Today is Simcoe Day in Toronto. The holiday is named after John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. Ah, Upper Canada; forever confusing fifth grade history students as the province south of Lower Canada.

If you are not in Toronto the holiday is probably called something else. It's also not a holiday for our friends working in retail. Yes, this means you can still buy booze today. 404 LCBO locations are open!

Before you fire up the grill and crack open a beer, check out these hockey links.

Dylan Strome and Mitch Marner aiming for NHL berths - The Globe and Mail
Playing for Canada at the world junior championships in December would be the consolation prize.

The Sit-Down: Dave Hopkinson, MLSE - SportsBusiness Daily
From the Maple Leafs’ 100th anniversary, to the naming-rights extension on Toronto FC’s recently renovated BMO Field, to popularity growth in China, it is shaping up as a big year for Maple Leaf Sports.

What's next for Nazem Kadri? - Shanaplan Debate
Nazem Kadri's NHL career has been a solid one with the Toronto Maple Leafs thus far. However, here's how he can take it one step further next season.

Tyson Barrie and the Avalanche settled before going to arbitration.

Klefbom’s comments on Hall are much ado about nothing - Edmonton Journal
Oscar Klefbom ignited Twitter with his comment to Swedish journalist Ola Winther regarding Taylor Hall's performance.

First ice installed at T-Mobile Arena - KSNV
The newest arena in the country is one step closer to having an NHL game in Las Vegas. For the first time, the T-Mobile Arena is installing ice on the venue's event floor. It's a chance to test the systems in preparation for the preseason games.

How the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL test for marijuana - NY Daily News
Here is how the big four American professional sports leagues handle testing players for marijuana use.

From The Branches