In Toronto, Dave Deschuk wrote the Golden Knights are refusing to grant permission for other teams to speak with former coach Bruce Cassidy. That is their right, though it is “highly irregular behaviour for an NHL team to deny a fired head coach the right to interview for his next job.” The idea that competing in the playoffs would somehow “inhibit a franchise’s ability to grant permission for a job interview is laughable.” Cassidy is “arguably the most qualified coach not currently working for an NHL team” (TORONTO STAR, 5/21),
GOING GLOBAL: In Akron, Chris Easterling wrote the Browns are partnering with the Italian Federation of American Football as part of the “international marketing rights in Italy the NFL granted them through Global Markets Program.” The Browns will support the group’s “efforts to grow and develop American football throughout Italy.” The Browns and FIDAF will work together to “enhance visibility and recognition” of the Browns brand across Italy through “integration into FIDAF-led activities, including camps, clinics, tournaments and additional programming” (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 5/21).
ODE TO HISTORY: On Long Island, Andrew Gross wrote the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Hamilton will be called the Hammers. The team’s blue, orange and silver logo “features crossed hammers with ‘Hamilton Hammers’ in all capital letters stacked across the middle.” The name is a “nod to Hamilton’s history” as a steel town (NEWSDAY, 5/21).
CROWN THEM: The Upshot League’s Charlotte Crown “drew a sellout crowd in their home opener last night” at Bojangles Arena. The Crown lost to the Jacksonville Waves in front of 7,014 fans (AXIOS CHARLOTTE, 5/22).
