I always struggle with saying “Happy Memorial Day” because, well, this is a somber weekend for anyone who has lost a friend or family member. On my dad’s side of our family, Bamfords have served in the military for a long time; my dad was the first in a half dozen generations not to (he had polio as a kid and couldn’t). My grandfather served in World War II and then went on to the University of Michigan after the war ended. One of my best friends is currently serving as an officer in the Navy. I remain pretty close with a number of folks who are actively serving.
A friend of mine and high school swim teammate at Hinsdale Central paid the ultimate price a number of years ago while serving. I’m mindful of his family today and other families who cannot spend this day at a barbeque or a parade together. Thank you to those who are serving or have served. Thank you especially to those who have lost a family member or friend while serving.
Tonight, the Vegas Golden Knights have another chance to send the Stars to the golf courses. They’re in Dallas for Game 6 of the Western Conference Final; the Florida Panthers continue to sit back and wait for an opponent in the Stanley Cup Final. What do you think? Does it end tonight?
Jamie Benn will be back for the Stars. Of course, Dallas is 0-3 in the series when their captain dresses and went 2-0 while he was suspended. Maybe they should sit him for a couple more?
There’s another championship team in action tonight. The WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds will play the second game of their Memorial Cup tournament this evening. Blackhawks prospect Nolan Allan scored the game-winner in their first game and Kevin Korchinski picked up an assist while Colton Dach was credited with three shots on net and won five of ten faceoffs. They’ll face a Quebec team that beat Kamloops 8-3 in their first game on Friday night.
Canada won gold at the World Championship on Sunday. There are a few guys who haven’t had the chance to play for Canada on an international stage involved so it was pretty cool seeing their celebrations.
With this gold medal, the likely No. 2 overall pick in this summer’s draft etched his name in the history books. Adam Fantilli, who won gold with Canada at the World Juniors earlier this year and was then named the winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the best men’s hockey player in the NCAA, joined pretty ridiculous company with this addition to his trophy case.
The United States came up short in overtime in the bronze medal game at the World Championship. Latvia, who shocked Sweden to advance to the medal round, pulled off another upset on Sunday morning.
Interesting comments here from Aaron Portzline of The Athletic about a few situations in Columbus. The Blue Jackets own the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, so a lot of the writers in Ohio have been wondering if Leo Carlsson or Fantilli will head to Anaheim. Carlsson out-played Fantilli at the World Juniors and out-produced him in a fairly significant role with Sweden in the recent World Championship. It’s a legit conversation, though I think most of the hockey world assumes Fantilli winds up in Anaheim.
Portzline also notes the Jackets are on the cusp of naming their new head coach. Former Blackhawk Andrew Brunette appears to be a strong candidate for the gig; Portzline named a handful of potential options. One name that comes up that would be a fascinating hire is Patrick Roy. The Hall of Fame netminder is currently coaching the QMJHL Quebec Remparts in the Memorial Cup — they face Seattle tonight.
This is a really nice interview from earlier this weekend. Mason Marchment has become a terrific player in the NHL. His father, Bryan, spent parts of three seasons with the Blackhawks of course (he was traded to Chicago for Troy Murray in 1991 and traded away with Steve Larmer a couple years later). Sadly, Bryan passed away just before the draft last summer; Bryan was a scout for the Sharks. This is certainly worth four or five minutes of your time.
Finally, I would love to see Marcus Stroman stay in Chicago for a while. His vibe is exactly what the Cubs need more of.
NEWSLETTER
