US Women’s National team. Photo from USA Hockey.

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

• Former Oiler, Ryan Smyth was the victim of a dirty hit during a senior playoff game. [Edmonton Sun]
• Researchers at the University of Calgary have observed a significant decrease in concussions after a body checking ban was instituted in Pee Wee hockey. [CTV Calgary]
• It is the second annual NHL Green Week. Check out some of the league initiatives that were instituted in the name of environmental sustainability. [NHL]
• Hello Destroyer, a Canadian film about national identity and systemic violence, is making the festival rounds right now. Our own Brett Pardy wrote a review for [Seventh Row] and the film’s director, Kevan Funk, talked to the [Globe and Mail] about the use of film as a tool to challenge Canadian identity.
• Following Corey Hirsch’s disclosure about his battle with OCD and mental health, Brent Sopel also turned to the [Player’s Tribune] to talk about his struggles with loneliness and alcoholism.
• The US Women’s National team has announced that it will not be participating in the upcoming World Championships until their receive equitable funding from USA Hockey [ESPN]. [The Nation]

• If you have been following the development of ice hockey in India you will be pleased to know that the women’s national team secured their first win in International competition. [The News Minute]
• While the Penguins were in Vancouver, Sidney Crosby made an effort to meet a young fan who is suffering from brain tumours. [The Province]
• The Boston Bruins held their inaugural Girls Hockey Day in partnership with the Boston Pride (NWHL) and the Boston Blades (CWHL) where 400 girls participated in a public skate, skills drills and other clinics. [NHL]
• Les Canadiennes of the CWHL picked up their fourth league title. [Sportsnet]
• Harrison Browne has decided to hang up his skates at the end of his NWHL season. [NWHL]
• It’s that time of year in Minnesota where hockey hair becomes almost more important than the hockey itself. [ESPN] made a pretty awesome 11 minute video about the phenomenon of #Minneflowta.