Weekly Links: Remembering Gordie Howe; Celebrating HNIC Punjabi; Expanding the NHL to Vegas; and more

The Weekly Links post highlights important or interesting writing from the hockey blogosphere and media. Enjoy!

  • Gordie Howe is one of the most famous and celebrated hockey players in North America, and there have been numerous tributes since he passed away a week ago. Here are a few. [The Ringer; Winging it in Motown; Spector’s Hockey; @Liams_Hockey]
  • The Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi broadcasts have become media stars this NHL playoffs thanks to their enthusiastic and entertaining commentary. The broadcasters even attended the Pittsburgh Penguins’ victory parade. [CBS Pittsburgh; Daily Hive; Puck Daddy]
  • It now appears nearly certain that the NHL will expand to Las Vegas, most likely for the 2017-18 season. Here is a good look at what comes next for the expansion franchise as it gears up to compete in its inaugural season. [The Sin Bin]
  • Meanwhile, stats guru Nate Silver argues that the NHL in Vegas is a bad bet for the league. [FiveThirtyEight]
  • Braden Holtby marched in the Washington DC Pride Parade last weekend, but his LGBTQ advocacy has been a years in the making. [Washington Post]
  • A Toronto law firm is launching a class action lawsuit against the Canadian Hockey League in an attempt to secure wages for players, who are only paid a stipend while generating revenue for the privately owned clubs. [Charney Lawyers]
  • Garret Sparks, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, spoke out strongly against US gun legislation in the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando. Sparks lived in Orlando while playing for the ECHL’s Solar Bears. [For the Win]
  • NHL playoff ratings on NBC were down significantly from last year. Greg Wyshynski delves into some of the reasons why this was the case. [Puck Daddy]
  • Meanwhile, Rogers has been seeing less-than-stellar returns on its $5.2 billion investment in NHL broadcasting. This piece looks at some of the changes introduced by Rogers and why they may be contributing to lackluster viewership. [Pension Plan Puppets]
  • Concordia University of the CIS has named US national team star Julie Chu as its women’s hockey coach. [Concordia University]
  • The Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame has hosted a Sidney Crosby exhibit since 2008. While it was intended to be temporary, the exhibit about the Penguins’ star has proven so popular that it is still running, eight years later. [CBC Sports]

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