Last night with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of legendary Buffalo Sabres play-by-play announcer, Rick Jeanneret. Born in St. Catherines in 1942, Jeanneret called games for the Sabres for 51 years, including the absolutely unforgettable "MAY DAY" call, linked below.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also paid their respects to Bobby Baun with this tribute video.

From the Athletic is the story of the tragic death of a young London Knights player named Abakar Kazbekov, who passed away from suspected suicide outside a downtown London hotel last December. Link to the story and the free LFP news story is below.

‘We have to do more’: A young hockey player’s tragic death and a search for answers
Abakar Kazbekov’s death has brought new attention to the mental health challenges facing junior hockey players in Canada.
The AthleticDan Robson
Family speaks out after death of London Knights player Abakar Kazbekov
Abakar Kazbekov was a devoted son, a loving brother and a friend to many, the late London Knights forward’s family said in a statement Tuesday morning.
London Free PressRyan Pyette

I don't know much about Mathieu Schneider, but he's out of the NHLPA after 12 years.

William Villeneuve is 16th in our Top 25 Under 25.

2023 Top 25 Under 25: William Villeneuve is 16th
On a team with so few defensemen prospects in their pipeline, Villeneuve is arguably their second best hope of being an NHLer. This year, he will have a chance to step up into a second pair role on the Marlies and get even closer to the NHL as a real possibility.
PPP LeafsBrian S

Good. The fewer people like Toews in the NHL, the better.

Jonathan Toews announces he is ‘taking time away’ from hockey
In a statement posted to his Instagram page just hours after a heartfelt tribute to the Blackhawks organization and fans, the 35-year-old attributes ongoing health struggles related to long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome as reasons for the absence.
Sportsnet| August 17, 2023, 4:05 PM
CHL set to launch 2023 preseason on CHL TV with free access to over 30 games - Canadian Hockey League
The CHL is excited to announce that more than 30 preseason games covering the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL will be available as ‘freeviews’ on CHL TV over the next month.
Canadian Hockey LeagueChristopher Séguin

Some professional women's hockey players in Europe have unionized.

From The Branches