What we are grateful for in hockey in 2021

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, or as it is known in the NHL, “American Thanksgiving.” This means that here is the time for our own annual tradition: for what we are grateful for in hockey.

Since this is the first of these we’ve done since the NHL returned to ESPN broadcasts, we’ve decided to keep it in the family for this edition. Here are some of the voices, analysts, journalists, journalists, and producers behind hockey photography. They praise what they value in the game and what the sport has given them.

Have a great holiday with your ESPN hockey family!

John Buccigross, host, “The Point”

“I am grateful for all the extras in this great game that enriched me and my children’s lives. Zamboni drivers, scoreboard managers, judges who travel to Saturday morning for matches at 7.00. Assistant coaches who don’t know how to skate but help. age when he first gets a backward skating crossover A statistician sitting next to me when I play an NHL game on ESPN And moms who scream louder than everyone else mostly on an empty trough Bar down, hands up, Mom cries I love you everyone. “

“There are so many things I’m grateful for. I think the biggest thing I’m grateful for now is that the arenas are once again at full capacity and fans have returned to places around the league. amazing get the fans back. They make up a large part of the soundtrack from game to game, in turn to experience. I am grateful to see them back in the building. As a broadcaster and a former player, the huge difference is that the fans are in the building. “

Linda Cohn, anchor, co-host of the “In The Crease” podcast

“I’m grateful that the NHL is back on ESPN! There’s no better place to grow this incredible sport. I get to call Mark Messier, my biggest team leader and favorite player of all time, my teammate. “

Tim Kavanagh, editor

“Hockey shirts – or sweaters – are the best unified element of professional sports, and they’ve only improved in recent years. getting an alternative (like the new New Jersey jerseys), we live in the golden age of ice optics.

“Plus, it’s easily the most spectacular team sports top for fans, too, and it’s a great outdoor layer for the coming winter months.”

to be afraid

Devils legend Martin Brodeur explains the inspiration for New Jersey’s new third jersey for the 2021-22 season.

Arda Ocal, anchor

“I’m grateful for the long scoreboards and record-breaking stars because it makes a lot more games and teams a lot more exciting to watch.”

Victoria Matiash, fantasy hockey writer

“I am grateful for Alex Ovetshkin’s inspired early contribution to breaking the NHL’s all-time goal record. On Wednesday morning, 15 players left, 149 games left. Next up is Jaromir Jagr – probably this season.Next next time probably Gordie Howe.Then, sometime before his contract expires in 2026, there is only The Great One to win to exceed a record that many considered untouched.

“While we – the league, the owners, the management, the players, the media, the fans, all of us – must continue to work concretely and relentlessly to make hockey safe and inclusive for everyone (there’s a lot to fix), Ovi’s potential march into history books reminds us why In general, we love the game. Not just by encouraging a favorite team, but by witnessing the greatness of the individual as a united community.

Emily Kaplan, NHL editor, co-host of the “In The Crease” podcast

“I am grateful that our company made a big investment in hockey this year. There is no better way to showcase our beautiful game than in the world’s leading sport. It is a privilege to have this platform and I am grateful for the people in the game who want to share their story with us.

“I’m also grateful for Connor McDavid’s brilliance – it’s great to track a generation’s talent right at the top of his career.”

Bob Wischusen, play-by-play broadcaster

“I’m grateful to be getting hockey back in my life! I came to ESPN just when we lost my rights to the NHL, and I always hoped it would come back. So as someone who loves sports, and went roughly. 15 years without it, I’m just grateful to be able to invite games again! “

Kristen Shilton, NHL journalist

“It’s a passion for me. Hockey brings it out of people. I’m grateful for that, especially after the last couple of years. So much has changed in our lives, but hockey can still pull people together. Passion is a beautiful thing.

“I am also grateful for the ongoing efforts to improve the game so that it can be more open and inclusive. I am grateful for female referees like Katie Guay, and initiatives like Black Girl Hockey Club, and data-driven storytellers like Alison Lukan. I am grateful for everyone who is stepped forward to discuss mental health, and every player / coach / manager who is willing to learn so we can fix what’s broken. And personally, I’m grateful for the expanded hockey community and how supportive it has been. You never take it for granted. ”

Nabil Karim, anchor

“I’m grateful for Auston Matthews. Why? Because he’s made my son (Adam) fall in love with sports. The 6-year-old adores him. He started playing hockey because of Auston. He just wants to dress up. so. Fortunately, Auston is shaving his mustache after reaching his incredible Movember goal! Adam wanted to sharpen his peach doll on his upper lip. I’m a neat dad, but I have to draw the line somewhere. “

Vic Morren, production

“Wednesday marks 53 years since my late father took me to the first match at MSG. Rangers won the Oakland Seals 3-2, and Rod Gilbert (who recently died) finally scored the winning goal in the second set. I also saw a penalty shot in that first game: Norm Ferguson scored for Ed Giacomini, who was the last goal of the evening, I am grateful to have been hooked right from the first match and managed quickly like so many young fans back in. Then: I hid my radio under my pillow for late night games and woke up the next morning to a static crackle. because the game was not over yet.

“A lifelong passion for hockey and the opportunity and privilege of working on three different ESPN contracts with so many wonderful people is a gift that gives constantly, and for one I am very grateful.”

Denny Wolfe, producer

“I’m grateful for Kyle Beach. Why? Hockey coaches love to preach how the sport rewards brave players, but I don’t think anyone showed more courage and courage than Kyle revealed after his investigation into the Blackhawks. – and cultural change, and to protect this at the cost of the ridge, whatever the mentality must end. It is also a matter of compassion and responsibility. “

“When I think about this, I’m just so grateful for what my life has been like in hockey. I lived my dream 18 years as a player and now 20 years as a broadcaster. I’ve met my wife through hockey and we have our families. It’s hard to be happier and more grateful than this. “

Peter Lawrence-Riddell, editor

“I’m grateful to Alex Ovetshkin. NHL players aren’t expected to get better when they’re 36 years old. He still has a long way to go to reach Gretzky – but if the start of his season is a testament to that, he’s going to make a real run at 894, and we’ll all get to enjoy watching.

Andy Tennant, producer

“I am grateful for Connor McDavid. See the evidence on November 5, 2021.”

Sachin Chandan, fantasy hockey editor

“I’m grateful for the new arenas. I’m a traveling fan of my heart, I love traveling on trips to experience the atmosphere of the new arenas and enjoy the culture of every fan base. Like many Americans, I miss going out and making up for lost times, and they look great. I hope me and a lot of other fans out there get to see them, and maybe throw us salmon. “

Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Analyst

“I am grateful to be involved in the women’s game again with the Canadian National Women’s Team Program as a management consultant. I have enjoyed the opportunity to follow the growth of the management team and work with great staff.

“FANS IN ARENA! I know there are no crowds in some buildings, but I’m grateful to see fans in the arenas again. Hockey is nothing without the energy of the fans in the matches. I hope we never see another day when NHL players play in an empty building. Thanks! “

Greg Wyshynski, senior author

“I’m grateful for the races. While it’s true that we may be heartburned when they’re forced on us, there’s still nothing better than feeling the heat rise in the opposite game:

“A little ingrained hostility goes a long way … which may seem like a strange thing to be grateful for on Thanksgiving, but hockey is so weird.”

Barry Melrose, analyst

“Hockey has given me everything I have in this world. It has made a big living for me and my family. When I got paid for some hockey, I thank you for it. I met my great friends in the hockey world, and I also met my beautiful 43-year-old wife, Cindy. Hockey helped again. I’m a very lucky man. “