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Boston Red Sox acquire Three-Time All-Star Willson Contreras from St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Editor
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Boston Red Sox acquire Three-Time All-Star Willson Contreras from St. Louis Cardinals

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox today announced the acquisition of first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, along with cash considerations, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins and minor league right-handers Blake Aita and Yhoiker Fajardo.

Contreras, 33, owns a career .258 average (954-for-3,700) with an .811 OPS, 208 doubles, 172 home runs, and 548 RBI across 1,078 Major League games with the Chicago Cubs (2016–22) and Cardinals (2023–25). A three-time National League All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022) and a 2016 World Series champion with Chicago, the Venezuela native has logged 709 career starts at catcher, 136 as designated hitter, 123 at first base, 24 in left field, and one in right field. Since the start of 2023, he ranks ninth among right-handed hitters (min. 1,000 PA) in on-base percentage (.358) and 13th in OPS (.817).

In 2025, Contreras hit .257 (126-for-490) with 31 doubles, one triple, 20 home runs, and 80 RBI for St. Louis, making 119 starts at first base and 15 as the designated hitter. Originally signed by the Cubs as an international free agent in December 2009, he was honored as the 2023 J.G. Taylor Spink Baseball Man of the Year by the St. Louis chapter of the BBWAA.

Dobbins, 26, debuted for Boston in 2025, going 4–1 with a 4.13 ERA (28 ER/61.0 IP) in 13 appearances (11 starts). He was placed on the Injured List on July 12 with a right ACL tear and missed the remainder of the season. Selected in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, the Texas native also posted a 5.09 ERA (10 ER/17.2 IP) across four minor league outings with Triple-A Worcester and Double-A Portland.

Aita, 22, made his professional debut in 2025, recording a 3.98 ERA (51 ER/115.1 IP) in 23 games (19 starts) between Single-A Salem and High-A Greenville. The Tennessee native was selected by Boston in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft.

Fajardo, 19, ranked as the Red Sox’ No. 9 prospect by Baseball America, delivered a standout 2025 season with a 2.25 ERA (18 ER/72.0 IP) and 83 strikeouts in 19 games (17 starts) between the Florida Complex League Red Sox and Single-A Salem. The Venezuela native originally signed with the Chicago White Sox in February 2024 and was acquired by Boston on December 21, 2024, in exchange for left-hander Cam Booser.

Seattle Mariners Sign OF/1B Rob Refsnyder to One-Year Contract

MLB Editor
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Seattle Mariners Sign OF/1B Rob Refsnyder to One-Year Contract

Veteran hitter posted a .276 average and .804 OPS with Boston since 2022

SEATTLE – Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander announced today that the club has signed outfielder/first baseman Rob Refsnyder to a one-year Major League contract through the 2026 season.

“Rob has been one of the most productive hitters against left-handed pitching over the last four seasons and brings balance and impact to our lineup,” Hollander said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”

With the signing, the Mariners’ 40-man roster is now full.

Refsnyder, 34, enters his 11th Major League season after spending the past four years with the Boston Red Sox. The right-handed hitter has also appeared with the New York Yankees (2015–17), Toronto Blue Jays (2017), Tampa Bay Rays (2018), Texas Rangers (2020), and Minnesota Twins (2021).

During his tenure in Boston, Refsnyder batted .276 (223-for-809) with 117 runs scored, 48 doubles, two triples, 27 home runs, 119 RBI, and 100 walks, producing an .804 OPS and 123 OPS+ over four seasons.

Since 2022, he has been one of MLB’s most effective hitters against left-handed pitching, posting a .312 average (133-for-426) with 28 doubles, 19 home runs, 77 RBI, and 64 walks. His .407 OBP, .516 SLG, and .924 OPS vs. lefties rank among the league’s best during that span (min. 400 plate appearances), including the third-highest OBP behind Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt.

A standout at Laguna Hills High School (CA) and later the University of Arizona, Refsnyder was selected by the Yankees in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He helped lead the Wildcats to the College World Series title in 2012 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Refsnyder becomes the fourth Korean-born player in Mariners history, joining Shin-Soo Choo (2005–06), Cha-Seung Baek (2007), and Dae-ho Lee (2016).

NBA to engage prospective teams and ownership groups for new basketball league in Europe in partnership with FIBA

NBA Editor
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NBA to engage prospective teams and ownership groups for new basketball league in Europe in partnership with FIBA

MIES, SWITZERLAND AND NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced that they will in January move forward in their joint exploration of a new professional, pan-European men’s basketball league by engaging prospective teams and ownership groups in the process to join the league.

In addition to permanent spots, the new league would offer every team in a FIBA-affiliated domestic league in Europe a merit-based pathway to qualify on an annual basis either through FIBA’s Basketball Champions League (BCL) or an end-of-season qualifying tournament.  The league would also align its schedule with domestic league and national team schedules, allowing players to represent their club and national team year-round.

As part of the new league, the NBA and FIBA would also plan to dedicate financial support and resources to the continued development of Europe’s basketball ecosystem, including domestic leagues, club team academies, and the NBA and FIBA’s existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches and referees at all levels of the game.

“Advancing further this joint NBA-FIBA project is great news for the European basketball community,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.  “The format of the league respects European sport model principles by offering any ambitious club in the continent a fair pathway to the top.  The project is conceived in a way that will improve the sustainability of the entire European basketball ecosystem, including players, clubs, leagues and national federations, by generating a knock-on effect that will strongly benefit basketball fans throughout Europe.”

“Our conversations with various stakeholders in Europe have reinforced our belief that an enormous opportunity exists around the creation of a new league on the continent,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “Together with FIBA, we look forward to engaging prospective clubs and ownership groups that share our vision for the game’s potential in Europe.”

The NBA and FIBA will provide additional updates in the coming months.

Connor McDavid, Linus Ullmark and Zach Werenski Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NHL Editor
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Connor McDavid, Linus Ullmark and Zach Werenski Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week
Stars of the Week, McDavid, Ullmark, Werenski

NEW YORK – Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending Dec. 21.

FIRST STAR – CONNOR McDAVID, C, EDMONTON OILERS

McDavid, who scored in all four of his appearances and posted a trio of multi-point performances, registered a League-leading 5-5—10 to earn his second straight “First Star” honor, overtake Nathan MacKinnon in the Art Ross Trophy race and lift the Oilers (18-13-6, 42 points) into third place in the Pacific Division via a 3-1-0 week. He notched 2-2—4, his third four-point effort of the season (also Dec. 4 vs. SEA: 3-1—4 and Dec. 11 vs. DET: 0-4—4), in a 6‑4 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins Dec. 16. McDavid followed that with 1-1—2, including his 19th career shorthanded goal, in a 3-1 victory over the Boston Bruins Dec. 18 before potting one of Edmonton’s two goals in a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild Dec. 20. He finished the week with 1-2—3, his 20th multi-point outing of the campaign, in a 4-3 triumph against the Vegas Golden Knights Dec. 21. The 28-year-old McDavid, spurred by a 10-game point streak dating to Dec. 4 (12-14—26), paces the NHL with 23-39—62 through 37 total contests this season. He also ranks among the 2025-26 leaders in assists (1st; 39), power-play assists (1st; 20), power-play points (1st; 27), goals (t-3rd; 23) and shots on goal (10th; 122).

SECOND STAR – LINUS ULLMARK, G, OTTAWA SENATORS

Ullmark went 3-0-0 with a 1.32 goals-against average, .943 save percentage and one shutout to guide the Senators (18-13-4, 40 points) to a perfect week as they climbed within one point of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He denied 23 shots as Ottawa rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory against the Winnipeg Jets Dec. 15. Ullmark then earned his 13th career shutout with 25 saves in a 4-0 triumph over the Pittsburgh Penguins Dec. 18. He ended the week with 18 stops in a 6-2 win versus his former team, the Boston Bruins, Dec. 21. The 32-year-old Ullmark, aided by an 8-3-0 record in his last 11 starts dating to Nov. 20 (2.54 GAA, .899 SV%, 1 SO), shares sixth place in the NHL with 14 wins through 26 total appearances this season (14-8-4, 2.85 GAA, .884 SV%, 1 SO).

THIRD STAR – ZACH WERENSKI, D, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Werenski tied for the League lead with five goals in three contests (5-2—7) to help the Blue Jackets (14-15-6, 34 points) complete a 1-2-0 week. He registered 2-1—3, including an assist on Adam Fantilli’s overtime winner, in a 4-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 16. Werenski then scored twice in a 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild Dec. 18 to become the first defenseman in franchise history with back-to-back multi-goal games. He added his third straight multi-point performance, and 14th of 2025-26, with 1-1—2 in a 4-3 loss to the Ducks Dec. 20. The 28-year-old Werenski, who owns 5-5—10 during a five-game point streak dating to Dec. 11, places among the top NHL blueliners in goals (t-1st; 14), points (2nd; 40) and assists (t-4th; 26) through 35 total contests this season.

DK Metcalf Suspended by the NFL for Two Games

NFL Editor
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DK Metcalf Suspended by the NFL for Two Games

NEW YORK – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended without pay for two games for conduct detrimental to the NFL for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and…if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Metcalf will be eligible to return to the Steelers’ active roster on Monday, Jan. 5, following the team’s games in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns and Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Metcalf may appeal the suspension. A prompt hearing will be held by the Commissioner or his designee.

Denzel Perryman suspended by the NFL for Two Games

NFL Editor
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Denzel Perryman suspended by the NFL for Two Games

NEW YORK – Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman has been suspended without pay for two games for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

During the second quarter, Perryman was penalized for unnecessary roughness for delivering a forcible blow to the helmet of Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground after making a catch, violating Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(b), which prohibits “using any part of the helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.”

Perryman will be eligible to return to the Chargers’ active roster on Monday, Jan. 5, following the team’s games in Week 17 against the Houston Texans and Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Perryman may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.

Omaha Supernovas Complete Draft Pick Signings with Former Husker Sczech, Pittsburgh Setter Mosher

Agate Editor
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Omaha Supernovas Complete Draft Pick Signings with Former Husker Sczech, Pittsburgh Setter Mosher

OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, have officially signed their full 2025 draft class, inking former Nebraska opposite Allie Sczech and Pittsburgh setter Brooke Mosher to rookie contracts. Both will join the 17-player roster competing for spots on the active roster, which will be finalized ahead of the team’s season opener against the San Diego Mojo on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the CHI Health Center. 

The 6-foot-4, left-handed Sczech was selected in the fourth round by the Supernovas at No. 29 overall. She began her collegiate career at Baylor, making an immediate impact with the Bears by averaging 2.11 kills per set and recording 105 blocks, earning All-Big 12 Second Team and Big 12 All-Rookie Team honors. She returned to the All-Big 12 Second Team two years later in 2024, posting 2.44 kills per set while adding 80 digs and 72 blocks. 

A Sugar Land, Texas, native, Sczech entered the transfer portal following the 2024 season and committed to Nebraska under then-head coach John Cook. Despite Cook’s retirement shortly after her commitment, Sczech honored her pledge following the hiring of Dani Busboom Kelly. She served as a key reserve during the Huskers’ 33-1 season in 2025, averaging 1.59 kills per set on a .384 hitting percentage with 18 blocks across 32 sets in 19 matches. 

Mosher enjoyed her most productive season to date at Pittsburgh, helping lead the Panthers to their fifth consecutive national semifinal appearance, where they fell to eventual national champion Texas A&M. After transferring following four seasons at Illinois, Mosher recorded career highs in assists (1,247), assists per set (9.98) and aces (47), earning AVCA Second Team All-American honors. She also averaged 2.02 digs per set with 59 blocks, was named to the AVCA East Coast All-Region team and earned First Team All-ACC recognition. 

Originally committing to Illinois out of Waterloo High School, Mosher redshirted before appearing primarily as an attacker during the 2022 season, averaging 2.09 kills per set and being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. She transitioned back to setter in 2023, breaking out with 9.22 assists per set, 38 aces, 67 blocks and 2.57 digs per set as a redshirt sophomore. Mosher continued her production in 2024, averaging 8.61 assists per set with 43 aces, 44 blocks, and 1.94 digs per set before entering the transfer portal. 

First-round pick Kiara Reinhardt and third-round setter Claire Ammeraal previously signed with the Supernovas. A star middle blocker from Creighton, Reinhardt capped a historic Bluejay career by becoming only the third player in program history to be named an AVCA Second Team All-American — joining Mosher. Ammeraal helped lead a resurgence at Iowa in her final college season, guiding the Hawkeyes to their most wins (15) and team hitting percentage (.243) in nine seasons, which resulted in an All-Big Ten Second Team selection. She became the first Iowa player drafted into professional volleyball after the Supernovas selected her No. 22 overall in the third round of the MLV Draft. 

For the 2026 season, all MLV teams must carry no fewer than 12 and no more than 16 players on the active roster, with two active roster spots reserved for college draftees. 

PWHL Weekly Notebook

PWHL Editor
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PWHL Weekly Notebook

PWHL Takeover Tour™ continues in Edmonton and Dallas as part of a Six-Game Holiday Week Schedule

Toronto’s Jesse Compher Named PWHL Player of the Week Presented by SharkNinja

NEW YORK AND TORONTO – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) returned to action with the busiest week of the 2025-26 season, featuring nine games including the launch of the PWHL Takeover Tour™. Two more Tour stops are on this week’s six-game schedule.

PWHL TAKEOVER TOUR COMING TO EDMONTON AND DALLAS

The PWHL returns to Rogers Place on Saturday for the DoorDash PWHL Takeover Tour presented by Explore Edmonton with the Minnesota Frost taking on the Vancouver Goldeneyes. It’s a homecoming for goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer of Bruderheim, AB who also had the opportunity to experience last season’s sold-out crowd of 17,518 in Edmonton when Ottawa met Toronto in one of nine Takeover Tour games on the schedule. On Sunday in Dallas, the PWHL Takeover Tour presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club, will also be a special game for Texas natives Hannah Bilka and Allyson Simpson as their Seattle Torrent and New York Sirens go head-to-head at American Airlines Center for the first time. The players will also be in the building and recognized on Saturday night when the Dallas Stars take on the Chicago Blackhawks following a day filled with open team practices and autograph sessions. See the full Takeover Tour schedule and all public events here.

BONUS HOCKEY HIGHLIGHTS HALIFAX AND CHICAGO DEBUTS

The PWHL’s first of two trips to Halifax and Chicago as part of the PWHL Takeover Tour launch last week did not disappoint fans as both games extended beyond regulation. On Wednesday at a sold-out Scotiabank Centre, the season’s first shootout decided the outcome for Montréal in a 2-1 victory over Toronto. Then, on Sunday at Allstate Arena, overtime heroics lifted Ottawa to a 3-2 triumph over Minnesota. Both games had local flair, with Sceptres captain Blayre Turnbull, alternate captain Allie Munroe, head coach Troy Ryan, and Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie returning to their home province of Nova Scotia, while Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield and Charge forward Taylor House returned home to Illinois. Off the ice in Halifax, members of the Victoire visited a local French school and the teams were welcomed to the rink by bagpipes as Turnbull and Munroe wore their old Team Nova Scotia jerseys for walk-ins. Among the Chicago highlights, Coyne Schofield and some of her teammates met fans at the AHL’s Wolves game, and House’s former Chicago Fury teammates gave one of the most energetic lineup reads of the season. Follow all PWHL results here.

COMPHER RECORDS FIRST CAREER THREE-POINT PERFORMANCE

Toronto forward Jesse Compher has been named the PWHL Player of the Week presented by SharkNinja after recording the first multi-goal and three-point performance of her career. The 26-year-old from Northbrook, IL scored both goals and served a primary assist in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Sirens and finished her two-game week with five shots as the Sceptres earned four of a possible six points in the standings. She leads the team with four points (2G, 2A) in six games.

DUEL AT THE TOP RETURNS TO BELL CENTRE

On the heels of their Takeover Tour battle in Halifax, Montréal and Toronto will meet for the third time this month on Saturday at the Bell Centre for the third annual Duel at the Top presented by Scotiabank. Back on Apr. 20, 2024 during the inaugural season, the game between the Canadian rivals set a world attendance record for a women’s hockey game, with 21,105 fans filling the Bell Centre stands as Toronto defeated Montréal 3-2 in overtime. Last season’s game also required overtime, with Montréal defeating Boston 3-2 on Mar. 1, 2025.

PWHL SETS WEEKLY ATTENDANCE RECORD

Last week’s nine-game schedule generated the highest attendance for a single week period (Monday through Sunday) in PWHL history with attendance reaching 72,082. Through 25 games of the 2025-26 PWHL season, total attendance is 198,402 for a per game average of 7,936.

BOSTON STAYS IN FIRST, MONTRÉAL STREAKING UP STANDINGS

Boston (6-0-0-1) set a new team record with five consecutive regulation wins before suffering their first loss of the season against Minnesota on Friday, then became the first of the league’s original six teams to beat both expansion teams with a Sunday win in Seattle to bring their point total to 18. Montréal (3-1-0-1) is in second place with 11 points and are riding the league’s longest active win streak at four games, two shy of their team record of six set last season. Toronto (3-0-1-2) and Minnesota (3-1-0-2) share equal records and occupy the next two spots in the standings with 10 points each. Vancouver (2-1-0-4) became the first team in PWHL history to win their first three home games of their inaugural season but lost the fourth game at Pacific Coliseum and sit in fifth place with eight points. Seattle (2-0-1-2) had a two-game home streak snapped and are in sixth place with seven points. New York (2-0-0-5) has dropped their last four games in seventh place with six points, and Ottawa (1-1-0-5) broke their four-game losing streak to end the week in eighth place with five points. See full PWHL standings here.

BOSTON BY THE NUMBERS

The Fleet’s early season fortunes can be measured in a number of ways across PWHL leaderboards through the first 25 games of the campaign. The team has the best goal differential (+10), the league’s best power play (27.8%) and the league’s only perfect penalty kill (100.0%). Boston leads the league with 18 goals and 17 different skaters with at least one point. Their six goals by defenders are also the most in the PWHL, along with their seven goals from four different rookies. The Fleet are also the first team to have every skater from its 2025 draft class record a point with the five-player group totaling 12 points to date.

PANNEK, CURL-SALEMME, KELLER, COYNE SCHOFIELD HEADLINE TOP SCORERS

A pair of Frost forwards are tied for the PWHL scoring lead with eight points in six games including Kelly Pannek (3G, 5A) and Britta Curl-Salemme (2G, 6A). Both players are the only PWHL skaters so far this season with a trio of multi-point performances and 15 of their combined 16 points have been recorded at even strength. Fleet captain Megan Keller (3G, 4A) leads all defenders in scoring and ranks third among all skaters with seven points in seven games. Her two power play goals are tied for the PWHL lead and she’s the first skater to produce a four-game point streak this season. Coyne Schofield is one of four players with six points and leads the league with five goals. See this season’s PWHL leaders here.

FRANKEL AND DESBIENS TOP GOALTENDING RANKS

Boston’s Aerin Frankel became the league’s first goaltender to reach five wins and three shutouts this season following a 2-0 victory over New York last Wednesday. Her 0.83 goals-against-average and .969 save percentage are both top marks in the PWHL. Right behind is Montréal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens with three wins, one shutout, a 0.99 GAA and .966 SV%. She became the first goaltender to record a shootout victory this season, stopping all five attempts for the third time in her last four shootouts. See this season’s PWHL goaltending leaders here.

GUILDAY, KALTOUNKOVÁ, MURPHY AMONG ROOKIES TO WATCH

Ottawa’s Rory Guilday (1G, 4A) is the first PWHL rookie to reach five points this season. The defender chosen fifth overall in June’s draft has contributed on the scoresheet in four of her seven games this season, the most among all Charge skaters. New York first overall pick Kristýna Kaltounková became the first PWHL rookie to record a two-goal game on Sunday at Prudential Center, including the Sirens first power play goal of the season. Seattle second-rounder Hannah Murphy is a perfect 2-0 in the crease to launch her professional career with a 1.00 GAA and .959 SV%. See this season’s PWHL rookie leaders here.

FLURRY OF FIRST GOALS

More than a quarter of last week’s 41 goals were milestone markers as 11 PWHL players found the back of the net for the first time in their regular season careers. Of the 11 players, seven are playing in their first season and four are second year veterans. Of the rookie class, Boston had a trio of draft picks score for the first time including third-round pick Olivia Mobley in her second game, second-round pick Ella Huber in her fifth game, and fourth-round pick Riley Brengman scored in both her sixth and seventh games, including the first shorthanded ‘jailbreak’ goal for a rookie this season. Montréal fifth-round pick Maya Labad scored in her PWHL debut on her first career shot in Wednesday’s Takeover Tour game in Halifax. Ottawa second-round pick Anna Shokhina scored in her fourth game and third-round pick Sarah Wozniewicz became the first rookie to score an overtime goal this season in her seventh game in Chicago. Richmond, BC native Katie Chan, who signed with Vancouver out of training camp, scored in front of her hometown crowd in her sixth game. Of the veterans, Boston defender Daniela Pejšová got her first goal in her 35th career game, Minnesota’s Mae Batherson became the first Frost defender to score this season in her 31st career game, Montréal forward Dara Greig scored in her 34th career game, and Toronto defender Anna Kjellbin scored in her 30th regular season game after previously scoring in the playoffs. There have been 69 different goal scorers so far this PWHL season including 13 rookies.

FIRST WINS FOR ABSTREITER AND LEVY

Montréal’s Sandra Abstreiter recorded her first career PWHL victory on Saturday with 27 saves against Vancouver. The German netminder spent the 2024-25 season with the Victoire but did not see any game action and previously made three appearances for Ottawa during the inaugural season. Boston’s Abbey Levy earned a win in her Fleet debut on Sunday, stopping 26 shots against Seattle. It marks the first regulation victory of her PWHL career and just her second professional win all-time following a shootout triumph with New York back on Feb. 1, 2024.

SEATTLE HOSTS FIRST UNITY GAME

On Sunday, Seattle hosted an Indigenous Peoples Celebration, the first as part of the PWHL’s Unity Game series, which celebrates diverse cultures and communities and promotes a welcoming and inclusive PWHL game experience for all. A one-of-one paddle carved and painted by Lummi Nation artist David Wilson, exclusively for the game, is being auctioned on The Realest platform with proceeds benefitting Red Soaring Eagle.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

A Tuesday doubleheader between Ottawa and Toronto at Coca-Cola Coliseum at 7 p.m. ET, followed by Montréal and Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena at 10 p.m. ET, will take the PWHL schedule into a short holiday break. The action will resume Saturday with three games, including Boston at Ottawa at 12 p.m. ET, the Duel at the Top between Montréal and Toronto at the Bell Centre at 2 p.m. ET, and the Takeover Tour game in Edmonton between Minnesota and Vancouver at 3 p.m. ET. The week wraps up with more Takeover Tour action in Dallas between Seattle and New York at 6 p.m. ET. Full broadcast details are below and available online here.

Tuesday, December 23 – 7 PM ET
Ottawa Charge at Toronto Sceptres (Coca-Cola Coliseum) 

•           Canada: Prime Video

•           U.S. (Out of Market): Great Lakes Sports & Entertainment Network, KCRG-TV 9/Ottumwa–Kirksville CW (Iowa), Last Frontier Sports & Entertainment Network (Alaska), Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network, Peachtree Sports Network, Rock Entertainment Sports Network, South Texas Sports, Tennessee Valley Sports Network

Tuesday, December 23 – 10 PM ET
Montréal Victoire at Seattle Torrent (Climate Pledge Arena) 

•           Canada: Prime Video

•           U.S. (In-Market): FOX 13+

•           U.S. (Out of Market): NESN+ (Boston), SNP (Pittsburgh)

Saturday, December 27 – 12 PM ET
Boston Fleet at Ottawa Charge (TD Place) 

•           Canada: Sportsnet

•           U.S. (In-Market): NESN

•           U.S. (Out of Market): Matrix Midwest (St. Louis), SNP (Pittsburgh)

Saturday, December 27 – 2 PM ET – Duel at the Top
Toronto Sceptres at Montréal Victoire (Bell Centre) 

•           Canada: CBC and CBC Gem, Radio-Canada

•           U.S. (Out of Market): Scripps Sports

Saturday, December 27 – 3 PM ET – PWHL Takeover Tour
Minnesota Frost vs. Vancouver Goldeneyes (Rogers Place – Edmonton) 

•           Canada: Sportsnet

•           U.S. (In-Market): FanDuel Sports Network North, FOX 9+

•           U.S. (Out of Market): FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, FOX 10 Xtra Phoenix, Matrix Midwest (St. Louis), NESN+ (Boston), SNP (Pittsburgh)

Sunday, December 28 – 6 PM ET – PWHL Takeover Tour
Seattle Torrent vs. New York Sirens (American Airlines Center – Dallas) 

•           Canada: Sportsnet 360

•           U.S. (In-Market): FOX 13+, MSG, More 27 Dallas

•           U.S. (Out of Market): FanDuel Sports Network (Florida, Midwest, North, South, Southwest, West, Wisconsin), FOX 11+ Los Angeles, Last Frontier Sports & Entertainment Network (Alaska), NESN (Boston), SNP+ (Pittsburgh)

Poker Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood with the 2026 Lucky Hearts Poker Open

Agate Editor
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Poker Returns to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood with the 2026 Lucky Hearts Poker Open

Poker action is back at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood as the Lucky Hearts Poker Open kicks off on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The series opens with a $600 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em event featuring a massive $2 million guaranteed prize pool.

The spotlight then shifts to the $3,500 LHPO Championship, beginning Friday, 16 January, and backed by a $3 million guarantee. The championship final table is set for Wednesday, 21 January.

The 2026 LHPO schedule includes 58 total events and more than $7 million in guaranteed prize pools. Notable tournaments on this year’s lineup include:

  • $2,200 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) — $200,000 Guaranteed, Wednesday, 14 January
  • $25,500 High Roller No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) — Thursday, 15 January
  • $400 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (Re-Entry) — $200,000 Guaranteed, Monday, 12 January through Thursday, 15 January

Last year’s LHPO Championship attracted 1,162 entries and generated a prize pool of more than $3.7 million.

Special poker hotel rates are available throughout the series.

New York City FC Signs Midfielder Cooper Flax to a Homegrown Contract

MLS Editor
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New York City FC Signs Midfielder Cooper Flax to a Homegrown Contract

NEW YORK – New York City FC announced today that Midfielder Cooper Flax has signed a First Team contract as a Homegrown through 2026 with Club options through June 2027, and the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 seasons.

Flax becomes the 18th Homegrown Player in New York City FC history and returns to the Club following a standout collegiate career at Wake Forest. The Midfielder made 75 appearances, scoring 21 goals and tallying 18 assists. Flax’s 21 career goals tie for 18th on Wake Forest’s all-time scoring list.

During Flax’s time with the Demon Deacons, the Long Island native earned All-ACC First Team honors in his senior year, marking the second All-ACC selection of his career after being named to the Second Team in 2024. Flax became Wake Forest’s 16th player to earn First Team honors. In addition, Flax’s standout performance in 2025 earned the Midfielder the title of Wake Forest’s Most Valuable Player after leading the team with nine goals and seven assists across 17 starts. The Long Island native’s 2025 season concluded with Flax ranking top 10 in the ACC in the three major offensive categories, finishing second in total points, third in goals and sixth in assists.

“It’s awesome to sign with New York City FC,” said Midfielder Cooper Flax. “I grew up here and it really feels like home. There’s something special about walking back in and seeing all the trophies and accomplishments displayed on the walls. This is such a great Club with great people, and it was always a dream of mine to play for my hometown club. Being part of the Academy, knowing the guys coming up and training with the First Team, made the transition really easy and prepared me well. I’m grateful to be back.”

Before joining Wake Forest, Flax spent four seasons as a captain at New York City FC’s Academy. Flax also took part in preseason with the First Team in 2020 and 2021.

“This is another dream come true in my journey as a professional soccer player, especially having the opportunity to do it in my hometown. I can’t wait to step on the field, give everything for this badge, and play in front of the City’s amazing fans,” said Midfielder Cooper Flax. “Bringing another trophy back to New York City would mean everything to me. I’m here to do whatever I can to make that happen; be a good teammate, help on-on-off the field, make a tackle, make a run, score or provide an assist – whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Transaction: New York City FC signs Midfielder Cooper Flax to a First Team contract as a Homegrown through 2026 with Club options through June 2027, and the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 seasons.

Name: Cooper Flax

Date of Birth: January 21, 2004

Hometown: Dix Hills, NY

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6’

Weight: 157lb

Age: 21

Last Club: Wake Forest University

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