passed away,&#8221; the team said in a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-13213319/Aryna-Sabalenka-boyfriend-cause-death-revealed.html">statement</a>.
&#8220;He was a strong and cheerful person, he was loved and respected by players, colleagues, and fans,&#8221; the statement added. &#8220;Konstantin Evgenievich forever wrote himself into the history of our club.&#8221;
&#8220;Koltsov won the Russian Championship and the Gagarin Cup as part of Salavat Yulaev, and did a great job on the team&#8217;s coaching staff,&#8221; the statement continued. &#8220;May his memory burn bright.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tennis world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka&#8217;s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov jumped from a balcony of a five-star hotel and &#8216;died by suicide&#8217; in Miami, police say, despite reports in Belarus claiming he had a &#8216;blood clot&#8217; <a href="https://t.co/ifWrAqUfmH">https://t.co/ifWrAqUfmH</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWFCbostrh">pic.twitter.com/lWFCbostrh</a>
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1770129896708174278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
Kolstov had been dating 25-year-old Belarusian professional tennis player Aryna Sabalenka. The pair had been together for three years after first being linked in 2021, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-13213319/Aryna-Sabalenka-boyfriend-cause-death-revealed.html">the Daily Mail</a> noted. The tennis star had been in Miami ahead of the Miami Open, where she is seeded second.
The Russian hockey player&#8217;s death comes five years after Sabalenka lost her father Sergey, who also played professional hockey, in 2019. He was 43.
<a href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-describedby="sk-tooltip-9096" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://onelink.to/dwapp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1700760801843000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PQrVSrJfhxNb4LcARqniG">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP</a>
Over the last few years, the tennis star has posted pictures on Instagram of the two spending time together at various locations. In one post dated last April, from the hockey star&#8217;s birthday, she wrote, &#8220;I love you [koltsov2021]. Happy birthday my love.&#8221;
&#8220;You are my dearest person, my best friend and my strongest support,&#8221; the post added. &#8220;Peace be with you , strength, patience and health. I hope we will have everything we planned. I love you.&#8221;
On International Women&#8217;s Day, Koltsov took to his social media and posted pictures of Sabalenka and wrote, &#8220;Happy holiday, my love, I love you madly.&#8221;
In January, Kolstov was in Melbourne where he attended Sabalenka&#8217;s Australian Open victory, <a href="https://theathletic.com/5352870/2024/03/19/konstantin-koltsov-dies-aryna-sabalenka/">the Athletic</a> noted.
Koltsov is believed to have three sons from his previous relationship with his ex-wife, the Daily Mail noted.

Konstantin Koltsov #71

Former NHL Player, Boyfriend Of Tennis Star, Dead At 42

World

The National Hockey League and its Washington Capitals could face a congressional probe after the hockey franchise took money from Qatar, which backs Hamas, and the league ignored pleas from the parents of a hostage begging it to use its leverage to free him.
&#8220;Without Qatar’s assistance, the horrors of October 7 may never have occurred. Hamas leaders not only planned the unprecedented terror campaign from luxury villas and penthouse suites in Doha—provided to them by the State of Qatar—but they have been allowed to promote blood libels daily since October 7 on Al Jazeera,&#8221; Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), wrote <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-81ab-d6f1-a3af-8dbf14dc0000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to Monumental Sports Entertainment</a> (MSE), which owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards, and <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-81ab-de03-a9eb-8dffa9c30000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the NHL</a>.
The Daily Wire reported last week that American Hersh Goldberg-Polin had his arm blown off by Hamas terrorists and is currently being held hostage. His parents, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, wrote to NHL Commissioner Gary Bruce Bettman to ask for help based on the business relationship, but they received <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-harboring-qatar-set-to-buy-dc-sports-franchises-parents-of-hostage-plead-with-leagues-for-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no response</a>.
&#8220;While the Qataris have sought accolades for supposedly securing the recent release of four hostages, over 98% of those taken hostage by Hamas remain in captivity inside Gaza,&#8221; Bergman wrote, &#8220;while Hamas leaders remain free to continue planning and orchestrating further terrorist attacks on the Jewish state.&#8221;
&#8220;Despite the murder of over 1,300 — including 30 Americans — and the kidnapping of at least another 200, MSE’s corporate spokeswoman last week defiantly declared that MSE needed to go forward with the investment from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to improve the &#8216;fan experience&#8217; by having Capital One Arena sell better food and improve the &#8216;sh**ty lighting,'&#8221; he wrote, citing The Daily Wire&#8217;s story.
READ MORE: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-harboring-qatar-set-to-buy-dc-sports-franchises-parents-of-hostage-plead-with-leagues-for-help">Parents Of Hostage Plead With NHL Team Owned By Hamas Sponsor Qatar</a>
&#8220;I think I speak for most of my colleagues that such comments are callous and deeply troubling. Even worse was the apparent lack of concern expressed by MSE for those murdered or those still held hostage by Qatar-sponsored Hamas,&#8221; he said.
In a <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000018b-825e-d6f1-a3af-8edebbb40000">response</a> to Bergman obtained by <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2023/10/30/meet-the-k-streeter-who-knows-what-susan-cole-just-went-through-00124350">Politico</a>, Monumental president of external affairs Monica Dixon said that Qatar&#8217;s purchase of 5% of the sports franchise was finalized in July and it was too late to do anything.
In an interview with The Daily Wire last week, Monumental spokeswoman Anu Rangappa also said there was no way out of the deal, even though even American majority owners of sports teams have been forced to sell over anti-black racism. Sports leagues operate as cooperatives where owners of other teams can exert control over who owns any one team.
“They’re not trying to gain any influence in any way,” said Rangappa, a former Clinton White House and Democratic National Committee official, said of the Qataris.
David Zimmerman, chief legal officer of the <a href="https://static.politico.com/93/42/434299fc45e19d67199c8011dd8b/scanned-from-a-xerox-multifunction-printer-1.pdf">NHL, wrote</a> to Bergman that &#8220;our understanding is that the State Department describes Qatar as an ally and a strategic partner,&#8221; even though the country has said that Israel is &#8220;solely responsible&#8221; for the terrorist attacks against it.
He said that the NHL acknowledges that Hamas committed terrorism but that Qatar&#8217;s investment in the Washington sports teams is &#8220;infinitesimal,&#8221; and it wonders why it is a &#8220;focal point.&#8221;
Bergman&#8217;s letter said the reason for Qatar&#8217;s interest in Washington&#8217;s teams is obvious — it is the nation&#8217;s capital, and the acquisition is in line with a concerted effort to influence centers of power.
&#8220;Since 2017, Qatar has hired at least 100 different firms for lobbying and public relations, according to the Foreign Agents Registration Act database. The State of Qatar has also lavished <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/qatar-which-funds-and-harbors-hamas-has-liberal-universities-on-its-payroll" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tens of millions of dollars</a> on non-profit think tanks inside Washington, DC,&#8221; Bergman wrote.
Qatar&#8217;s misdeeds have &#8220;no doubt been minimized and overlooked at least in part because of Qatar’s extraordinary political reach inside Washington, DC. And now, MSE is providing the State of Qatar with an incredibly powerful new tool to strengthen the tiny emirate’s grip on Washington, D.C. even further,&#8221; he wrote.
The NHL and Monumental &#8220;have an opportunity to take a stand and reject the Qatari money that far too many companies have been willing to accept. If you refuse to do so, please preserve all documents and communications related to QIA’s planned investment into MSE for a potential Congressional investigation,&#8221; he wrote.
The NHL replied, &#8220;We would, of course, be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary if the U.S. government were to sanction or prohibit QIA investments in the United States.&#8221;

The NHL March during the NYC Pride Parade on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)

Congressman Blasts ‘Callous’ Washington Capitals For Taking Money From Hamas-Supporting Qatar

Israel

Qatar

Police said Monday that they are investigating the death of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson, 29, who died during an Elite Ice Hockey League game on Saturday.
Reports and graphic video indicate Johnson collided with another player during a game in England and suffered a cut to the neck from a skate, NHL.com <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/former-pittsburgh-penguins-player-adam-johnson-dies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
The South Yorkshire Police, who were called to the scene on Saturday, are investigating the incident.
&#8220;Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,&#8221; a statement said, according to Fox News. &#8220;We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.&#8221;
Johnson&#8217;s team, the Nottingham Panthers, have called the fatal collision a &#8220;freak accident.&#8221;
&#8220;The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,&#8221; the team said in a statement posted Sunday. &#8220;The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam&#8217;s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time.
&#8220;Everyone at the club including players, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam&#8217;s passing,&#8221; the Panthers added. &#8220;Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today&#8217;s news.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. <a href="https://t.co/lhSOkDu03Q">pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q</a>
&mdash; The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersIHC/status/1718550740028039300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<div class="d3-l-grid--outer ">
<div class="nhl-c-article__body d3-l-grid--inner">
<div class="d3-l-col__col-12 ">
The Elite Ice Hockey League, likewise, called the incident a &#8220;freak accident.&#8221;
&#8220;The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers,&#8221; the league said, adding that further games over the weekend would be postponed.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers. <a href="https://t.co/9MtTzvmojM">pic.twitter.com/9MtTzvmojM</a>
&mdash; Elite Ice Hockey League | #EIHL (@officialEIHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/officialEIHL/status/1718553486143476031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Johnson&#8217;s girlfriend, Ryan Wolf, was <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/girlfriend-dead-ex-nhl-player-shares-heartbreaking-message-police-investigate-freak-accident" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> at the game and witnessed the injury. She ran onto the ice after the collision.
&#8220;My sweet angel,&#8221; Wolf wrote in the post honoring Johnson via Instagram. &#8220;I’ll miss you forever and love you always.&#8221;
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://onelink.to/dwapp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://onelink.to/dwapp" data-sk="tooltip_parent">CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP</a>
</div>
The Pittsburgh Penguins also issued a post about Johnson&#8217;s passing.
&#8220;The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon,&#8221; the team said Sunday. &#8220;We offer our deepest condolences to Adam&#8217;s family and friends, as well as all of Adam&#8217;s past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family.&#8221;
&#8220;It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League,&#8221; the Penguins added.
</div>
</div>

Pittsburgh Penguins Left Wing Adam Johnson

Police Investigating Death Of Former Pittsburgh Penguin Forward After Fatal Collision During Game

Police Investigating Death Of Former Pittsburgh Penguin Forward Adam Johnson After Fatal Collision During Game 

England

Pittsburgh

The leadership of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hamas">Hamas</a> operates out of Qatar, which finances and protects the terrorist group. Yet the owner of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards sports franchises this year announced a deal to sell the foreign nation a 5% stake in the teams.
Now the parents of an American who is being held hostage by Hamas are pleading with the NHL to use its leverage to help get their son home safe — a cry that so far has fallen on deaf ears.
The league typically has veto power over any team&#8217;s ownership moves, the parents wrote.
“The NHL has a unique and powerful opportunity to help our son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is being held hostage in Gaza,&#8221; Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg wrote to NHL Commissioner Gary Bruce Bettman and his top lieutenants this week. &#8220;He was abducted from a music festival on Saturday October 7th after having his left arm blown off under heavy grenade and gunfire… Medical experts have told us that without immediate medical care, our son might not be able to last much longer.&#8221;
“As we understand it, the NHL is currently doing due diligence on the proposed purchase of 5% of the Washington Capitals by the Qatar Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund of the country that harbors and sponsors Hamas&#8217; top leadership,” they wrote in the email, which was obtained by The Daily Wire.
The parents argue that Qatar has failed to take steps to fight Hamas, yet is being welcomed into the NHL. They believe the league should exert pressure on the oil-rich country, which spends a fortune in the United States to garner influence in the West.
“It is unconscionable that Qatar can refuse to arrest Hamas leaders and yet be welcomed into the ownership not just of a pillar of American society like the NHL, but specifically as part owners of the only NHL franchise based in our nation&#8217;s capital,&#8221; they say in the email. &#8220;Extensive reporting in recent years has detailed how Qatar has spent untold millions on lobbyists and PR flaks; the NHL may be enabling sponsors of Hamas to increase their already remarkable political influence in the U.S.”
“We believe that buying into the NHL, and into Washington, DC in particular, is a top priority for the State of Qatar. Thus, pressure from the NHL on Qatar might be uniquely impactful. While an estimated 150-200 innocent civilians, including 20 Americans besides our son, are being held hostage, the leaders of Hamas ultimately responsible for the kidnappings and the murders of 1,400 innocent souls are living openly in Doha.”
“The choice for the NHL is stark. Why would the NHL want to welcome into its ranks the very people who empower the Hamas leaders to continue overseeing in real time a gruesome and unspeakable terror campaign, including holding Americans and others hostage? Qatar&#8217;s refusal to arrest Hamas leaders should be a red line for the NHL. Only once Hamas leaders in Doha lose their freedom can the hostages in Gaza, including our son Hersh, gain theirs,” the letter concluded.
No one from the NHL responded to the terrified parents&#8217; letter, according to a source familiar with the matter. The NHL did not return a request for comment from The Daily Wire.
Monumental Sports and Entertainment owns D.C.-area sports properties including the Capitals, basketball’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Mystics, and the Capital One Arena where they all play.
Anu Rangappa, a spokeswoman for Monumental, said the deal has already closed and cannot be undone.
Asked about Qatar’s funding of Hamas, she told The Daily Wire “but this is also about the fan experience. Have you ever been to Capital One Arena? Have you ever thought, why isn’t the food better here, or why is there shitty lighting here? In order to do that, we need to find new partners.”
“They’re not trying to gain any influence in any way,” she said of the Qataris. She said the Qataris were only interested in a savvy investment—but also said that the Capitals lose money.
Asked about whether&#8211;even if the Capitals and Wizards felt they needed more capital&#8211;there was an assessment of value alignment before taking someone’s money, she said “the pool is dwindling [when it comes to people who can or will fund big-name sports franchises], you’re looking at billionaires, or hedge funds, or sovereign wealth funds.”
Asked whether, if funding Hamas was not a reason to refuse someone’s money, there was anyone’s money who Monumental would not accept, she said “I can’t answer a hypothetical.” She said she didn&#8217;t know whether Monumental would ask its business partner to secure the release of American hostages.
On being business parters with a country that keeps 95% of its workers in slavery-like conditions, with thousands of Nepalese indentured servants dying building its World Cup stadium, Rangappa said “I’m not going to make a commentary on that.”
Before working for Monumental, Rangappa worked for the Clinton White House, the Democratic National Committee, and the John Kerry and Al Gore campaigns.
Monumental was founded by former AOL executive Ted Leonsis and Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple’s Steve Jobs, is also a co-owner.
Qatar spends millions of dollars attempting to present a moderate face to the West and to influence international politics, even as it engages with extremists and 95% of its labor force is comprised of indentured servants from Nepal and other countries. Qatar says Israel is &#8220;solely responsible&#8221; for the terrorist attacks on it.
In November 2022, the NBA permitted “sovereign wealth funds” to purchase minority stakes in teams, subject to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35192442/the-hoop-collective-sovereign-wealth-funds-signal-new-era-nba-ownership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“significant vetting.”</a> Other sports leagues soon followed.
In June, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-investment-authority-buys-wizards-capitals-9e2d9e6246f79b5265e9891b29cae690" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Associated Press</a> reported that Qatar&#8217;s sovereign wealth fund, the QIA, would be the first to do so, buying a 5% stake in Monumental for some $200 million. “The NBA Board is currently reviewing a potential investment by QIA in Monumental Sports &amp; Entertainment, the parent company of the Washington Wizards,&#8221; spokesman Mike Bass said at the time.
&#8220;NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told the AP the league had already approved the investment,&#8221; the report said.
Monumental <a href="https://monumentalsports.com/2023/07/monumental-sports-entertainment-announces-qatar-investment-authority-as-minority-investor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced the deal </a><a href="https://monumentalsports.com/2023/07/monumental-sports-entertainment-announces-qatar-investment-authority-as-minority-investor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with Qatar in July</a> in a press release that seemed to highlight how Qatar is interested not just in any sports teams, but in the nation’s political capital specifically. It noted that Qatar is also the principal owner of a large residential and commercial sector of Washington, D.C. a few blocks from the stadium.
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/07/07/capitals-wizards-mystics-owner-qatar-sportswashing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Post&#8217;s</a> editorial board said at the time that Qatar is seeking &#8220;proximity to all the powerful people in Washington&#8221; and that Monumental should &#8220;expect the community to object when it does business with an authoritarian regime opposed to those same values.&#8221;
Sports leagues are generally set up so that owners of other teams, collectively, can block or force sales of any one time.
Last year, Phoenix Suns owner <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34637020/robert-sarver-selling-phoenix-suns-nba-work-done">Robert Sarver</a> was pressured to sell after allegations of racism. Former LA Clippers basketball team owner <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27414482/when-donald-sterling-saga-rocked-nba-changed-forever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Sterling</a> was forced to sell the team for making a racist remark about blacks. Football owners contemplated forcing the owner of Washington’s football team to sell following reports about a culture of sexual harassment, a situation that ended in <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35904912/commanders-owner-dan-snyder-tumultuous-tenure-washington" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dan Synder selling</a>.
The WNBA and NBA players lobbied aggressively to secure the release of <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/wnbas-brittney-griner-detained-in-russia-everything-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brittney Griner</a>, who was jailed in Russia for drug possession. President Joe Biden ultimately traded a convicted arms dealer for her release.
The NHL has aggressively pushed <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nhl-showcases-transgender-nonbinary-hockey-tournament-responds-criticism-twitter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transgenderism</a>, while cementing a deal with a country where homosexuality is a crime. And this month, the NBA issued a statement saying &#8220;The NBA and NBPA mourn the horrific loss of life in Israel and <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-nbpa-issue-statement-on-israel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">condemn these acts of terrorism</a>. We stand with the people of Israel and pray for peace for the entire region.&#8221; The NHL put out a <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1711454234502197688" target="_blank" rel="noopener">virtually identical</a> statement.
But to the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, those statements ring as hollow virtue-signaling, as the sports groups do business with those funding that terrorism.

Parents Of Hostage Plead With NHL Team Owned By Hamas Sponsor Qatar

Hamas

Menu

NHL