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!

Source: LA Times

Congratulations to the LA Kings! Stanley Cup Champions!

• A look at the hockey participation numbers by state in the US. [United States of Hockey]

• As Hockey Night in Canada moves from CBC to Rogers, who will take control of the production, viewers can expect some major changes including more focus on players and less discussion on current events. [Eh Game]

• A look into the San Jose Sharks’ television deal with Comcast and how it may force the club to relocate. [Inside Bay Area]

• The story of Andew McKim, who suffered a severe concussion 14 years ago while playing overseas and continues to feel its effects. [National Post]

• A hockey rink in Massachusetts is testing out a warning track around the perimeter to reduce the number of injuries along the boards. [CBS Boston]

• A past article that examines the usage of tobacco products by junior level hockey players. [Winnipeg Free Press]

• The Russian Hockey Federation has re-elected legendary goaltender Vladislav Tretiak as President. [RIA Sports]

• For those interested, “Putting it on Ice”, a hockey conference held in London, Ontario was held this week. The conference brings together academics studying the game of hockey and showcases some interesting presentations and papers. [Putting it on Ice]
• A recap of the Alberta Hockey Analytics Conference held in Edmonton last month. Topics included the usage of analytics in fantasy league, usage of analytics by mainstream media, application of analytics to game situations, tracking software and adoption of analytics by NHL clubs. [Pension Plan Puppets]
• The 2015 Winter Classic will showcase the Chicago Blackhawks in Washington DC to face the Capitals. [SB Nation]

• And finally, a big congratulations to Edmonton Oilers captain Andrew Ference who was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is given to a player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community”. Ference has been heavily involved in a number of initiatives including the You Can Play Project, the University of Alberta’s Fyrefly Program and the November Project. [Cult of Hockey]