Carolina Hockey Network provides fans one source for news

The Carolina Hockey Network was introduced on Dec. 10th as a local source of hockey news for all fans in Carolina.

The new blog features NHL news and updates regarding the Carolina Hurricanes as well as providing news for fans following their opponents.

Whether you have been born and raised in Carolina or have moved here from somewhere else and you are a diehard fan of another team other than the Hurricanes, specifically those in the NHL's Eastern Conference, you will find current news on those teams too.

A site for everyone!!

Follow the Carolina Hockey Network today.

Latest news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner:

Duke’s Elizabeth Williams shows growth, claims second ACC honor

Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball freshman Elizabeth Williams was named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Week for the second time in three weeks as announced on Monday in Durham, N.C.Williams averaged 19.5...

Duke dominates USC Upstate 93-35

The #6 Duke Blue Devils (7-2) welcomed the USC Upstate Spartans (1-8), new Division I opponents, to Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. by handing them a 93-35 loss on Sunday afternoon.The victory increased Duke...

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

Raleigh Sport Examiner - You Tube channel

New! - Carolina Hurricanes Examiner page

OHL justice handed down after Murphy suffers concussion

Ryan Murphy - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

On Tuesday, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) handed down its strongest punishment to date this season in assessing Pittsburgh prospect and Niagara IceDogs forward Tom Kuhnhackl a 20-game suspension as a result of a hit he placed on Carolina Hurricanes prospect and Kitchener Ranger Ryan Murphy last Friday night.

A copy of the rationale used by the league to assess the punishment is available for view on the OHL's web site, under the Discipline section.

Even though Murphy skated off on his own after the hit and played a shift afterward, it has been reported by various sources, including the Waterloo Record, that he suffered a concussion as a result of the incident.

Aside from keeping him from further play with the Rangers, the concussion has denied Murphy the opportunity to play in the Subway Super Series featuring OHL all-stars against the best young players from Russia and puts into question his ability to compete for Team Canada at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships (WJHC).


Recent news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner:

Joslin makes first start amid tough circumstances

The Carolina Hurricanes’ 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars at the RBC Center on Sunday afternoon didn’t provide the best ending for defenseman Derek Joslin to make his first start of the season in.However, after...

Hurricanes losses to Capitals and Stars show a disconnect

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered a 5-2 loss to the visiting Dallas Stars at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Sunday afternoon.The team put out another poor performance in front of 14,815 fans in attendance as...

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

Raleigh Sport Examiner - You Tube channel
 

Carolina Hurricanes class of 2011 is here

The Carolina Hurricanes began conditioning camp for its newest group of prospects on Sunday. A crowd numbering between 100-150 were on-hand to welcome the team's newest prospects to Raleigh and to the life of being in the NHL in Carolina. Though they didn't expect it, the young guys now know that Caniacs look forward to another exciting season of hockey with heightened expectations as a result of the draft and moves made during Free Agent Frenzy.

"I don't think any of us were expecting some of the Carolina fans here at a skate like this, but it was great. I'm sure some of the guys aren't even used to playing in front of a crowd like this, so it was a lot of fun." - Ryan Murphy - Carolina Hurricanes 2011 top draft pick

Ron Franis gives some 1-on-1 instruction - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting

Ryan Murphy takes a splash of water between drills - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting

 Recent news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner:

Hurricanes prospects hit the ice

With barely three weeks passing since the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes introduced their newest group of prospects to the rigors of the NHL life as the on-ice portion of conditining camp began for these young and...

 

Davis Love III and Mark Wilson in top five at John Deere Classic

Former North Carolina Tar Heels golfers, Davis Love III and Mark Wilson, got into the mix early at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic being played at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill on Thursday. Love III came...

 

Tomas Kaberle signing with Carolina Hurricanes shows big moves are possible

The Carolina Hurricanes continued to retool their lineup during the off-season on Tuesday with the signing of free agent defenseman Tomas Kaberle, recent Stanley Cup winner with the Boston Bruins. President and General Manager Jim Rutherford announced that the...

 

Triangle Sports Roundup: Hawks on the pitch, Canes sign more, Webb spins on Tour

During a scorching Independence Day holiday weekend, the Triangle area was hot with activity amongst its professional sports entities.Railhawks blazing a trail To say the Carolina Railhawks are hot is an understatement as their 12-1-1 record shows...

 

Cole leaves Carolina while Ponikarovsky and Boucher headed to Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes' worst fear became a reality after the first day of free agency as veteran forward Erik Cole accepted a four-year deal worth $18 million to play in 'la belle province' with the Montreal...

 

Carolina Hurricanes experience good and bad of free agency

As the July 1 deadline for signing free agents approaches in the NHL, Carolina Hurricanes President and General Manager Jim Rutherford announced on Monday the re-signing of free agents Joni Pitkanen and Pat Dwyer to multi-year contracts....

 

NC State Wolfpack loses member of the family in Lorenzo Charles

The image of former Wolfpack star Lorenzo Charles dunking the final basket that secured the NC State Wolfpack's final accomplishment in its run to winning the 1983 NCAA championship under legendary coach Jim Valvano is being relived, rebroadcast...

 

Carolina Hurricanes select top prospect in 2011 NHL Entry Draft

The Carolina Hurricanes selected top prospect defenseman Ryan Murphy from the Kitchener Rangers with the twelfth overall pick during the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft that took place at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN...

2011 WJHC - Russia stuns Canada for gold, USA wins bronze

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

From the beginning of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships (WJHC) and right up until the end, the quality of performance and character of the participants at this tournament was brightly highlighted on Wednesday night as Team Russia fought back and stunned Team Canada with a 5-3 win to steal the gold medal at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY. Leading 3-0 after two periods, it seemed as though Team Canada was ready to ascend back up to its lofty perch in WJHC supremacy, but was stunned in the final period by being outscored 5-0 to lose the gold medal game for the second consecutive year. The comeback win by Team Russia, just as much as the collapse of Team Canada, truly illustrated the unpredictable and exciting nature of the WJHC as the world's top young players competed against one another once again and did not provide for boring and expected results.

Team USA finishes on the podium

Team USA ensured that it finished with a medal as it beat Team Sweden 4-2 in the day's earlier preview game building up to the gold medal shocker. Team USA's Chris Kreider, who stated after losing to Team Canada in the semi-final game, that his team "did not play USA Hockey", led his team to the podium with two goals over Sweden. Winning the bronze medal provided USA Hockey with its first consecutive medal finish at the WJHC and fourth medal in 10 years.

Not a bettor's game

With eight returning players, Team USA was considered a favorite to repeat as gold medal winners, and were undefeated through group play. Teams such as Russia, Sweden, and even Finland were not to be overlooked, let alone Switzerland, but the focus was on Team USA and Team Canada, the 'local' favorites to capture this year's championship. However, the WJHC are about endurance and skating until the final seconds tick down on the clock - Team Russia's play during the third period and winning the gold medal game couldn't have exemplified this point more.

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Maybe it was too much enjoyment and celebration too early by Team Canada and its fans as they expected to win - and why not. Holding a 3-0 lead with one period left to play is a secure situation to assume that if you continue competing  the way you did during the first two periods, you will win. However, it was forgotten that Team Russia was a team that had a 2-0 lead in its semi-final match-up with Team Sweden, and it too had lost the lead early in the third period. Russia had to fight back to tie and win the game in a shootout in order to have the opportunity to contend for the gold. They knew how to play a strong third period, and that is what they did once again, this time against Team Canada to win the gold medal.

Future of hockey looks even brighter

When the puck first dropped at this year's WJHC, Team Russia's NHL five competing prospects might not have been getting as much notice and recognition for their performance as those of Team Canada, Team USA, or Team Sweden's roster. After Wednesday night's gold medal finish, Team Russia should find that many of its players will get ample attention leading into the 2011 NHL Draft. Many may consider that Team Russia's unexpected comeback provided a dull polish to this year's tournament, but it has actually provided a shinier finish heading into the 2012 WJHC.

Just as this year's WJHC might have had some strong assumptions for a traditional ending to take place, next year's tournament comes on the heels of three tournament years that have had three different champions (Canada, USA, Russia). Good luck to the prognosticators on attempting to choose a favorite. It will be a lot of fun.

Rest assured, the future of hockey shines bright.

--
Let the Raleigh Sports Examiner be your guide to 2011 NHL All-Star Week in Raleigh:

Local tips and news about the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh

Email with your questions today for personalized advice on where to stay, eat, and have a great time in Raleigh

---

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

Get news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner daily 

---

2011 WJHC - Reality hits

Team USA's Justin Faulk - Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Now that the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships are fully underway with teams playing at least two games in group play, the reality of what this competition is truly about is evident - the future of NHL hockey looks bright. Even during a tournament year that has not been touted as 'star-studded', the performances put forward by the current rosters of players is exceptional. What is also apparent, as it is each year, is the disparity that still exists between the 'haves' and have nots' in IIHF U-20 competition.

Slow beginnings lead to accelerated pace and intensity

Both the 2010 defending champion Team USA and silver medalist Team Canada began the tournament with hard-grinding wins against Finland (3-2) and Russia (6-3) respectively while bronze medalist Team Sweden jumped right out of the gate with a dominating 7-1 win over Norway. However, Team USA punished Team Slovakia with a 6-1 drubbing on the ice and on the scoreboard. Team Canada matched that performance with a similarly-played physical performance against Team Czech Republic with a solid 7-2 win. On the other side, Team Sweden played Team Russia to a conservative, but physical 2-0 win to keep pace in the win column.

Hit parade is showcased

For WJHC veteran fans and followers, it comes as no surprise that perennial medalists Team Canada and Team Sweden are playing well while Team USA and Team Finland are matching their performances. The placement of these teams at opposite ends of the brackets in group play will bode well for an exciting medal round of play. What has become evident over the past few days is that the intensity level of play has increased and resulted in the true colors emerging from each participating nations' players; along with some cuts, blood and bruises. Many teams are playing with modified lineups as a result of injuries and suspensions to players for imparting hard impacts on their opponents - most notably Team Canada's Zack Kassian and Team Slovakia's Martin Marincin.

 
Borderline hits

Aside from the debates that have ensued regarding Kassian's hit on Petr Senkerik (Czech Republic) and whether it was clean or not, to Marancin's take-out of Jason Zucker (Team USA) from behind, the IIHF has been steadfast in maintaining a record of assessing heavy penalties on the ice and subsequent suspensions. As the medal round approaches, all coaching staffs will need to balance how their players' intensity levels stay in line following their quest to win the gold medal while ensuring that they all make it in one piece.

"Enough already"

Aside from the action on the ice, the other big news comes from fans and players' apparent dislike of the host city, Buffalo, NY. For whatever reason, much has been said about this to the point that the IIHF's Director of Communications, Szymon Szemberg, let it be known on the IIHF blog on Thursday: "Enough already". A great read for everyone involved: fans, players, coaches, administrators, and the media.

Big props to Buffalo on its presence as a true hockey city as per Szymon.


---

Let the Raleigh Sports Examiner be your guide to 2011 NHL All-Star Week in Raleigh:

Local tips and news about the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh

Email with your questions today for personalized advice on where to stay, eat, and have a great time in Raleigh

---

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

---

2011 WJHC - The puck has dropped

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Play is underway at the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships in Buffalo, NY as the opening game of the tournament saw Nino Niederreiter led Switzerland to a 4-3 win over Team Germany. Team Canada battled Team Russia to a 6-3 win while Team Sweden handily took care of Team Norway 7-1.

Team USA took on a pesky Team Finland and finished with a 3-2 win in its first game in defending its title on Sunday.

Team USA 3,Team Finland 2

Game Notes: Team USA vs. Team Finland

2011 WJHC - Team USA and Team Canada face off on opposite ends of bracket


Carolina Hurricanes fans - one-stop watching

Carolina Hurricanes fans got a special opportunity to watch all of their team's prospects during the USA/Finland match-up. All four players - Brian Dumoulin (USA), Justin Faulk (USA), Rasmus Rissanen (Finland), Tommi Kivisto (Finland) - are defensemen and provide a look at the future of the the Hurricanes blue line corps. As the Carolina offensive corps has grown in depth, so too will the defensive roster. The WJHC provide the opportunity for these players to compete in a high-profile tournament while trying to win a gold medal for their country and gaining valuable experience to further their development.

2011 WJHC: Carolina Hurricanes prospects battle in Team USA win over Finland

Quality of play

Play so far has not disappointed as games have been fast, hard hitting, and providing fans more than enough excitement to cheer for. As the tournament progresses each team's goaltenders will become the focal of each game as they will make the difference in their respective teams' success. Soft goals will end a team's chances of getting to the medal round very quickly.

NHL prospect watch at the WJHC

Anaheim: 

Sami Vatanen - D, Finland
Igor Bobkov - G, Russia
Kyle Palmieri - F, USA
Emerson Etem - F, USA

Atlanta:

Fredrik Petersson-Wentzel - G, Sweden
Carl Klingberg - F, Sweden

Boston:

NA

Buffalo:

Zack Kassian - F, Canada
Marcus Foligno - F, Canada

Calgary:

Joni Ortio - G, Finland
Tim Erixon - D, Sweden
John Ramage - D, USA

Carolina:

Tommi Kivisto - D, Finland
Rasmus Rissanen - D, Finland
Brian Dumoulin - D, USA
Justin Faulk - D, USA

Chicago:

Dylan Olsen - D, Canada
Mirko Hofflin - F, Germany
Nick Leddy - D, USA
Jeremy Morin - F, USA

Colorado:

Tyson Barrie - D, Canada
Sami Aittokallio - G, Finland

Columbus:

Ryan Johansen - F, Canada
Petr Straka - F, Czech Rep.

Dallas:

John Klingberg - D, Sweden
Jack Campbell - G, USA

Detroit:

Andrej Nestrasil - F, Czech Rep.
Teemu Pulkinnen - F, Finland
Calle Jarnkrok - F, Sweden
Mitch Callahan - F, USA

Edmonton:

Olivier Roy - G, Canada
Curtis Hamilton - F, Canada
Toni Rajala - F, Finland
Martin Marincin - D, Slovakia
Anton Lander - F, Sweden

Florida:

Erik Gudbranson - D, Canada
Quinton Howden - F, Canada
Joonas Donskoi - F, Finland
Nick Bjugstad - F, USA

Los Angeles:

Brayden Schenn - F, Canada
Maxim Kitsyn - F, Russia
Derek Forbort - D, USA

Minnesota:

Erik Haula - F, Finland
Johan Larsson - F, Sweden
Jason Zucker - F, USA

Montreal:

Louis Leblanc - F, Canada
Joonas Nattinen - F, Finland

Nashville:

Ryan Ellis - D, Canada
Patrick Cehlin - F, Sweden

New Jersey:

Jon Merrill - D, USA

NY Islanders:

Calvin de Haan - D, Canada
Casey Cizikas - F, Canada
Nino Niederreiter - F, Switzerland
Brock Nelson - F, USA

NY Rangers:

Roman Horak - F, Czech Rep.
Jasper Fasth - F, Sweden
Ryan Bourque - F, USA
Chris Kreider - F, USA

Ottawa:

Jared Cowen - D, Canada
Robin Lehner - G, Sweden

Philadelphia:

NA

Phoenix:

Mark Visentin - G, Canada
Oscar Lindberg - F, Sweden
Chris Brown - F, USA

Pittsburgh:

Simon Despres - D, Canada
Tom Kuhnhackel - F, Germany

San Jose:

Konrad Abeltshauser - D, Germany
Charlie Coyle - F, USA

St.Louis:

Jaden Schwartz - F, Canada
Vladimir Tarasenko - F, Russia
Sebastian Wannstrom - F, Sweden

Tampa Bay:

Carter Ashton - F, Canada
Brett Connolly - F, Canada
Adam Janosik - D, Slovakia
Richard Panik - F, Slovakia

Toronto:

Sondre Olden - F, Norway
Jerry D'Amigo - F, USA

Vancouver:

NA

Washington:

Cody Eakin - F, Canada
Philipp Grabauer - G, Germany
Dmitri Orlov - D, Russia
Yevgeni Kuznetsov - F, Russia
Patrick Wey - D, USA
 

---
Let the Raleigh Sports Examiner be your guide to 2011 NHL All-Star Week in Raleigh:

Local tips and news about the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh

Email with your questions today for personalized advice on where to stay, eat, and have a great time in Raleigh

---
The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport


---

2011 WJHC - Watching the stars of the future

The Christmas holiday season not only provides college football fans the opportunity to watch college football bowl games with future NFL stars playing, but hockey fans are treated to great hockey and to bear witness to future National Hockey League stars in action while competing for their countries. Team USA enters this year's World Junior Hockey Championships (WJHC) tournament as defending champions and tournament hosts as the competition takes place in Buffalo, NY. NHL draft-eligible prospects and draftees travel from around the world, representing the top 10 countries in the U-20 division of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), to play for the coveted gold medal.

WJHC is a hidden gem to watch

Just as many will either watch or DVR their favorite teams' NCAA college football bowl games to watch, many sports fans also have the opportunity to watch the future of the NHL taking to the ice at the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships (WJHC). Team USA is defending the gold medal that it earned by beating the previous and consecutive five-time champion Team Canada in last year's overtime thriller in Saskatoon, SK. While Team Canada should never be counted out to play for the gold medal, one must also consider the Swedes, Russians and Fins to contend seriously for a medal each year at this tournament.

With so much on the line for the players and coaches, it is understandable how overwhelming it can be for fans to keep track of so many high profile players competing against one another at the same time and all in one location. Most NHL teams' faithful only begin to recognize these young stars when they are drafted and/or 'make it', but similar to college football, it is great to look back and remember when you first watched them play at this elite level of competition. This is an event not to be missed by veteran or new hockey fans alike.

Where to watch

The NHL Network provides the best programming for the WJHC in the United States and also relies on the great coverage that TSN provides in carrying coverage in Canada while also providing a feed for countries around the world. If you are in the area, catching the games live at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY or Dwyer Arena in Lewiston, NY, will provide a live game experience and excitement unmatched in viewing junior-level hockey players as they prepare to make the jump to the NHL. Otherwise, if you don't have time to watch it live or on television, follow reports here online and/or through these trusted outlets for the best coverage of the tournament.

Watch pre-tournament play online via TSN.ca

NHL Network television schedule

Watch USA Hockey's online coverage at FastHockey.com

Up next: Team previews (coming Dec. 25) - Merry Christmas

---
2011 WJHC schedule

Video: Team USA prepares for World Juniors

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner's coverage of the WJHC

---

Let Raleigh Sports Examiner be your guide - 2011 NHL All-Star Week in Raleigh:

Local tips and news about the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh

Email with your questions today for personalized advice on where to stay, eat, and have a great time in Raleigh

---
The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

---