Welcome to Hockey in Society’s Weekly Links post. This feature highlights articles or blog entries that are related to Hockey in Society’s areas of interest and that may be of interest to the site’s readers. Please check out some of the great writing that is happening in the hockey media and blogosphere!
- A great in-depth read about David Dziurzynski, the Ottawa Senators rookie who was knocked out last season in a fight with Frazer McLaren of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Amongst other issues, the article discusses the “Code” in hockey and the challenges faced by young hockey players looking to prove themselves and stick on a roster at the NHL level. [The Globe and Mail]
- After the drawn out political saga of the New York Islanders’ attempts to redevelop their arena and remain located on Long Island, which ultimately ended last October with the team agreeing to move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the 2015-16 season, Nassau County politicians are now calling for the Islanders to remain in a redeveloped Nassau Coliseum. This is just the latest twist in an extremely drawn-out political battle, and Kevin Schultz is not impressed. [Islanders Point Blank]
- Dave Zirin critiques the public funding of a new arena for the Detroit Red Wings at a time when the city of Detroit is undergoing bankruptcy. [Edge of Sports]
- Arena issues are not limited to NHL teams. The AHL’s Portland Pirates (based in Portland, Maine) may be moving to Lewiston due to a dispute with the trustees of the Cumberland County Civic Center over concession profits. [The Hockey Writers]
- Puck Buddys has had some great commentary on hockey at the Sochi Olympics and Russia’s anti-gay laws. This post is a personal account of the feeling of helplessness of a social activist and hockey fan who wants to do something to fight the situation but feels incapable of doing so. It raises the interesting question: what role can socially conscious hockey fans play in affecting social change in and through sport? [Puck Buddys]
- Meanwhile, Brian Burke penned an article for Sports Illustrated that strongly critiques the Russian laws, calls for a future ban of Russia as a host site for international sporting events, and announces the You Can Play will provide free branded clothing to any athlete who requests it. [Sports Illustrated]
- The Anaheim Ducks have been supporting high school hockey in Southern California for the past five years (the article does not specify whether this support is only for boys’ hockey or whether girls’ hockey is also funded). This season, the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League will double in size to 28 teams, as youth hockey participation rates continue to climb in California. [NHL.com]
- Meanwhile, hockey participation is also growing in Iowa and this post examines this phenomenon. [Panther Parkway]
- Want to know more about the Australian Ice Hockey League? Check out this infographic that gives an overview of this lesser known league. [Runs On Down Under; via Reddit Hockey]
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