Links, News and Notes: Tyler Kleven Joins Team USA, Hockey Growth, Prospect Updates and More

It's a new week - an exciting week for the Sens, as we should be getting some additional ownership news. As we wait for the coveted news, we take a look around the hockey world for the latest updates.

• Team USA has had a good start to the World Championship going up 2-0 to start the tournament. However, they have decided to make a very important addition by adding our very own Tyler Kleven. It will be nice to see Kleven get exposure to the big stage and will give us an opportunity to see how he does in a different setting.
• When speaking of growing the game, we often think of Europe or possibly China where the NHL has ventured before. However, it seems the game has grown even deeper. On Saturday, Team Lebanon won the Arab Cup championship 9-4 against hosts Team Kuwait. Yes, an Arab Hockey Cup where hockey is the least expected sport to exist. Let's hope we see some progression in Middle Eastern hockey and maybe one day, some Olympic representation. It should be noted that Lebanon has a Women's national team as well which makes it more exciting to follow.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs have been enduring endless mockery and joy from opposing fans and deservingly so. After being eliminated in 5 games by the Florida Panthers, they have suffered the wrath of their own fans as well as those of other teams. While many Leafs fans continue to blame officiating for their demise, a former NHL referee is pointing a finger back, at Auston Matthews. Tim Peel has weighed in with his opinion on the Leafs by saying that they'll never win with Matthews as he doesn't have the "jam".
• Is this the end of the Arizona Coyotes? The franchise may have one more chance to salvage its place in the NHL with a new arena deal at Tempe. On May 16th, the public votes will determine if the Coyotes will stay in Arizona after their 2-year deal with Arizona State University or if relocation is their future.

Prospect Updates

• The Winnipeg Ice started off their Championship against the Seattle Thunderbirds with a 3-2 win in Game 1. Zack Ostapchuck had an assist in the game. Carson Latimer had a goal in the game.
• However, the Seattle Thunderbirds came back to tie the series in Game 2; winning 4-2. Both Zack Ostapchuck and Carson Latimer were held pointless and were a -1 in this game. The series goes to Seattle for Games 3, 4 and 5 with Games 6 and 7 to be played back in Winnipeg if necessary.
• Unfortunately, after losing 6-0 in Game 5 to the Idaho Steelhead, the Allen Americans season is over.

Playoff Update

• Not sure if you heard but the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated in 5 games by the Florida Panthers last week!
• The Florida Panthers will now face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Dallas Stars (3) @ Seattle Kraken (6) - Series tied 3-3

The Krakens continue to impress as they pull put an impressive win to avoid elimination. The series heads to Game 7 tonight as we find out if we'll get the Battle of the Expansion teams for the Western Conference Finals.

Las Vegas Golden Knights (4) @ Edmonton Oilers(2) - Vegas wins Series 4-2

The Oilers showed signs of brilliance in this series but what they lacked was consistency. The Golden Knights were the more focused team and always seemed to find a way to win and it was no different in this series. It didn't help that the Oilers didn't get much help in the net.