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!
- The San Jose Sharks plan to introduce “ice girls” next season, prompting many Sharks fans to express their anger at this decision – some have threatened to cancel their season tickets. [SI.com]
- CTGray has a frustrated fans’ take on the sexism of the Sharks’ decision. [Fear the Fin]
- Finally, Ryan Kennedy wrote an editorial about the lack of women in hockey outside of “ice girl”/cheerleader roles. [The Hockey News]
- On the topic of sexism in hockey, if you missed Courtney Szto’s critique this week of Warrior Hockey’s marketing campaign please give it a read. [Hockey in Society]
- Greg Wyshynski examines the offensive logo of the junior team the Thorold (ON) Blackhawks, which features a cartoon caricature of a First Nations man playing hockey. A movement is underway to have the logo changed and it appears likely to succeed. [Puck Daddy]
- An interesting look at the history of skating rinks on Washington DC’s iconic Reflecting Pool, and an argument that it should be used as part of the Winter Classic festivities when the Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks in January. [Puck Buddys]
- Former NHLer Gino Odjick, who is battling a terminal illness, is being honoured in his home town of Maniwaki, QC by having the local arena named after him. [The Province]
- Jen Neale wonders if fighters are slowly being phased out of the NHL. [Puck Daddy]
- With the FIFA Men’s World Cup wrapping up, J-Mill imagines a similar tournament for hockey, featuring a 20-team field that includes countries not traditionally associated with the sport (such as Mexico and Chinese Taipei). The revenue would be spread between the teams, helping smaller programs to gain an infusion of cash and develop the sport in their countries. [St. Louis Game Time]
- On a related note, the host South Korean team has been told by the IIHF that it must be ranked at least 18th in the world in order to compete at the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018. The men’s team is currently ranked 23rd. [Puck Daddy]
- Vladimir Putin gave each member of the Russian men’s World Championship winning squad a Mercedes Benz as a reward for winning the trophy. [The Score]
- Former NHL coach Tom Renney is now in charge of Hockey Canada. Mark Spector spoke to him about the new role and the possibility that NHL players will not compete at the 2018 Games. [Sportsnet]
- A Montreal Canadiens fan, and translator of the book I Hate Hockey, on losing his
religionfandom. [The Barnstormer] - MLSE CEO Tim Lieweke wants the Maple Leafs to host all key NHL events during the franchise’s centenary season in 2016-17, including the Winter Classic, NHL Draft, and All-Star Game. [Sportsnet]
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