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.
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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

Sports

U.S.

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.
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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

Canada

Donald Trump

Hockey

Justin Trudeau

Tariffs

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;
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&#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

General

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.
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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>
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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.
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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>
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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;
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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.
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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

One professional sports league is taking a step to stop politics from distracting from the game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday that teams will no longer wear specialty sweaters during warmups, such as those worn in celebration of LGBTQ Pride, because &#8220;it&#8217;s become a distraction,&#8221; ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/37901150/nhl-commissioner-no-more-specialty-sweaters-warmups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>. Multiple players <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/against-our-christian-beliefs-two-nhl-brothers-refuse-to-wear-lgbtq-sweater" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refused</a> to don the sweaters celebrating the LGBTQ agenda during the season, with some citing their Christian beliefs and others fearing backlash from their home country of Russia. 
&#8220;I&#8217;ve suggested that it would be appropriate for clubs not to change their jerseys in warmups because it&#8217;s become a distraction and taking away from the fact that all of our clubs in some form or another host nights in honor of various groups or causes,&#8221; Bettman said in an interview with Sportsnet after meeting with the NHL board of governors. &#8220;And we rather them continue to get the appropriate attention that they deserve and not be a distraction.&#8221;
The board of governors reportedly agreed with Bettman putting a stop to teams wearing the specialty sweaters, but the commissioner said teams can still host politically-focused specialty nights such as Pride Night, Black History Night, and Military Appreciation Night. Teams can also continue to make specialty sweaters for various causes and charities and sell them to fans. 
&#8220;It&#8217;s really just the question of what&#8217;s on the ice,” Bettman said. 
Seven players refused to take part in Pride Night celebrations, an event hosted by all 32 NHL teams over the course of the season. Brothers and Florida Panthers teammates Eric and Marc Staal joined San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov in refusing to wear the Pride sweaters because of their Christian faith. Russian players Ilya Lyubushkin of the Buffalo Sabres, Denis Gurianov of the Montreal Canadiens, and Andrei Kuzmenko of the Vancouver Canucks also said they would not wear the sweaters, according to ESPN. 
The Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks backed out of wearing Pride warmup sweaters. The Blackhawks <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nhl-team-ditches-pride-themed-jerseys-fears-for-russian-players-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cited</a> security concerns for their Russian players.
A group that pushes the NHL to become more inclusive for members of the LGBTQ community was upset with the league’s decision to stop having players wear rainbow-themed sweaters on the ice. 
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&#8220;Today&#8217;s decision means that the over 95 percent of players who chose to wear a Pride jersey to support the community will now not get an opportunity to do so,&#8221; the organization You Can Play said in a statement. &#8220;The work to make locker rooms, board rooms and arenas safer, more diverse, and more inclusive needs to be ongoing and purposeful, and we will continue to work with our partners at the NHL, including individual teams, players, agents and the NHLPA to ensure this critical work continues.&#8221;
Bettman <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nhl-reportedly-considering-dumping-lgbtq-pride-events-at-games">signaled</a> the league would make a decision in this direction earlier this year when he made similar comments while talking to CTV News. 
After players chose not to take the ice for Pride-themed warmup sweaters, the commissioner told CTV News, “This is the first time we’ve experienced that, and I think it’s something that we’re going to have to evaluate in the offseason. This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement.”
“But I think that’s become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well,” he said.

Anaheim Ducks v Philadelphia Flyers

NHL Says No More Specialty Sweaters During Warmups After ‘Pride’ Celebration Backlash: ‘It’s Become A Distraction’

NHL Says No More Specialty Sweaters During Warmups After 'Pride' Celebration Backlash: 'It's Become A Distraction'

Pride

Social Issues

Wokeness

As far as Democratic-run events go, the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/babbling-biden-muses-about-2024-run-im-the-guy-whos-pushing-out-eggs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White House Easter</a> Egg Roll on Monday was pretty tame and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/just-be-normal-desantis-winning-political-message" target="_blank" rel="noopener">normal</a>. There were no drag queens, no displays of outright contempt for Christianity, and it included one of President Joe Biden&#8217;s classic senior moments:
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Roker: &quot;Are you saying that you would be taking part in our 2024 election?&quot;
Biden: “Well I’ll either, I’ll either be rolling egg or uh, being the guy, you know, the guy who’s pushing &#39;em out.”<a href="https://t.co/7OrlUaimI3">pic.twitter.com/7OrlUaimI3</a>
&mdash; Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDailyWire/status/1645438019657256965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Then that rambunctious Gritty from the Philadelphia Flyers had to twerk.
&#8220;The white house was NOT ready for this twerk,&#8221; one of the most famous, or infamous depending on your persuasion, mascots tweeted.
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the white house was NOT ready for this twerk <a href="https://t.co/xg97pWHCJ1">pic.twitter.com/xg97pWHCJ1</a>
&mdash; Gritty (@GrittyNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrittyNHL/status/1645515806875238402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In the background, somebody can be heard saying, &#8220;All right now &#8230; Stop doing that.&#8221; The three Easter bunnies seemed too stunned to speak.
Now, many believe that there is a time and a place for twerking. Some like to do it at <a href="https://twitter.com/sav_says_/status/1323828914180001793?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BLM riots</a>. Others do it at <a href="https://twitter.com/1Fubar/status/1540529786053066753?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abortion rallies</a>. Neither of those events is this author&#8217;s cup of tea — and neither is twerking for that matter — but it is safe to say that a White House Easter Egg Roll meant for families is not the place to shake your tail-feather the way Gritty did it.
As conservative Jim Hanson put it, &#8220;It&#8217;s a children&#8217;s event scumbag.&#8221;
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Nor should they be It&#39;s a children&#39;s event scumbag <a href="https://t.co/oaiob974Js">https://t.co/oaiob974Js</a>
&mdash; Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimHansonDC/status/1645869921165881344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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It should be noted that the theme of the egg roll was &#8220;eggucation.&#8221;
&#8220;Today was a beautiful day for the Easter &#8216;EGGucation&#8217; Roll,&#8221; first lady Jill Biden tweeted. &#8220;As a teacher, it meant the world to me to have families enjoy a fun-filled day of learning and exploring at the White House.&#8221;
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Today was a beautiful day for the Easter “EGGucation” Roll. 
As a teacher, it meant the world to me to have families enjoy a fun-filled day of learning and exploring at the White House. <a href="https://t.co/KQC52QYD18">pic.twitter.com/KQC52QYD18</a>
&mdash; Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1645555212516577291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Maybe it is no surprise that a representative of the City of Brotherly Love disgraced the White House. Philly fans beat up Santa Claus, for Pete&#8217;s sake. They aren&#8217;t exactly known for being members of polite society.
Yet if there is one silver lining in any of this, we all received a valuable lesson this week: You can pay for &#8220;eggucation,&#8221; but you can&#8217;t buy class.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Joe Biden, Easter Bunny, Gritty

Why Did Gritty Have To Twerk At The White House Easter Egg Roll?

Dance

Executive

White House

The Nashville Predators honored the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/police-identify-victims-in-nashville-christian-school-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six victims</a> of the Covenant School mass shooting and the numerous first responders who rushed to the tragedy.
Before the Predators took the ice to face the St. Louis Blues Saturday afternoon, the team showed the names of the school shooting victims on the big screen at Bridgestone Arena and held a moment of silence. Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, as well as adults Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, were murdered after a trans-identifying woman shot her way into the Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school, Monday morning.
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Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/PredsNHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PredsNHL</a> for inviting the Covenant School first responding officers to today&#39;s game that honored each of the six victims. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NashvilleStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NashvilleStrong</a> <a href="https://t.co/LSY7ogs05K">pic.twitter.com/LSY7ogs05K</a>
&mdash; Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNPDNashville/status/1642316274792296449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The hockey team also honored the first responders who quickly reached the scene, killed the shooter, and secured the school 14 minutes after the first <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/authorities-release-911-calls-made-during-nashville-christian-school-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">911 call</a> was made. Officers <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marine-corps-vet-and-commended-cop-meet-the-heroic-officers-who-took-down-the-nashville-shooter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo</a> led a team of cops from the Metro Nashville Police Department through the school, confronted the shooter on the second floor of the building, and took her out minutes after arriving on the scene.
On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins hosted the Predators and <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-11916087/NHLs-Predators-honor-Nashville-shooting-victims-helmet-stickers-minutes-silence.html?ito=social-twitter_mailonline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">honored</a> the victims of the shooting and the Covenant School community by wearing the school’s logo on their helmets. Boston also held a moment of silence with the names of the victims on the jumbotron before the opening faceoff.
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Bruins, Predators honor Nashville school shooting victims with moment of silence, helmet decals <a href="https://t.co/AzjItqk45k">https://t.co/AzjItqk45k</a> <a href="https://t.co/idI13QRj9h">pic.twitter.com/idI13QRj9h</a>
&mdash; Boston.com (@BostonDotCom) <a href="https://twitter.com/BostonDotCom/status/1640864182865100801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The Nashville Predators are playing in Boston tonight.
The Bruins held a moment of silence before the game to honor the victims of the Covenant School shooting
🎥: <a href="https://twitter.com/PredsOnBally?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PredsOnBally</a> <a href="https://t.co/q6TCkyYruZ">pic.twitter.com/q6TCkyYruZ</a>
&mdash; CBS Sports (@CBSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSports/status/1640875334068256771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Nashville defenseman Ryan McDonaugh stayed home with his three daughters on Monday, opting to be with them instead of his team as their school was placed on lockdown during and after the Covenant School shooting.
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“It&#8217;s not really the first shooting, unfortunately. When you have kids and it happens close to home it hits definitely different,” McDonagh said. “Like any parent, you do anything you can to help your family and kids out.”
The Predators beat the Bruins 2-1 on Tuesday and won again 6-1 against the Blues on Saturday.

The Covenant School

Nashville Preds Honor Victims, First Responders Of Christian School Shooting

Nashville

School Shooting

Tennessee

The NHL’s Vancouver Canucks have announced that before their game against the Calgary Flames on Friday night, the team will feature a drag show as part of Pride night.
The drag show will include Vancouver-based performers Mx.Bukuru, Carrie Oki Doki, Xanax, and Jerrilynn Spears, as part of “Pride Party on the Plaza,” the team’s <a href="https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-to-celebrate-the-2slgbtqia-community-at-pride-night/c-342877804?tid=282299668" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> states. The team adds that the players will wear “Pride themed warmup jerseys designed by a local artist” and that “drag show performers featured on the Plaza will join us inside at the Stanley Park Brewing activation in Section 111.”
“The opportunity to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is very important to our entire organization,” said Michael Doyle, president of the team&#8217;s entertainment and business operations. “Pride night and all the incredible activities that highlight this evening, is special for a number of reasons. Besides raising awareness and understanding, it also lets our fan base know that everyone is welcome here at Rogers Arena. Our club believes strongly in diversity and inclusion, and we look forward to celebrating these core values with our community.”
“2SLGBTQIA+ represents two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and additional sexual orientations and gender identities,” the team’s website explains.
Meanwhile, in the wake of several NHL players refusing to wear pride-themed attire, the league is <a href="https://www.habsfanatics.com/Gary-Bettman-Makes-A-Big-Statement-About-The-Future-Of-Pride-Night-221933" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly considering</a> shelving Pride night events at its games.
Last week, two brothers who are teammates on the NHL’s Florida Panthers refused to wear a pride-themed sweater during the team’s warmup skate, citing their religious beliefs. Eric and Marc Staal joined San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov, who had also refused to take part in warmups with pride-themed jerseys.
On Monday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman seemingly suggested the league might jettison their pride events, telling CTV News, “This is the first time we&#8217;ve experienced that, and I think it&#8217;s something that we&#8217;re going to have to evaluate in the offseason. This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement.”
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“But I think that&#8217;s become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well,” he continued.
Related: <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/nhl-reportedly-considering-dumping-lgbtq-pride-events-at-games/">NHL Reportedly Considering Dumping LGBTQ Pride Events At Games</a>

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