The Leafs got smushed by the Blue Jackets 6-2 on the second half of a back to back.

Maple Leafs hope you didn’t watch Columbus tune them up
Everyone was tired, mentally disengaged and very bad.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

Max Pacioretty left the game with a lower body injury.

And expect another fine coming Domi's way for this pointlessness.

The Leafs broadcast on Monday (on Prime Video) had an enhanced microphone package that improved the sound on the ice, crowd, and ambience.

Congratulations to Kevin He for becoming captain of the Niagara Ice Dogs.

A group of 15 people wrote this paper on six key barriers to growth. It included former CANWNT players: Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Gillian Apps, Angela James, Jayna Hefford, Therese Brisson, and Kim St, Pierre. It also included executives at various important organizations and corporations like Hockey Canada, Bauer, the NHL, and Canadian Tire. It includes the six key barriers to growing the game, as well as actionable steps and a goal of 2030.

Here are the six key steps. I highly recommend reading what these short phrases mean in much more detail.

  • Structure of Women’s and Girls’ Hockey
  • Equity in Resource Allocation
  • Policy and Governance
  • Education and Training
  • Data
  • Visibility and Celebration

I particularly feel Angela James summarized the problem best. Here's her quote.

“The structure of women’s and girls’ hockey in Canada, including its governance model, is something that we know needs to be evaluated as we look to build a system that doesn’t just work, but thrives and allows all participants with opportunities to succeed in hockey and life. I’m excited to work with our committee to positively impact the game, and in particular review the current training and education offerings to ensure they are meeting the needs of those who are supposed to benefit from them.” Angela James, Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors and National Women’s Team alumna

There's possibly going to be lots of movement in junior hockey in the coming years.

The Florida Panthers rewarded their Cup-winning coach with a big fat cheque.

This CHL/USNTDP game is for draft-eligible players, so a great opportunity to see some future 2025 picks.

I could not stay awake for 16 games all at staggered times to finish. To peek behind the curtain, I'm writing this before the 11pm game starts. My thoughts on the early games were wow, many goals.

Have a great Wednesday, everyone! Longest day of the week (nine whole letters).

From The Branches