
Flyers Gear Up for a Defense‑Centric 2026 Draft
With the 2026 NHL Draft looming, Philadelphia targets a handful of promising defensemen projected between picks 16 and 21, each bringing a distinct blend of size, skill and leadership.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Finland across Hockey, Basketball, Soccer.

With the 2026 NHL Draft looming, Philadelphia targets a handful of promising defensemen projected between picks 16 and 21, each bringing a distinct blend of size, skill and leadership.
The 2026 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft saw six Ohio State alumni chosen, including first‑round picks Emma Peschel and Sara Swiderski, while goaltender Andrea Braendli’s Olympic heroics added a new chapter to the program’s legacy.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s 2026 draft in Detroit delivered first‑overall pick Caroline Harvey, international breakthroughs and a deep pool of collegiate talent, marking a transformative moment for the sport.

The Athletic’s senior editor Will Jeanes designs a daily soccer‑themed puzzle for the 2026 World Cup, grouping 16 words into four categories with a single solution.

St. Teresa High School has appointed Rodney Walker, a Decatur native and former player, as its new boys basketball head coach, bringing a decade of overseas experience and local roots to the program.

After stints abroad and in the corporate world, Donna Carr is back in the South, taking the helm of Georgia Southern’s women’s basketball program and guiding the next generation of talent.

Ilia Frolov, a Russian prospect known for his scoring and rebounding, has announced his move from the Russian national team to the University of Arkansas, where Coach John Calipari hopes the addition will shore up front‑court depth.

Manny Patterson arrived at Western Michigan University this June, assuming the role of Director of Player Development for the Broncos men’s basketball program. His global playing background and coaching record signal a new era of player development for the team.

The Detroit Red Wings have added 24‑year‑old forward Theo Rochette on a one‑year, entry‑level contract after his strong showing in Switzerland and at the recent World Championship.

After a season‑long recovery from knee surgery, Barkov led Finland to a World Championship gold and helped the Panthers secure consecutive championships, earning a prestigious national honor.

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov has been honored with Finland's President's Trophy for his profound influence on the sport, while his leadership helped the team secure back‑to‑back Stanley Cups and a World Championship gold.

With the draft set for Buffalo on June 26, the Senators' scouting staff is zeroing in on a select group of prospects, including forward Jaxon Cover and WHL scoring champion Markus Ruck.

The Florida Panthers hold a first‑round selection for the first time since 2021, and scouting reports point to Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits as a potential ninth‑overall target.

Daniel Oordt, the Dutch soccer superfan known as the Orange Suit Man, has turned his distinctive attire into a cultural symbol, appearing in a Deep Ellum mural and cheering the Netherlands team in Dallas.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded defenseman prospect Emil Pieniniemi to the Florida Panthers for 26‑year‑old Slovak Olympian Oliver Okuliar, a move that could add depth and offensive versatility to the club's farm system.

Despite being a depth defenseman for the Grand Rapids Griffins, Antti Tuomisto’s recent performances have caught the eye of Red Wings coach Dan Watson, raising questions about his future with the organization.

Miikka Muurinen, a towering Finnish big man, has chosen the University of Arkansas over other suitors, highlighting the Razorbacks' consistent recruitment effort and the pivotal role of Coach Chin Coleman. His defensive skill set and performances on the global stage position him as a promising addition to the SEC program.
Miikka Muurinen, a 7‑foot Finnish prospect, has officially joined the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball program, bringing size, length and defensive instincts to the SEC under head coach John Calipari.

The University of Washington announced the hiring of DeAndre Haynes, a former Marquette assistant and professional player in Europe, to join the Huskies' staff for the 2026‑27 season.

Pepperdine announced the signing of Oliver Kanden, a 6-6 wing from Loimaa, Finland, who arrives after three seasons in the Korisliiga and notable achievements on the international stage.

The Nebraska men's basketball team will meet Butler in Chicago on November 22, marking the first regular‑season meeting between the programs since 1986 and adding a marquee game to a challenging non‑conference slate.

Hungary and Kazakhstan, each yet to taste defeat in 2026, will clash in a friendly at Nagyerdei Stadion on Tuesday, setting the tone for their upcoming Nations League campaigns.

Veteran forward Roy Lassiter and longtime North Texas coach John Hedlund reflect on their international experiences and the upcoming tournament that will bring the world’s eyes to venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Travis Sanheim’s career‑high 11 goals and Rasmus Ristolainen’s 14 points underscore a defensive unit that helped the Flyers clinch a postseason berth, highlighting their leadership and international pedigree.