The cat nap days of summer are here for hockey. It's still four weeks until we even get to the Prospect Showdown in Montreal. I was actually thinking of asking for the media credentials to go there. The one time I went to that event when it was held in Toronto many years ago was great. All the players are so excited to talk, and they don't have the media training yet so they will give you actual fun answers to your questions. Then I looked at the hotel prices in Montreal for that coming weekend in September, and nope not happening.

I found a few things hockey-related news for you to read about though.

One of our old counterparts at SB Nation was acquired for some bucks.

Women’s Sports Brand ‘The IX’ Buys ‘The Ice Garden’ Hockey Site
The IX Sports is building a 24/7 women’s sports journalism offering, adding an ice hockey newsroom to its basketball-focused vertical and other sports
Sportico.comJacob Feldman

And speaking of women in hockey.

And as for men in hockey.

Red Wings Sign Defenseman Travis Hamonic to One-Year Deal
The Red Wings made a surprise late-summer signing on Friday, bringing in UFA defenseman Travis Hamonic on a one-year deal worth $1 million AAV. Most hockey fans know this guy because he’s been around…
Winging It In MotownKyle WIIM

And it's been one year since the shocking news came out about the death of the Gaudreau brothers, now there is a charitable foundation in their name.

Meredith, Madeline Gaudreau announce foundation honoring Johnny, Matthew on ‘Good Morning America’ Wednesday | NHL.com
Charity named after brothers killed last August helps youth hockey initiatives, supports families affected by drunk driving
NHL logoTracey Myers

Enjoy your weekend.

From The Branches