In a strikingly unconventional twist to the combat sports world, Ice Wars debuted with its inaugural event, showcasing bare-knuckle brawls on a synthetic ice surface. This new venture, rooted in hockey culture, featured fighters like Nick and Will LaPorte, who brought an entertaining mix of personality and skill to the ring. Attendees in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, reveled in the unique setup, complete with 90-second rounds emphasizing knockouts, reminiscent of classic hockey fights.

Notable performances included Nick LaPorte, who secured a TKO against Matt Dunn in under a minute, while the atmosphere was charged with camaraderie as fighters mingled post-fight. Legendary judges like Darren McCarty, along with an eclectic mix of spectators and fighters, underscored the event's potential for mainstream appeal. Charlie Nama, the founder, aims to merge the spirit of hockey with entertainment, raising questions about the future of this novel sport.

Anticipation builds for the return of NHL players to the Olympics at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, following a successful 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The tournament featured teams from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, and the Olympic roster expands to include ten nations vying for gold. The U.S. revealed its first six players, including standout talents like Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews, while Charlie McAvoy was chosen over Jaccob Slavin, a notable decision given Slavin's Norris Trophy ranking.

The tournament takes place from February 5-22, with the NHL pausing to allow players to participate instead of hosting an All-Star Game.

Auston Matthews, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Jack Eichel, and Charlie McAvoy have been named as the first six players on the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. This young core aims to secure the U.S.'s first Olympic title since the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice. Each player, all under 28, will be making their Olympic debut. The remaining roster will be finalized closer to the Games, which commence on February 6.

Quinn Hughes, a standout defenseman from the Vancouver Canucks and the oldest of the group, is the reigning Norris Trophy winner. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel, a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, is set to showcase his skills on an Olympic stage after a storied career. The Tkachuk brothers, representing the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, add family history to the squad as the first siblings on the U.S. Olympic team since 1998. Matthews, who holds the title as the most prolific American goal scorer in NHL history, will also make his Olympic debut, bringing his scoring prowess to the roster. With a mix of talent and youthful energy, this team is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

Moritz Seider, the talented young defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, has been named one of the first players on Germany's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This is a promising opportunity for Seider, especially after missing the previous Olympics due to COVID-19 disruptions. Alongside Seider, notable forwards like Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers and Tim Stützle from the Ottawa Senators have also made the list, showcasing Germany's formidable talent on the international stage.

Seider's impressive track record includes winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year and contributing significantly to Germany's silver medal performance at the 2023 World Championships. His experience and leadership will be vital for the German team as they aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming Olympic Games.