This comes one year after Alex Meruelo made . The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States and is in its 48th season of operation in 2022-23. Braydon Point had 14 goals in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, including the game-winning goal, and was the leading scorer. For the defunct professional league, see, Learn how and when to remove this template message, USA Hockey National Team Development Program, Superior International Junior Hockey League, "NAHL releases 2022-23 regular season schedule", "Contact Us - North American Hockey League - NAHL", "North American Hockey League [1984-2019] history and statistics at hockeydb.com", "NAHL releases 2021-22 regular season schedule", "NAHL team in Lewiston, Maine approved for the 2019-20 season", "NAHL team in Maryland approved for the 2018-19 season", "Anchorage Wolverines junior hockey team hires a coach and plans to move into Sullivan Arena", "NAHL team in El Paso, Texas approved for 2021-22 season", "NAHL team in New Mexico approved for the 2019-20 season", "NAHL team in Rochester, New York approved for the 2023-24 season", "NAHL team in Hooksett, NH approved for the 2023-24 season", "North American Hockey League [1984-2015] history and statistics", "NAHL announces relocation of Brookings Blizzard to St. A new-found embracing of winter sports, coupled with the arrival of the Winter Olympics, in the region leads to things looking good for the NHL. Pastrnak was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game. Hes now an assistant coach for the New York Islanders. Cloud Blizzard rebranded as the St. Comparatively, there are 8.9% of the Black or African American ethnicity and 7.5% of the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. Cleveland Jr. Barons were granted inactive status for the season. Who takes home the Cup? The New York Rangers selected Montoya in the first round of the 2004 NHL draft. A Mexican hockey player will also face a slew of cultural challenges when he enters the NHL. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. The Minnesota Wilderness joined the league from the Superior International Junior Hockey League by purchasing dormant St. Louis Bandits franchise. 201819 season: The NAHL added another team to its East Division with an expansion franchise granted to the Maryland Black Bears. High school football: Lake Wales' Mitchell heads list of Polk's top 10 Players in this team are eager to make the most of their opportunity to represent their country. Some of the most notable black players in the NHL today include Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. Several players have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup; some even competed in the Winter Olympics. Four-time Stanley Cup champion joins the Wild after eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mexico now has a national hockey teamand a professional hockey league, and its womens team has been improving dramatically in recent years. The NHL postseason has begun. The New Mexico Mustangs joined the South Division and played at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Its not much, but its definitely a sign of the games growth. At the game, which attracted nearly 50,000 people, Montoya spread the gospel of hockey in the parking lot outside the stadium. Watch: NAHL Weekend Recap, Apr. [22] However, the Express' home city of Owatonna was granted another NAHL team for 200809, named the Owatonna Express. His high-flying offense has earned him a spot among the leagues top 20 goal-scorers. The teams span the United States from Maine in the East to Alaska in the Northwest and to Texas in the South. The teams play a 60-game regular season, starting in mid-September and ending in early April. From Steve Carell's Bruins fandom to Justin Bieber and the Leafs to Lil' Jon and the Golden Knights, here's a group of celebs in each team's corner. However, according to a 2016 report, there were approximately 60 Mexican hockey players in the NHL. During the regular season, he has been a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. The NHL has 17 different nationalities on its roster this season. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings have extended efforts to Latino-heavy communities in Southern California and beyond. We have to go to where they are.". [24] The Texas Tornado franchise went on a one-year hiatus as they awaited renovations on their arena. The trophy is awarded annually to the USA Hockey Tier II junior national playoff champion. As the 2019 Ted Lindsay Award winner, he has demonstrated a consistent level of performance. Its going to be a long time before the Winter Olympics includes matchups with teams such as Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, but that doesnt mean the groundwork hasnt already been laid. After three seasons, he competed for Switzerland in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The Cup is the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States and is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. The Puerto Rican Mens National Team is looking to qualify for the 2017 World Championships after performing well at the Amerigo Latam Cup. For the sake of argument, Ill include Mexico in the description of Latin America. While 19 years may not seem that long to some people, things have changed. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Stream exclusive ESPN+ games and play Fantasy Hockey. Armed with free tickets for those who signed up, Montoya registered hundreds of new fans in one afternoon. (Video) RANKING 5 NHL PLAYERS WITHOUT KNOWING THE NEXT (Wld4hky) He was the highest-drafted Latino player, going fifth overall in the 2000 draft. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Winner of this past years Amerigol Cup, Jamaica, has already put together a long shot Olympic hockey bid. 201920 season: The NAHL approved of two expansion teams: the Maine Nordiques in Lewiston, Maine, and the New Mexico Ice Wolves in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Granted, he may have come from the snow-filled landscape of Alaska, but he shares a common heritage with the Latin people. According to a USA Today report, the NHL has 97 percent white players, while the other 3% is made up of different ethnicities. NHL regular season stats for players born in Buffalo, New York. 20062007: St. Louis Blues [27] The Mahoning Valley Phantoms and the USNTDP left the league for the USHL. In September of last year, the team held virtual learning sessions with kids in Mexico City, following up on an in-person camp they held there in 2018. Xavier Gutierrez, the first Latino team President and CEO in NHL history, joins Hockey Culture with Anson Carter to discuss latinos in hockey. the Kings senior vice president of marketing, communications and content. Many of the leagues top black players have come from Canada. That didn't mean a title. You can rent skates at the Iceplex and expect some lively music to match the occasion. The efforts are growing outside the state as well. Seeing NHL top prize 'incredible' experience for attendees at Latin American/Caribbean tournament. Todays Latino players owe a debt of gratitude to former NHL forward Scott Gomez. What are the demographics of hockey? The NHL debuted its Spanish-language website just two years ago and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month for the first time in 2020. The two that dont are New Mexico and Georgia. [33] The Keystone Ice Miners ceased operations. NHL eyes Mexico as next area in expanding Latino fan base, Keys to the offseason: Free agency, draft plans for Bruins, Avs, other eliminated teams, How regular-season Goliaths have fared in the postseason, Kraken win 1st playoff series, oust champion Avs, Bergeron undecided on future after B's stunner, Panthers in awe after ousting 'unbelievable' Bruins, 'Resilient' Oilers shake off bad break, oust Kings, 'Penalties hurt,' as Devils let chance to clinch slip, Leafs win in OT, take 1st playoff series since 2004, Stars finish off Wild for spot in West semifinals, 'Yeah!,' Ron Burgundy, rookie LeBron: The world when the Leafs last won a series, How one draft set up the Stars for now and the future, Kraken beat Avs 2-1, eliminate defending Stanley Cup champs, Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, scores, highlights, Panthers oust record-setting Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, Who wins Avalanche-Kraken? ", "Blacks and Hockey Maintain a Tenuous Relationship", "Thrashers Top NHL With Highest Percentage of Black Players", "CBC targets Chinese hockey fans with Mandarin broadcasts of NHL playoffs", "All Things Considered: As First Black American NHL Player, Enforcer Was Defenseless Vs. Racism", "Q&A: Robin Bawa on the journey that made him the first South Asian NHLer", "Tiger on the prowl around the Aces' goal", "Feschuk: Toronto teenager 'the elite of the elite', "Paul Kariya's Hall of Fame call sparks pride in Asian community", "Oilers' Jujhar Khaira carries pride of South Asian community", "Larry Kwong, the NHL's first player of color, passes away at 94", "Meet Manny Malhotra the only desi player in the National Hockey League", "Martinsen nekter rpe hvilken NHL-klubb som vil ha ham", "Jim Paek helping Korea's Olympic hockey team 'get better every day", "Former Wild player Richard Park instrumental in getting South Korean hockey off the ground", "Stars prospect Jason Robertson hasn't forgotten his roots while forging his own NHL path", "Former San Jose Sharks Player Devin Setoguchi signs with HC Davos of Switzerland", "Draft Day: Dylan Sikura's Journey to becoming a Chicago Blackhawk", "Suzuki feels more confident with Golden Knights", "The next Johnny Gaudreau? Gutierrez himself touted the possibility of bringing the NHL to Mexico sooner rather than later in a 2020 interview with ESPN. The National Hockey League (NHL), which originated as a mono-ethnic and predominantly Canadian professional athletic league, spread to North America over the course of its existence. Matt Nieto, a California-born player drafted by the San Jose Sharks, was the first player from his state to be selected in the draft. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Is there a Mexican in the NHL? - Sport of millions Here's dates to remember: If you are wondering about NHL players and leaders with Hispanic and Latinx Heritage, you can start by recognizing that Toronto Maple Leafs superstar and elite goal scorer Auston Matthews grew up playing hockey in Arizona, becoming the No. [9][needs update]. Jens Hinderlie, head coach of Team Brazil in the 2019 Amerigol LATAM Cup, discusses his inline team transitioning into an ice hockey team. NHL on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights Meruelo subsequently hired Xavier Gutierrez, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to be the Coyote's -- and the league's -- first Latino CEO. [23] The Express were joined by another new Minnesota NAHL franchise, the Albert Lea Thunder. More are on the. 2009present: Pittsburgh Penguins. And the 10-year veteran has proven he can hold his own on the ice, as he has career record of 63-46-22, a 2.61 goals against average, a save percentage of .909, and seven career shutouts. "I was saying a couple years ago, 'How cool would it be to just play an exhibition game in Mexico City?'" This season, the Leafs are back for more and with Matthews leading the wayhe already has three goals and three assists this seasonthe expectations are higher than ever for the NHLs tortured franchise. [13] The number of black NHL players was to 26 by the end of the 20th century and sat at 32 in 2016.[9]. You think of Arizona, I absolutely have to go after the Latino community because they are the consumer base and they are continuing to grow, and they are the labor force and the business ownership, Gutierrez said. The Soo Eagles announced they were returning to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League citing the lack of other local teams as they were the last remaining team in Michigan. Good to see our Latino Brother (mom is Mexican) Auston Matthews crushing it tonight, 4 goals in #NHL debut. NAHL.com | North American Hockey League | NAHL Anyone who has ever watched a soccer game in their life finds that excitement familiar. He was a hockey player and thats all that mattered. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. "The facility is the most important. Todays Latino players owe a debt of gratitude to former NHL forward Scott Gomez, who paved the way when he became the NHLs first Latino player back in 1998; he was drafted 27th overall by the New Jersey Devils that year, and made his debut during the 1999-2000 season. They joined the long list of record seasons that ended with disappointment. Marquette Rangers were added to the league. The decorative crafted is widely created and displayed throughout our southern neighbor Mexican for parties, family gatherings, simple decoration and, now, to welcome in the NHL season. .skin { background-color: #da2662; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position: top center; background-attachment: fixed;}.row { background-color: #da2662;}.template__content { background-color: #da2662;}.template--one-column__content--one { background-color: #da2662;}.btn-primary { color: #ffffff; background-color: #8A1538 ; border-color: #8A1538 ;}.btn-primary:hover { color: #ffffff; background-color: #f7195c ; border-color: #f7195c ;}.btn-secondary { color: #ffffff; background-color: #FF6720 ; border-color: #FF6720 ;}.btn-secondary:hover { color: #ffffff; background-color: #FF854D ; border-color: #FF854D ;}.cms-image__image { margin-top: -5px;}.marketing-template .marketing-section-intro__title { color: #ffffff;}.marketing-template .marketing-section-intro__description { color: #8d193b;}.marketing-template .marketing-section-intro__subtitle {color: #ffffff;}.marketing-template .leading-dots {color: #000;}.marketing-template .cms-wysiwyg p {color: #000;max-width: 100%;}.marketing-template .cms-wysiwyg h2 { color: #ffffff;}.marketing-template .cms-wysiwyg h5 { color: #ffffff;}.marketing-template .cms-wysiwyg h3 { color: #ffffff;}.marketing-template .cms-wysiwyg h4 { color: #ffffff;}. Job Title White, 72.8% Black or African American, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Unknown, 6.8% In the future, there may be even more Hispanic players in the NHL, making an impact on the sport at the highest level. NHL; MLB; Soccer; MMA . Among his continued efforts to recruit fans, Montoya attended an exhibition soccer game last September at Dallas' Cotton Bowl featuring Mexico's two most popular teams -- Club America and Chivas de Guadalajara. In 2004, Alex Ovechkin was the first player selected in the NHL draft. Black players in professional American football, History of African Americans in the Canadian Football League, "Soul on Ice: A growing number of Black players are making their mark in a league that until recently has been known for its insensitivity", "Being black in the NHL: From breaking the colour barrier to the Norris trophy", "Soul on Ice: Do hockey and Hip-Hop mix? Before the second swing starts, the PGA Tour Americas will have . With a hot climate that isnt exactly prime hockey weather, its not surprising that the NHL hasnt become must-watch entertainment south of the border. Links in this section are to external sites. See respective team articles from more information. 1 Scott Gomez Center. Guy Lafleur Gave Me a Lifetime of Memories, NHLs History of Game 7 Overtime Series-Clinching Goals, Florida Panthers and the History of the Rats, Chicago Blackhawks 2022-23 Player Grades: Newcomers/Call-Ups. 20072009: New York Islanders This years NHL Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will feature a variety of special events, including heritage nights, player appearances, and community outreach initiatives. Davis said there are currently 54 active players who are Arab, Asian, Black, Latino or Indigenous, which would make up roughly 7% of the league. The Russian Hockey Teams Fate For The 2018 Olympics Is Still Up In The Air, How To Make The Perfect Shot In Field Hockey, Boston Bruins Win Close Game Against Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2. Max Pacioretty is the only Mexican-American to play in these games. Arizona has held youth ball hockey clinics with organizations in areas with large Latino populations, bringing sticks and balls that kids can take home to continue their interest in the game. The Kings also launched a ball hockey program with the 26 YMCAs across the city as part of their 50th anniversary in Los Angeles in 2019. The Puerto Rico Ice Rangers are attempting to bring ice hockey to the next level as a sport in Puerto Rico. [28][29] The Texas Tornado returned to the league after taking a year off while their home arena was undergoing renovations. His mother is originally from Hermosillo, Mexico. [6] The league consists of a variety of players from varying nationalities and diverse backgrounds. Should McDavid Get the Benefit of the Doubt From NHL Officials? At 24-years-old, this Mexican-American is part of a youth movement that is rebuilding a franchise that hasnt won the Stanley Cup Trophy since 2001, and has only been to the playoffs twice since 2008. Olympics 15-year-old defenseman, force on women's team, eyes 'incredible' opportunity. The Florida State University center was the second overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft. With 81 career points under his belt, Nieto is one of the more experienced players on this young Avalanche roster. These are the top-ten players of Asian descent, by career points, goals, and assists, when counting only their production with a specific franchise. The Chicago Hitmen joined the North Division and played at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. 23 Mexican Players In The NHL For The 2019-2020 Season Alexandria Blizzard relocated to Brookings, South Dakota, and became the Brookings Blizzard. Operating across the Maritime provinces of Canada, the league operated for several decades until 1930. Perez talked about how much it meant watching a Latino hockey player like Gomez play for his hometown New Jersey Devils and helping him feel like a player that he could connect with paved the way. Each team has an average of nine players from outside North America, or approximately 30% of their roster. Coyotes' Xavier Gutierrez becomes first Latino team president, CEO in Confident and committed, Alex Meruelo introduced as Coyotes' new owner. Josi was named the NHLs best defender in the 2015 season, and he won the Norris Award. Coming from Oregon State University, Christian Gonzalez was a four-star recruit when he signed with Colorado out of The Colony High School in Texas . The Dawson Creek Rage, New Mexico Mustangs, and St. Louis Bandits takes leaves of absence. The Pittsburgh captain captured the Stanley Cup for the third time in his career and the second time in a row. In fact, Guerin was the first to do so and is the first general manager of Hispanic and Latinx descent. The top teams of the NAHL playoffs meet in a predetermined location to play in the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament. The number of Latino players has increased across the NHL, minor leagues and colleges in recent years, including Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, Al Montoya and Raffi Torres. Toronto Maple Leafs star center Auston Matthews, who is of Mexican heritage, recently told ESPN. Watch Now WILD NAMES BILL GUERIN AS GENERAL. Despite having the most Canadians, the Toronto Maple Leaf have 11 players, while the Vancouver Canuck have only one. Talking about the Hispanic population stateside, if they happen to lack interest in the sport, its not from lack of exposure. Canada, Latin America to form PGA Tour Americas - ESPN As of now, there are only a few Latino players in the league. As the nation recognizes Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and its Sept. 15 start date, the Kraken are joining in the celebration with fan events and exhibits. These NHL Players Are Changing Perceptions of Latinos in Hockey. 60. Ice hockey is popular both in the United States and in European countries such as Russia, Sweden, and Finland. 2007: San Jose Sharks These are the top-ten players of Asian descent by career points, goals, and assists. Port Huron joined the North Division and played at McMorran Place in Port Huron, Michigan. He played in the NHL for over 15 years, and he is currently a television analyst for the NHL Network. Anthony Sanchez from Southwest Detroit took part in our Street Hockey in the D at home program over the Summer. The NHL launched a Spanish-language platform on its website in 2019, providing content from native Spanish-speaking reporters The league also began celebrating Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month to amplify the stories of people who have made contributions to the game. Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage | NHL.com AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this story. The NHLs first-ever Cuban-American player, and Paciorettys teammate, has one of the most important and most underrated jobs in the game: backup goalie. We need to have a facility that can accommodate an NHL game. Only four of the 17 countries represented in the league have a single player this season. As Alex Ovechkin joins the elite 800-goal club, we break down the highlights, numbers and moments along his journey -- and what comes next. "We had started hearing from our clubs that they'd love to play a game in Mexico," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. The Latin America swing will run from February through May, and the top 60 players will have status for the North America swing. To identify and develop the best Mexican athletes, a national program has been created, in addition to a national hockey program. Raphael Diaz, a Swiss-born Montreal Habs defenseman, was born in Switzerland. = Hall of Famers Bold = Currently playing in NHL Italics = Stanley Cup champions However, if we look at the countries represented in the National Hockey League (NHL) as of the 2019-2020 season, the most represented countries are Canada (with 52%), the United States (with 24%), and Sweden (with 10%). First and foremost, Scott Gomez comes to mind. 2010: Buffalo Sabres 2011: Vancouver Canucks 2012-present: San Jose Sharks. Guerin made four NHL All-Star teams and played for Team USA in the Olympics three times. "It'd be awesome to literally play a hockey game in Mexico and just see what happens.". The mid-September to mid-October initiative kicks off the team's season-long Hockey is for Everyone calendar advocating for diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey at all levels. The Amerigol Cup carries on the tradition of the Pan American Ice Hockey Tournament. Players without local family live with billet families in their area and pay a monthly stipend that covers food and other costs. Auston Matthews and his mother, Ema, discuss his Mexican heritage. With him on the team, the Leafs made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2013.