Here are all the links from around the hockey world, and what I’m reading while still working through high school hockey equipment smell that’s invaded the Bruins dressing room at development camp. One of the upsides with the pros and their brand new equipment.
*Congrats to Bruins alumnus and all-around gentleman Willie O’Ree for being inducted into the 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame class. After being the first black player to break the NHL’s color barrier in 1958, it’s actually pretty surprising that this courageous trailblazer wasn’t already long ago invited into the Hall. But credit the Hall of Fame for finally recognizing the omission and selecting him in the builder category as he’s inspired others, opened doors and become a wonderful ambassador to the game of hockey long after his playing days had ended. There’s a mural that wraps around the top of the wall in the Bruins dressing room with portraits of each Bruins Hall of Famer in the storied history of the Original Six franchise. I’m really looking forward to O’Ree’s portrait getting added to the rest of the Hall of Famers that make up a Who’s Who of the Boston Bruins over the years.
*Speaking of the Hall of Fame, current NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is also being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame this upcoming season. Is it my imagination, or does that usually happen with commissioners after they retire?
*Carolina Hurricanes owner Tum Dundon is certainly doing his best to bring the Hurricanes back from anonymity, but the question remains whether it’s wise for an owner with zero NHL experience to be the front man for all of that.
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*Apparently New York and their bagel makers are pulling out all the stops to keep John Tavares with the New York Islanders. As long as they make poppy bagels, that’d be enough for me to sign on the dotted line.
*What a sad end for noted biter of fingers Alex Burrows, who was bought out by an Ottawa Senators team that continues to clean house.
*For something completely different: Gordon Hayward is giving out health updates everybody!