Hey there,

Welcome to our weekly newsletter that will intelligently and respectfully inform you about topics that blend hockey, tech & culture.

The goal? Exploring current affairs that are shaking up our beloved sport & highlighting people that are ushering hockey into the future.

Here's what we'll cover today:

• Controversies ensue as Slick Nick gets named 31st Habs captain

• Drake & Lebron James release a hit hockey documentary at TIFF

• Oct 16th Virtual Hockey Summit featuring 18 NCAA D1 coaches

If you don't care about any of this and don't want to be bothered ever again, hit the unsubscribe button at the bottom: no offense taken and we apologize for boring you to death.

Controversies ensue as Slick Nick gets named 31st Habs captain

New captain, same language saga, câline!

Within hours, local Montreal politicians quickly pointed out the need for Nick Suzuki, the 23-year-old from London, Ontario to learn french. Although language has always been a sticky topic, it hasn't stopped the Canadiens from historically naming anglo-only captains: Koivu, Harvey, Muller, Chelios, Gionta, Pacioretty & Keane.

Would it be helpful if a Habs captain spoke french: Yes, absolutely.

Can you force or require it? Debatable at best. Especially when you pick a captain for hockey-related reasons. Language does not help bury the game-tying goal in a Stanley Cup final with 13.4 seconds to go. Full stop.

People do not like the RBC patch on the Habs uniform

Scratch that, they hate it. People literally launched petitions (here, here, and here) to take it off. The Montreal Canadiens announced their new front-jersey ad partnership and it is not going down well.

Yes, it's kind of an eyesore. Yes, RBC has had controversial investment strategies. Yes, the patch could have blended in better with smart color selection. Yes, this tarnishes an iconic hockey jersey, and yes there will be more commercialization to come.

Wait, where was I going with this? Change is usually good, this change isn't. Habs still have time to backtrack, and if they do, it will be a heck of a statement.

Drake & Lebron James release a hit hockey documentary at TIFF

I haven't seen it, but I really want to.

The pop icon & the NBA star have financed a film that chronicles the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes that barred Black players from playing alongside whites. It shifts between past and present to explore hockey's historical problems. Apparently, it doesn't provide a sunset approach where audiences feel better about all the progress that has been made.

If at the bare minimum, it stirs up important conversations then Drake & Lebron can be proud. Here's hoping it does more than just that.

Virtual Hockey Summit Featuring 18 NCAA D1 coaches

Disclaimer: our team is organizing the event, but that doesn't make it any less awesome.

If you're a young player aspiring to play college hockey, you don't want to miss this. It's a full day of NO-BS: 18 NCAA coaches from top programs talking about how they recruit, how to get noticed & what to expect at the collegiate level.

Mix in some star-power speakers like NHLers Matt Bartkowski and Eric Robinson, NHL legend/Flyers Special Assistant to the GM Danny Briere, and elite women's players like Patty Kazmaier winner Elizabeth Giguere and current Olympian Alina Muller, and you've got yourself a can't-miss event.

It's on October 16th, there are very limited spots available so sign up while you can below. Early bird pricing of $62.5 USD is ending soon too, so unless you don't care about money ( which if you don't, you'll be getting a Paypal request link shortly, I have been itching for a heated pool recently) snag your spot now.

Alright, that's a wrap.

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Tom Sychterz, Founder