Source: Scouting the Refs

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 recent study found that the cost of hockey is roughly $1,600 per year, the most expensive compared to other activities. [CBC News]
• USA Hockey’s board of director’s have approved rules to curtail fighting at the junior level. Also of note, the playing membership in the US is at an all time high. [United States of Hockey]
• A look into the potential rule changes recommended by the NHL’s competition committee. Included are fines for embellishing,  an option for coaches to challenge calls and expanding video review. [Scouting the Refs]
• The Canadian Women’s Hockey League is looking to add a second US franchise, with New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit submitting bids. [ESPNW]
• Team Canada goalie and Olympian, Charline Labonte recently spoke about being gay and experiencing the Sochi games with her partner, and Olympic speed skater Anastasia Buscis.  [Outsports]
• A look into the some of the challenges NHL ice girls, or cheerleaders, deal with on a regular basis. [Mother Jones]

• At a recent press conference prior to the finals, Gary Bettman discussed the Olympics, future World Cup tournaments, concussion protocols, expansion and instant replay. [National Post]
• An excellent piece on the impact Gary Bettman has had on the NHL and the animosity he tends to face from Canadian fans. [Wallstreet Journal]
• The NHL and NHLPA are looking to bring back the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, with Toronto appearing to be the host city. It remains unclear what impact this will have on the NHL’s participation in future Olympic events. [Sportsnet]
• Calgary Flames President Brian Burke sounded off on their arena, suggesting that a new arena will be needed. [National Post]
• With the NHL entry draft just around the corner, New Jersey Devils executive David Conte provides insight into how scouting has evolved in hockey. [OilersNation]
• The New Jersey Devils have hired Sunny Mehta, a professional poker player and author, to lead their Analytics department. Mehta, at one time, was a contributor for an Edmonton Oilers blog and contributed many ideas and concepts to the field of hockey analytics. [Cult of Hockey]
• A profile of the Los Angeles Kings’ Dwight King, who is Metis and who played midget hockey in the only program in Canada that is based on a First Nations reserve. [The Hockey News]
• The New York Rangers’ Mats Zucarello, the first Norwegian to compete in the Stanley Cup Finals, is helping to spark an interest in hockey in his home country. [YES Network]
• An excellent piece on LA Kings head coach Darryl Sutter and how he’s assisted individuals impacted by personal disabilities. [Toronto Star]
• Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane is being accused of attacking a Vancouver man. The plaintiff has filed a civil lawsuit against the player for assault, which Kane has denied. [Bleacher Report]
• CBC’s general manager of programming, Sally Catto, provides insight into the future of CBC without hockey. Impacted by the loss of Hockey Night in Canada are fine arts programming, documentaries and children’s shows. [Globe and Mail]