The U.S. men’s hockey team has advanced to the semifinals of the IIHF World Championship, needing just one more victory to achieve its best finish in 75 years. After a strong comeback against Finland, winning 5-2, the U.S. will now face an opponent to be determined. This victory comes after trailing 2-1, showcasing the team's resilience with two quick goals that shifted the momentum. A win in the semifinals guarantees either a gold or silver medal, marking a significant achievement for a team that last earned silver in 1950.

Head coach Ryan Warsofsky, currently managing the squad, is guiding a team that includes star players like Jeremy Swayman and Zach Werenski, who previously excelled at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament's timing often means that many top NHL players miss out, but the U.S. has qualified for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, which is set to feature NHL athletes again. This marks a turning point for the U.S. hockey program following consistent quarterfinal exits in recent years.

The 2025 Memorial Cup showcases an impressive array of young talent poised to make a splash in the NHL, including future stars and elite prospects. This year's tournament features standout forwards and top-tier defenders, with a focus on players like Easton Cowan and Kasper Halttunen from the London Knights. Cowan, a playoff record holder, has shown elite scoring ability, while Halttunen, the MVP of the OHL playoffs, looks to dominate the goal-scoring charts. Other key players include Sam O'Reilly and Sam Dickinson, who will play crucial roles in both offensive and defensive strategies, leading their teams toward victory.

The Medicine Hat Tigers feature talents like Cayden Lindstrom, a formidable presence on the ice, and Gavin McKenna, a 2026 draft prospect with elite offensive skills that could define the tournament. The Moncton Wildcats and Rimouski Océanic also present their top players, such as Caleb Desnoyers and Mathieu Cataford, aiming to lead their teams through the competitive landscape. With these captivating storylines and fierce competition, the Memorial Cup is set to be a thrilling showcase of future NHL stars.

As the offseason approaches, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier is eyeing potential free agents without overspending. One target is Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, a pending UFA who previously scored 40 goals but dropped to 25 last season. Boeser is projected for a six-year, $8.5 million contract, but Grier prefers shorter contracts for players in their late 20s.

Shifting plans include moving Will Smith to center, creating a need for a quality winger. The Sharks are not alone in their pursuit of Boeser, with several other teams also interested. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings, under new GM Ken Holland, are preparing to spend to the salary cap as they seek to overcome recent playoff struggles.

Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are gearing up to represent Canada at the upcoming Ice Hockey World Championship, marking a decade since they last played together on the national team. Crosby, fresh off a 20th NHL season with 91 points, is determined to add another title to his impressive resume, including his Triple Gold status. This tournament serves as a crucial prelude to the 2026 Winter Olympics, where NHL players will return after a lengthy hiatus. Meanwhile, MacKinnon joins Crosby after a stellar season with the Colorado Avalanche, making this a potent offensive duo for Canada.

The Canadian roster also features young talent like Macklin Celebrini, the anticipated top pick for the 2024 NHL draft, bolstering their chances in a tournament where they hold the most titles. Other notable teams include the defending champions, Czech Republic, with David Pastrnak aiming for another medal, and the USA, led by Clayton Keller. As the competition unfolds, Canada emerges as the clear favorite, especially with the star power of Crosby and MacKinnon at the forefront.