The NHL (National Hockey League) season begins today. Even if you didn’t grow up in a cold weather state where hockey is king, we’ll help you sound like you know your stuff.
The puck stops here,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Ps- We’re presenting this morning at 1 Million Cups. If you’re bored at 9 am CST, you can watch it live on Facebook.
Five things to know about the NHL (National HOckey League)
- This season marks the 100 anniversary of the NHL. In addition to the annual Winter Classic game, the League plans to celebrate with the Centennial Classic on New Year’s Day. The game will be played between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings in Toronto. They will play in BMO Stadium which is outdoors. In Toronto. In January. Brr.
- The Detroit Red Wings have an odd tradition of throwing octopi on the ice. It started as a tradition back in 1952 but don’t try it the next time you’re in Detroit. Throwing octopi is a sure way to get thrown out of the arena.
- The Zamboni is as exciting as the game for fans. A Zamboni is a tractor-like machine used during intermission to resurface the ice (i.e. make it smooth). Have you heard the Zamboni song? If not, listen here. Warning! It will be stuck in your head all day.
- The first hockey puck (used in the 1800s), was reportedly made of frozen cow dung. Now hockey pucks are made of rubber. They’re frozen before the games to keep them from bouncing.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The Stanley Cup is the name of the trophy given to the team that wins it all.
Overview
- There are 30 teams in the league. (A new Las Vegas team will join the league next season). Teams play an 82-game schedule (same as NBA).
- A game consists of three periods of 20 minutes with two intermissions.
- Each team has six players on the ice at a time.
MLB (Major League Baseball)
- Stunner. The Chicago Cubs clinched a spot in the next round of playoffs, beating the San Francisco Giants in a ninth inning comeback. The Cubs will play the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers – Washington Nationals series starting Saturday.
- For all the marbles. The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Washington Nationals last night to force a win-or-go-home Game Five in Washington tomorrow. The winner will move onto the next round of the playoffs.
NCAA Sports (College)
- R.I.P. Today is a sad day as mascots and fans everywhere mourn the death of LSU’s mascot Mike the Tiger. The 11-year-old lost his battle with a rare cancer and was euthanized yesterday. The University of Texas mascot Bevo and fans added flowers to a growing vigil earlier this week when it was revealed that Mike’s cancer had spread.
Overtime
- Despite recently denying he had a girlfriend, U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte announced his engagement to Playboy model Kayla Rae Reid. No word on whether or not the two will be honeymooning in Brazil.
Sideline stat
- 24 years – that’s how long Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) radio announcer Jerry Howarth has not mentioned the team the Indians by name. Howarth revealed he won’t say Cleveland’s baseball team name because it’s offensive to some Native Americans. He made a promise to a fan a long time ago and has stuck to it ever since.
Coaches’ corner
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL) coach Chip Kelly has made the decision to start quarterback Colin Kaepernick in this weekend’s game. Kaepernick has been the back up quarterback all season and has stirred up controversy by kneeling during the National Anthem.