Diversity in NHL Hiring, Dorion Speaks, and More!

Today’s the day! With the first round of the NHL Entry Draft looming tonight, let’s do a quick round-up of some news stories around the hockey world:

• Pierre Dorion made an appearance on TSN1200 yesterday, and had a few interesting things to say. Of note, the Sens seem very open to trading the 7th overall pick, and Matt Murray is apparently fully healthy (for whatever that’s worth!) Graeme Nichols has a good, comprehensive write-up over at Rome in a Day.
• On Tuesday, Mike Grier broke a colour barrier of sorts as he became the first black GM in NHL history. The San Jose Sharks, unfortunately, aren’t anyone’s idea of a dream job but Grier should be more than up to the task: He played 14 seasons in the NHL, retiring in 2011 and taking progressively more senior hockey operations roles for the last eleven. We don’t envy the job ahead of him, but wish him all the best!
• Speaking of a more diverse hockey culture, the Toronto Maple Leafs have promoted Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser to assistant GM. In the same week, the AHL has hired their first female assistant coach. Jessica Campbell will assist Dan Bylsma in coaching the Kraken’s affiliate, Coachella Valley Firebirds.
• While the NHL has had female assistant coaches before, the New Jersey Devils introduced their first franchise female assistant coach in naming Kate Madigan to their coaching staff. Small, positive steps abound.
• The news isn’t all good, however, as the Hockey Canada scandal persists. There are calls for more investigations and specific inquiries to how much did sports ministers knew of the incidents Hockey Canada was involved in. This is not something that will go away any time soon.
• In lighter news, hockey stats personality JFresh ran survey of his followers, collected more than 6,500 votes and scientifically proved that fans The Toronto Maple Leafs were the most annoying in the whole league! This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but what makes it better is that they were also honoured with the most delusional fan title which I think is even more fitting.
• In sad news, former San Jose Sharks Bryan Marchment passed away unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 53 years old.
• There are some strange rumours coming out of Russia regarding Kirill Kaprizov who was reported to have returned to the USA after his name was linked to some fraudlent military identification in Russia. Minnesota Wild GM, Bill Guerin has denied these claims and has confirmed Kaprizov is still in Russia and in good condition/