Day: April 23, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Mikko Rantanen talks about Necas, the Stars’ goal to win the Stanley Cup

By Zdeněk Matějovský – Flashscore

His name is definitely one of the most talked about in the hockey world this season. Star Finnish forward Mikko Rantanen (28) – Stanley Cup winner and World Junior Champion – was traded twice in one month and the first trade from Colorado to Carolina for Martin Necas (26) was very interesting. Currently, the Dallas forward spoke exclusively to Livesport News and it was obvious that a certain aftertaste of the moves still remained in him.

Rantanen signed with Dallas for eight years.                                                                                                             ČTK / AP / Gareth Patterson

You played in Colorado for many years, won a Stanley Cup with the club, but then came the moves to Carolina and then Dallas in a short time. How did you take it all?

“It’s always a big change when a club sorts you out. Now I’m part of Dallas and I’m excited to be here and looking forward to the future.”

The move from the Avalanche obviously came as a big surprise to you, is that why things didn’t work out the way you thought they would in Carolina?

“I’ve talked about it many times and I don’t want to go into it again. So if you want to know more about it, you can Google it.”

Forward Martin Necas is headed in the opposite direction for Colorado. How do you see his performance?

“He’s a good player. I remember him from Carolina. Really good player.”

Was the fact that there is a strong Finnish enclave in Dallas a factor in being traded there?

“It’s good to have friends in the locker room, but mostly Dallas is a really good team that has been doing a great job the last few years and came close to winning the whole thing.”

Dallas hits Colorado in the first round. How hard will it be to play against old teammates you were with for years?

“It’s a business. I’ve already managed to play one game there in a different jersey in the regular season, I think that will help and make it easier for me.”

What are the Stars’ team ambitions?

“The goal is to win it all. Dallas has been really close to that for many years, so hopefully it’s just a matter of time before it happens. And hopefully I can help. But I’m trying not to look too far ahead and take it one day at a time.”

U.S. Wins first Women’s Worlds title since 2023

On Sunday, the Women’s World Championship witnessed yet another exciting installment of the U.S.-Canada rivalry in women’s hockey. The atmosphere was electric as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy on the ice. This match not only highlighted their competitive spirit but also the passion that drives women’s hockey forward.

Tessa Janecke made a stunning impact in the gold-medal match by scoring an overtime goal, leading Team USA to a hard-fought 4-3 triumph over Canada in the 2025 championship final. Her decisive play was a testament to the team’s resilience and teamwork, as they battled fiercely for the title. This victory brings the championship trophy back home to the celebrating their success on the international stage.

United States, wins gold in Czechia.

Hilary Knight has made history by winning her 10th Women’s Worlds gold medal, a remarkable feat that highlights her dedication and skill. At the age of 35, she has proven that age is just a number when it comes to excellence in sports. With her impressive track record, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Marie-Philip Poulin, the Canadian captain, has once again claimed the tournament scoring title, achieving an impressive total of 12 points (4 goals and 8 assists). This marks the second time in her career that she has reached this milestone, having previously scored 13 points in 2013.

Poulin’s achievements are nothing short of legendary, as she stands out as the only player, regardless of gender, to have scored in four different Olympic finals, specifically in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Her consistent performance on the international stage has solidified her status as a key player in women’s hockey. With the next Olympics set to take place in Milan in February 2026, fans are eagerly anticipating her potential to extend this remarkable streak.

In an impressive display of competition, the rivals have contended for gold at 23 of the 24 world championships. Last year’s final was a memorable one, with Canada edging out their opponent 6-5 in a thrilling overtime finish. Their fierce competition is further highlighted by their encounters in six out of seven Olympic finals, making their rivalry one for the ages.

BRONZE MEDAL

In the 2025 Women’s World Championship bronze medal match, Finland found themselves trailing 0-3 halfway through the game. However, they made an incredible comeback, managing to equalize with just 93 seconds remaining on the clock. The atmosphere was electric as fans held their breath, witnessing a thrilling turn of events.

Czechia experienced a devastating blow as their dreams of winning on home ice were extinguished by Jenniina Nylund in the fifth minute of overtime. Her goal, scored from close range, left nearly 6,000 excited Czech fans in a state of disbelief. The sudden transition from a lively atmosphere to a profound silence was a powerful testament to the emotional rollercoaster of the game at Arena Ceske Budejovice.

Australian women’s national team are promoted to Division II, Group A for 2026.

The Australian women’s national team have defeated the Belgian women’s national team 6–0 in the final game  With the win, the Australians are promoted to Division II, Group A for 2026.

Sasha King showcased her exceptional skills in the net, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s perfect week that culminated in a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Division II Group B in Dunedin, New Zealand.

With a goals against average of 0.79 and a save percentage of 95.24, she only conceded five goals during the tournament, demonstrating her outstanding abilities as a goaltender.

Moreover, King achieved three shutouts, the only ones in the tournament, and was instrumental in leading the team to a thrilling shootout win against the New Zealand squad, the hosts of the event.

With an impressive tally of 8 points, Forward Christina Julien emerged as the leading scorer for the Australians, thanks to her 5 goals and 3 assists. Her offensive prowess played a significant role in the team’s success. Furthermore, she clinched the shootout win against New Zealand, proving her ability to perform in critical moments.

Throughout the week, New Zealand showcased their skills in several exciting matches, including a nail-biting shootout against the Australians that ended in a loss. A standout moment for the team was Blong’s impressive goal early in the third period, which propelled them to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Ukraine. Her performance was crucial, as she also scored during a critical moment in their final match against Turkiye, breaking a 2-2 tie and leading the team to a 3-2 win.

The silver medal is a testament to their hard work and determination, setting a promising tone for future competitions. Fans can look forward to seeing how this talented team continues to develop and compete in the coming years.

Ukraine secured a bronze medal with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw, and 1 defeat. The team showcased exceptional talent, with the top four scorers of the tournament all hailing from their roster. Valeria Manchuk led the charge with an impressive tally of 12 goals and 5 assists, totaling 17 points, highlighted by a remarkable 6-goal game against Hong Kong on the final day of the event. Daria Tsymyrenko also made a significant impact, contributing 3 goals and 11 assists for a total of 14 points. Meanwhile, Tetiana Kyrychenko added to the team’s success with 4 goals and 6 assists, bringing her to 10 points, and Polina Telehina rounded out the scoring leaders with 3 goals and 7 assists, also achieving 10 points.

Translate »