The Hockey News

In today's climate, now seems like the perfect time for The Hockey News' first Inspiration Issue. We've unearthed feel-good stories from around the hockey world, plus features on Leon Draisaitl, John Carlson and many more.

GIVE US A SILVER LINING

The Hockey News Masthead

Future has been forced upon us

THE FAN-LESS EXPERIENCE • What will games in near-empty arenas look like for the players and the viewers watching at home?

Behind The Mask

Jersey Hound

ROOKIE SENSATION-O-METER • Which freshmen have delivered the most dominant seasons of the salary-cap era? These rookies hit the ground running like world-class sprinters

In the CARDS

THE COUNTDOWN: SHORTENED GREATNESS • These players had truly exceptional seasons. But they could have been even better if they weren’t derailed by one circumstance or another

HOLD OFF ON THE PRE-GAME MEAL • Chicken and pasta every night? Nope. But NHLers are trying to eat right and stay ready for a looming return

JACK BE NIMBLE, JACK BE PATIENT • No need to panic over forgettable rookie season from 2019’s first-overall pick Hughes. It also happened to Thornton

COLBY CAVE: 1994-2020

CAPITAL ACHIEVEMENT • Not since the 1990s has the NHL seen a 90-point defenseman. John Carlson was on track to be the ninth. At 30, he’s only getting better with age. How does he do it? With preparation, perspective and a little luck

The epitome of resilience • Scott Baker was a 21-year-old hockey player when he was hit by two cars and left paralyzed. But that didn’t stop him. The world he has rebuilt since paved a path to the NHL and provides an inspiration for all of us

One of a kind • As a decorated Olympian turned medical student, Hayley Wickenheiser has a unique view on the front-line battle against the coronavirus pandemic

Go West Young Man • No longer just a supporting actor, Leon Draisaitl has become a main attraction in his own right. Since arriving from Germany in 2012, his ascent through Western Canada has him on the cusp of being recognized as the NHL’s best player

OUT OF THE DARKNESS, INTO THE LIGHT • Jake Newton was sexually abused as a child. The demons followed him to the edge of the NHL and all through the pro ranks before he finally faced them head-on. Now he’s past the pain and living his best life on the European circuit

Road To Recovery • Brady Leavold was flying high as a hockey player in more ways than one. His on-ice success masked a drug problem that took over his life and resulted in a decade-long spiral of addiction, prison and homelessness. He’s still early in his recovery, but he’s hoping that the darkness of his past can provide a guiding light for others

THREE-HEADED COACHING MONSTER • Don’t be scared of the Flyers’ bench triumvirate. With more than 2,500 games of NHL experience, they’ve seen it all

Hockey Hot house in the corn belt • Shattuck-St. Mary’s was a floundering middle school with declining enrollment in the late 1980s. The decision to latch on to the seldom-used hockey arena was a last-ditch attempt to survive. Since then, the Minnesota prep school has thrived as a hockey factory with an A-list fellowship of alumni

31 Reasons To Smile • Though the regular season was cut short, there were still plenty of feel-good storylines. From a puppy to Pionk, here’s one from each club

SUDDEN ENDING ALL OVER AGAIN • Three years ago, Campbell’s program shut down after her freshman season. It gave her perspective

SINGLING OUT A ‘TERROR TWIN’ • Raymond’s rapid development in the junior ranks has put him on the fast track to succeed at next level

AHEAD OF THE LEARNING CURVE • Norris is still going to school when it comes to the pro game, but the Sens prospect is getting great...