Monthly Archives: June 2021

Asia Gaming Giant Set to Launch in US with Real-Money Gaming

Mobile Premier League (MPL), Asia’s largest esports and skill gaming platform, today announced the official launch of the MPL App in the U.S. with nine casual games. The app is now available on the Apple App Store and on Android for users to download.

The MPL App in the U.S. offers a seamless player experience and the unique opportunity to play, compete, and win cash prizes – all under one super app.     

Based in India with offices in Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia, MPL was founded in 2018 and has quickly become Asia’s largest and most trusted gaming platform with more than 81 million registered users across India and Indonesia.   

MPL is backed by marquee investors such as Sequoia Capital, Moore Strategic Ventures, SIG, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Founders Circle, Telstra, Composite Capital, MDI, Go-Ventures, RTP Global, Base Partners, among others. The company has raised $225.5 million in funding till date, valuing it at $945 million. MPL’s investors have backed global marquee technology companies in the past.

MPL will offer nine high-quality casual games at launch, and new games will be introduced on a regular basis. The first slate of quick, fun, and fast-action games includes Baseball Star, Block Puzzle, Bowling, Pool, 21 Puzzle, and others.

The MPL App provides players the opportunity to compete in a variety of formats, including head-to-head matches or in tournament play, with the option to participate in free competitions or for low minimums ranging from 60 cents to $6.  All head-to-head matchups will be determined by MPL’s proprietary and best-in-class player matching technology.  For any games with real cash prizes, players need to be at least 18 years of age.

“It is a historic moment for MPL as we launch in the U.S. and continue to grow our presence around the world,” said MPL Co-Founder and CEO Sai Srinivas. “With our proven success in India and Indonesia, combined with the soaring popularity of casual real-money gaming in the U.S., we look forward to providing millions of players in the U.S. with a safe, fair and incredible gaming experience.”

MPL has been a leader in responsible gaming and is one of the first gaming platforms to pioneer groundbreaking technology to ensure player safety and fair play.  In the U.S., MPL plans to continue its commitment to protect players and the integrity of all games. 

SGPN App Debuts Via Sports Gambling Podcast Network

Sports Gambling Podcast Network™ has taken the next step in providing easy access to its expanding array of assets and content by making available the app “SGPN” beginning this month.

The new, completely free, SGPN app will include content for sports wagerers on the move from over 45 SGPN writers and personalities plus exclusive access to multiple, free audience contests. The SGPN app is available on all devices and is downloadable at Apple’s App Store, the Google Play Store, and from www.SportsGamblingPodcast.com. SGPN is the only independently-owned and operated sports gambling media network that places a premium on entertainment value.

“Our industry is exploding. Our followers have been asking for an app and we’re happy we’re able to deliver. The SGPN app is the perfect tool for the second screen sports gambling experience,” stated Sean Green, SGPN co-founder, CEO and co-host of the popular Sports Gambling Podcast. “So many sports gambling networks charge for their content, but all our picks, posts and podcasts are free, so naturally the app is free as well.” Green and co-founder Ryan Kramer launched SGPN in 2011 and have since amassed a large audience, consistently ranking amongst the top sports-related offerings on the digital landscape.

The first bonus for all app downloaders is an NBA playoffs contest with a $1,000 winner-take-all cash prize. Open until June 18, $1,000 NBA Playoffs Contest entrants need only identify the 2021 NBA champion, the number of games to be played in the championship series only, and the total number of points scored in those games.

The winner will be the contestant who answers both of the first two questions correctly and is then closest in the point total prediction, which is wildly variable because of all the variable factors. The only requirement for entry into the contest is to have downloaded the app. “We specialize in simplicity,” said Green who will oversee the awarding of $20,000 in free contests per year on the app. “The app is easy to use and our contests are even easier.”

Tony Romo Atop Caesars Sportsbook By William Hill Odds Board For American Century Championship

Two-time champion Tony Romo is the 2021 favorite to win the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament with Charles Barkley among scores of big-name celebrities highlighting the lineup of odds and props for the championship, taking place July 9-11. and is accepting wagers, where legal.  

Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback turned CBS Sports NFL Analyst, is listed at 3-2 in the William Hill sportsbooks ahead of a host of annual contenders, including three-time champion and former MLB standout pitcher Mark Mulder (4-1), and Fox Sports MLB analyst, Hall of Famer  and PGA TOUR Champions exemption competitor John Smoltz (8-1). The second choice is the defending champion, former top-ranked American professional tennis player and now USTA Davis Cup Captain Mardy Fish at 2-1.  

LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam(8-1) played in the American Century Championship in 2014 and went off as the 2-1 favorite, eventually finishing second. She has played in multiple tournaments in 2021, and the American Century Championship will be her final competitive venture before teeing-it-up at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in late July.  

Barkley, the Hall of Fame former NBA star and now TNT Basketball Analyst, has the longest odds at 7500-1 but he has recently asserted in media that his game has improved measurably.  So, William Hill has posted an unusual proposition bet that enables fans to wager on Barkley finishing in the top 70 of the 85-plus player field.

Gehrig Speech NFT Helps Relaunch NY Sports Hall

The New York Sports Hall of Fame relaunched today with a slate of digital firsts, including bidding on a non-fungible token (NFT) of the speech regarded as the most famous in sports history.

The historic 1-of-1 NFT of uncut extant film of the iconic 1939 “Luckiest Man” address by New York Yankees captain Lou Gehrig is open for bidding at opensea.io/collection/gehrig. The film is the longest single-source recording of the speech and the first known Gehrig speech NFT. 

Delivered at Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, the speech is part of a New York Sports Hall of Fame collection that includes filmed remarks at the same ceremony by baseball legend Babe Ruth and Yankees manager Joe McCarthy. The three men were inducted into the Hall between 1989 and 1991. 

After a long hiatus, the New York Sports Hall of Fame relaunched today in digital form at newyorksportshall.com and on the prominent NFT marketplace OpenSea at opensea.io/nys.  Later this year, the Hall plans to release digital commemoratives of more of its 310 inductees to date and to open balloting for its next member class.

The New York Sports Hall of Fame’s extensive collection of original Greater New York historical content is preserved from more than 150 years of various sports developments, from Major League Baseball to six-day bicycle racing. The Hall archives illustrate how the history of Greater New York sports has helped shape culture and society in the region and beyond.

Gehrig was voted into the New York Sports Hall of Fame twice, in 1989 for professional baseball and two years later for college baseball. The former Columbia University star and record-setting Yankees first baseman was born, raised and educated in New York City.

Well known for its line, “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” Gehrig’s speech was delivered on July 4, 1939. At the time, Gehrig was dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, the rare and incurable disease that became known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. 

The Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day NFT collection on OpenSea accepts the popular cryptocurrency Ethereum, which can be purchased on the exchange Coinbase and used on OpenSea with the digital wallet MetaMask.

Launched 32 years ago, the New York Sports Hall of Fame is owned and operated by the streaming service New York Sports Experience (newyorkse.com).

“From its start, the New York Sports Hall of Fame has been dedicated to the preservation and commemoration of the rich history of Greater New York sports,” said Jordan Sprechman, New York Sports Experience’s founder and an original New York Sports Hall of Fame officer. “Today’s digital expansion reflects that mission.”

Tsai, Gretzky Among New NLL Las Vegas Franchise Owners

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL) today announced the city of Las Vegas has been awarded an expansion franchise and will become the NLL’s 15th team, beginning play in the Fall of 2022.  

The new franchise will be co-owned by Wayne Gretzky, Dustin Johnson, Steve Nash, and Joe Tsai. Mark Fine has been named the Las Vegas team’s Chief Executive Officer.

The team will play at MGM Resorts International’s Michelob ULTRA Arena – located inside the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino – beginning in the 2022-23 season. The arena is also home to the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and has hosted high-profile events including various Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, the Latin GRAMMYs, the NHL Awards, the Latin Billboard Awards, the International Swimming League’s World Finals, and the Miss USA pageant.

The official announcement of the new franchise will be later today at a launch event held at Michelob ULTRA Arena at 1PM PT. The announcement will also be livestreamed on the team’s official website (accessible at www.lasvegaslacrosse.com).

The name, logo, and colors of the new Las Vegas team will be unveiled at a later date. The team is encouraging fans to help name the team via submissions on its website at www.lasvegaslacrosse.com.

For more information on the team, please visit www.lasvegaslacrosse.com and follow the team on Twitter (@lasvegaslax), Instagram (@lasvegaslacrosse), Facebook (www.facebook.com/lasvegaslacrosse), TikTok (lasvegaslacrosse), and Twitch (www.twitch.tv/lasvegaslacrosse).

Joint Statement from Team Ownership

“It is an honor and privilege to work together to bring the game of box lacrosse to the Las Vegas community. The people of Las Vegas have proven how passionate and supportive they are of professional sports franchises they can call their own. We look forward to making a difference here on the floor and in the community – and becoming a franchise that fans in Las Vegas will be truly proud to cheer for. Even though the team won’t start playing until late 2022, we want to involve the folks in Las Vegas from the very start as far as how we launch and grow our franchise, including in the selection of our team name. On the business side and across our franchise generally, we will also be forward-thinking and innovative, embracing best practices in analytics and technology across everything we do – and all while staying true to the fast-paced and exciting nature of both box lacrosse and the city of Las Vegas. We can’t wait to get started.”

Statement from NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz

“We are very proud to welcome Las Vegas NLL as our 15th franchise, led by an elite group of businesspeople and accomplished current and former athletes – most importantly great people in Joe, Wayne, Dustin, and Steve on the ownership level and Mark Fine leading business operations. It all started two years ago with a meeting and an idea and here we are today. When our industry looks back years from now on the growth of box lacrosse as a sport and Las Vegas as a home of a first-class franchise, we believe this will be one of the seminal days in NLL history. The people in this community are going to be in for a treat both on the floor and in the community.”

Statement from President and COO of Mandalay Bay and Luxor Chuck Bowling

“The National Lacrosse League will be a great addition to the destination and Mandalay Bay’s Michelob ULTRA Arena’s line-up of events. Las Vegas has proven itself a true professional sports town with the arrivals of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas Raiders, and we’re certain locals and tourists will share that passion with our newest team.”

Team Ownership Biographies

Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as “The Great One,” played lacrosse as a kid growing up in Canada, and his late father has credited lacrosse for helping him become the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Over a 20-year career as a player for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, Gretzky won four Stanley Cup championships, was named league MVP nine times, was named to an All-NHL Team fifteen times, and holds numerous all-time NHL records. Following his illustrious playing career, Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999. Each spring in Las Vegas, Gretzky hosts the Wayne Gretzky Fantasy Camp, during which diehard hockey fans from around the world have a chance to play with a collection of NHL legends.

Dustin Johnson is the #1 ranked golfer in the world and has earned 24 PGA Tour and two international victories. Earlier this spring, he won the Masters Tournament held in Augusta, GA. Johnson has been a Team USA member four times in the Ryder Cup and three times in The Presidents Cup.

Steve Nash grew up in British Columbia where, as a young boy, he cheered for Kevin Alexander and the Victoria Shamrocks, a box lacrosse team that played in the then Western Lacrosse Association. Nash had a storied NBA career spanning eighteen seasons, during which he was named MVP twice, named to an All-NBA team seven times, and named to the All-Star team eight times. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 and currently serves as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Joe Tsai played lacrosse in high school at Lawrenceville and in college at Yale. Tsai is the governor of the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association and chairman of BSE Global, which includes the Brooklyn Nets, the team’s home arena Barclays Center, the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League and the Nets Gaming Crew of the NBA 2K League. Tsai is also the owner of the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association and the San Diego Seals of the NLL. Tsai’s sports investments also include the Premier Lacrosse League and the Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer. Tsai is one of the co-founders of Alibaba Group, a global Internet technology company based in China. He is a member of board of directors of the company and serves as executive vice chairman.

cover image: Flickr/Ken Lane

Panther City Lacrosse To Select 13 Players In National Lacrosse League Expansion Draft On June 29th

As it prepares for its first action in December, Panther City Lacrosse Club (PCLC) will take the first major step in stocking its roster via the National Lacrosse League (NLL) Expansion Draft, to be held on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 7pm ET from the Omni Fort Worth ballroom (1300 Houston St., Ft. Worth, TX). Managing Partner Greg Bibb, General Manager & VP, Lacrosse Operations Bob Hamley, and Head Coach Tracey Kelusky will oversee the team’s 13 selections from among available players not protected by other NLL teams.

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, will broadcast the Expansion Draft Selection Show, hosted by Devan Kaney, live via the league’s YouTube channel.

Numerous dignitaries will call each of the 13 selections, including Hamley, Bibb, Kelusky (virtual), #1 WNBA draft pick Dallas Wings’ Charli Collier, future box lacrosse stars representing DFW region youth lacrosse organizations and more. A live audience will be on hand, including PCLC front office staff, partners, season ticket holders and area youth lacrosse players.

“We’ve had a number of Expansion Drafts over the last 4 years and here we are once again for NLL’s 14th team, the Panther City Lacrosse Club. It’s an exciting time for North Texas fans to see which players will become a part of the inaugural team,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “There is so much talent across the league and many outstanding players available to help Coach Kelusky build a competitive team. It’s an important night for PCLC and there will be strong viewership of fans, players, and coaches watching across the league.”

The league’s 13 other franchises have submitted their respective lists of protected players, which are available at NLL.com.

The league last held an Expansion Draft prior to the 2019-20 season, as the New York Riptide and Rochester Knighthawks formed the beginnings of their respective squads.

Additional ways for PLCC to build their roster heading into Faceoff Weekend (December 3rd-4th, 2021) include: signing any free agents starting on August 1st, the NLL Entry Draft (Late Summer/Fall 2021), and player trades with other teams.

For the most up to date information and breaking news, sign up for the NLL newsletter at NLL.com. Also follow Deputy Commissioner Jessica Berman and Commissioner Sakiewicz on Twitter @JessicaBerman1 and @NLLcommish, respectively.

For more information on the NLL, visit NLL.com. You can also find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Entain Foundation U.S. launches Gamble Responsibly America App

The Entain Foundation U.S., a not-for-profit dedicated to responsible gambling funded by BetMGM co-parent Entain, the global sports betting and gaming operator, today launched a groundbreaking app, “Gamble Responsibly America”.  The app is the first of its kind in the U.S. and has been produced together with EPIC Risk Management and RG24/7, partners to the Entain Foundation U.S. on education projects.

The free app now available in the App Store and Google Play Store, features a series of educational resources and tools to help and support anyone facing potential issues with problem gambling. There is no requirement on people to register, and the app is unbranded, positioning the app entirely as an educative resource with no commercial benefit to Entain or BetMGM, the U.S. business it jointly owns with MGM Resorts.   

Through the app, the Entain Foundation U.S. aims to extend information and services to underpin safe play as sports-betting and gaming expands rapidly across the U.S.  Through a variety of initiatives and programs in the U.S., it already provides dedicated funding to research, extensive resources, and partners with leading organizations to ensure protection for consumers with support  from Entain, which has set commitment to responsible gaming at its core. 

Gamble Responsibly America will offer assets and information to help people gamble responsibly and provide guidance for those struggling, or who would like to understand the behavioral patterns or symptoms associated with, problem gambling. It is the first free app to do this and available from the outset in both English and Spanish, to maximize its accessibility to all communities in America.

Key features of the app include:

•       Limits and Tools: The app informs people how they can regulate playing habits with functions like limiting deposits on a weekly basis or allotting a time-out, where logging into accounts will be restricted until a set time is complete. Most operators offer such tools, which effectively help people to control their levels of play.

•       Self-Assessment Quiz: Users of Gamble Responsibly America can take a quick self-assessment to understand whether their playing habits should be modified or adjusted.

•       Gambling Diary: Individuals can regularly input notes about gaming and betting choices. This gives users the opportunity to reflect on the decisions and investments being made and adjust if needed.

•       Behavioral Callouts: Users can learn more about potentially harmful behaviors, or markers of concern, to be aware of when betting and gaming. These can include, frequency of play, failed deposits, multiple payment methods and more.

•       LiveChat: A 24/7 live chat feature is available to connect individuals with helpline specialists. The live chat function within the app routes to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s live chatline, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

•       Extensive Information and Resources: Finally, throughout the app users can find a comprehensive list of where to find additional information and assistance, videos on the importance of responsible gambling, and more. Three videos giving more information about responsible gambling are directly accessible via the app. 

Martin Lycka, Entain Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of the Entain Foundation U.S., noted, “We are incredibly proud to be launching the Gamble Responsibly America application as our commitment to responsible betting and gaming is unmatched within the industry. Through this first-of-its-kind app, we are determined to continue helping individuals by providing the resources and programs necessary to ensure everyone is betting and gaming responsibly.”

Today’s announcement is another milestone for the Entain Foundation U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity, and corporate compliance in the U.S. 

Prior to the launch of Gamble Responsibly America, Entain announced a series of partnerships and programs, including, a player education initiative around sports betting with professional sports leagues and colleges across the US with EPIC Risk Management; a cross-border responsible gambling tool with PlayPause; and, a five-year research initiative with the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital to better understand problematic and addictive behaviors.

Gamble Responsibly America is available to for download on iPhone and Android via the AppStore or PlayStore. Additionally, BetMGM will provide information and links to the app on all of its responsible gaming web pages. This information will be valuable to anyone interested in learning more about responsible betting and gaming.

FanDuel Group Selects Ponce City Market For Atlanta Technology Campus

FanDuel Group has announced a venue selection for its new technology campus which will be located at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, GA. The company selected the historic and revitalized building in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood as the new technology hub for its software engineering, product development, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) teams. The company plans to grow its Atlanta-based workforce to approximately 900 colleagues over the next five years. These colleagues will be housed in a newly built-out 68,000 square foot space on the building’s third floor.

“Ponce City Market is the perfect location for our new technology campus and reflects our commitment to becoming a central part of the Atlanta corporate footprint,” said Sarah Butterfass, Chief Product Officer for FanDuel Group. “This historic building offers our employees a blend of old-world charm, cutting edge sophistication and modern amenities that will deliver an unmatched working environment. Additionally, its location allows us to build deep ties to Atlanta’s diverse pipeline of talent coming from its many top-flight universities.”

FanDuel colleagues will benefit from a range of Ponce City Market amenities, including direct access to the Atlanta Beltline, furnished corporate apartments, bike storage and child daycare center on-site, as well as an array of food, entertainment and wellness options.  

“Over the last few years, Ponce City Market has become a major employment hub for the City of Atlanta,” said Matt Bronfman, CEO of Jamestown, the real estate investment and management company behind Ponce City Market. “FanDuel will add to that important distinction and further grow the property’s dynamic ecosystem of tech and creative class companies.” 

Ponce City Market first opened its doors in 2013 and has since been credited as a catalyst for revitalizing the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. The property currently includes 643,000 square feet of Class-A office, with 300,000 square feet of curated retail, over 75,000 square feet of entertainment, and over 36 food and beverage purveyors. Ponce City Market hosts at least 8-12 events and activations each week. The award-winning building has been recognized as a LEED Gold Building Design & Construction, as well as the 2018 Mixed Use Building of the Year from BOMA TOBY. 

Ponce City Market recently unveiled new plans to include 500,000 square feet of new development and neighborhood amenities. Designed with a focus on sustainability and wellness, the site is expected to bring an office building, outdoor courtyard surrounded by 38,000 sq. ft. of shopping and dining, and more than 400 units in a new “hospitality living” concept to the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.

NLL To Celebrate Indigenous History Month In Canada With Native Art, Interview Series

The National Lacrosse League (@NLL), the largest and most successful professional lacrosse property in the world, has long been a leader in championing the awareness of Indigenous Peoples and their crucial role in the continued growth and development of their native sport of lacrosse. In that continued spirit and in conjunction with June’s Indigenous History Month in Canada, the league is proud to announce today’s launch of a pop artist initiative featuring three standout Indigenous pop artists and a player discussion with Georgia Swarm forward Randy Staats, highlighting and celebrating their contributions to the sport and authentically representing unity and inclusion.

The league has commissioned artwork by Yul Baker, a former Rochester Knighthawks player and champion and Squamish Nation citizen residing in West Vancouver, B.C.; Tracey Anthony, owner and operator of Vision Artworks of Six Nations / Delaware / Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations; and Jordan Thompson of Mohawk Art & Design, a citizen of Haudenosaunee Confederacy on the U.S./Canada border. Beginning today and rolling out throughout the month, the NLL will feature the artwork highlighting the artist’s unique journeys and stories via its digital platforms and social media. NLL fans can enter to win custom prizing with the designs throughout the month of June by entering at NLL.com.

Staats participated in a candid conversation with the league on the history of Residential Schools and how they impacted the Indigenous populations across Canada, raising awareness of this important history of these people. As one of the native players within the NLL, Staats will look to highlight the league’s efforts to raise awareness of systemic issues facing these populations as well as the strides made among this community.

Tewanee Joseph, member of the Squamish First Nation and CEO of Tewanee Consulting Group, will host interviews with the artists and coordinate communications efforts surrounding the program. In one of his many accomplishments delivering key partnerships, Joseph negotiated the first licensing agreement to recognize Indigenous artwork as part of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic games in Vancouver.

“The contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the development and maintaining the enduring traditions of the ‘Creators Game’ is epic. We are honored and proud to work together for the continued success of lacrosse shinning a light on the immense contribution by Indigenous Peoples on the game,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “Yul, Tracey, and Jordan have created unique pieces that capture their unbreakable bond with the sport, and Randy is one of the league’s most outstanding individuals. We couldn’t be more proud to be featuring these beautiful works of art as well as Randy’s interviews, all reflecting our core values of unity, inclusion and character.”

Veteran Sports, Business and Hockey Executives Launch The Carnegie Initiative

Some of the most influential individuals in business, entrepreneurship and at all levels of hockey today formally announced the launch of The Carnegie Initiative, an independent not for profit platform to promote the growth of hockey and ensure opportunity and access to the sport. The Carnegie Initiative will also establish and award academic grants and other incentives for those who are doing work to positively grow and address change in the sport throughout Canada and the United States.

The foundation is named in honor of legendary hockey player and social justice pioneer Herb Carnegie. It is co-founded by Bernice Carnegie and Bryant McBride. Bernice is Herb’s daughter and co-author of their family autobiography, “A Fly in a Pail of Milk”, featuring Part II – Lessons passed on from father to daughter.  Bryant is a longtime businessman and former National Hockey League executive. McBride co-produced “Willie,” the critically acclaimed documentary about hockey pioneer and Hall of Famer Willie O’Ree, who broke the color barrier in the NHL. Board members include well-known figures within hockey and in business, ranging from Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr, veteran NHL executives Brian Burke and Ted Nolan, Olympian Sarah Nurse, legendary broadcasters Ron MacLean and Harnarayan Singh, women’s hockey pioneer and Hall of Famer Angela James, and other key leaders at the grassroots level representing members of the BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and parasport communities.

“Change in hockey, and opening up the game for all, is something that is growing but needs to be accelerated, and we believe that the time to do that has never been better,” said McBride, the first black executive at the National Hockey League. “There are so many efforts going on, both big and small, to help expand the game, and our goal is to shed light on those communities, as well as help those still being marginalized, change problems that exist. We will do it holistically and without any bias.”

“Hockey is a great game, and my father worked hard throughout his life to make sure opportunities existed for all,” added co-chair Bernice Carnegie. “The Carnegie Initiative can now focus with the necessary resources and outreach to expand his work and help those who need it thrive both on and off the ice.”

credit: Pexels/Arthur Brognoli

The Carnegie Initiative will work independently with executives, teams, leagues, federations, brands and leading academic institutions across North America to champion the successes of diverse audiences in hockey as well as work to address and correct issues in the game on all levels with regard to any area of diversity. It will accelerate the work started by Herb Carnegie, a Canadian of Jamaican descent, more than 60 years ago when he launched his first hockey school in Toronto to teach hockey skills while fostering a spirit of diversity and inclusiveness.

The Carnegie Initiative (CI) will work to

• Ensure that hockey is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all

• Examine the efforts of governing bodies and other stewards of the game to make hockey more diverse and inclusive

• Use rigorous academic research to identify and solve the sport’s biggest issues

• Shine a light on success stories and best practices through media partners

• Create substantive, authentic change throughout the hockey world

In short, advance the change in the culture of hockey.

The Carnegie Initiative’s leadership team includes Stephanie J. Geosits, Executive Director, and Ken Gelman, Chief Commercial Officer. Geosits worked alongside McBride at the NHL in launching the league’s first diversity programs and Gelman was one of the initial creators of NHL Center Ice. Both are long-time sports executives and entrepreneurs.

For information on making a contribution to The Carnegie Initiative, contact Ken Gelman. For information on The Carnegie Initiative grants to academic institutions contact Stephanie J. Geosits.

Carnegie’s hockey career began in 1938 and ran through the mid 1950’s. His chance at playing in the NHL came in the late 1940’s when he was given a tryout with the New York Rangers and offered a contract to play in the Rangers’ minor league system, but because he was offered considerably less money than he was earning in the Quebec League he turned down all three offers made by the Rangers organization during his tryout. As a black man playing hockey in the 1940’s and 1950’s, Carnegie endured his share of racism. In one famous incident, Conn Smythe, the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, watched Carnegie play as a member of the Toronto Young Rangers. He is alleged to have said either that he would accept Carnegie on the team if he were white or that he would pay $10,000 to anyone who could turn Carnegie white.

After retiring, Carnegie had a successful business career as a financial planner with the Investors Group, and in 1955, he founded one of Canada’s first hockey schools, Future Aces, and through his work in training young hockey players, became a member of both the Order of Ontario and the country’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada. His hockey career was recognized when he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He passed away in Toronto in March 2012 at age 92.

cover image: Pexels/Alexandr Podvalny

Gehrig Career Simulations and ‘What If’ Highlight Strat-O-Matic Celebration Of Lou Gehrig Day

Strat-O-Matic, the market leader in sports simulation, today released the results of three simulations tied to baseball’s observation of “Lou Gehrig Day” as part of its celebration of the endeavor across the sport. Full details of each simulation are posted at http://www.strat-o-matic.com.

The first is a “Home Run Derby” featuring two pairs of famed Yankee sluggers during their most prolific seasons. Gehrig took on his 1927 teammate Babe Ruth and 1961 “M&M Boys” Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris in a 10 at-bat format. Gehrig hit just one home run in his first four at bats to two by each of the other competitors, but slammed five in his last six times up to win with six bombs to four each by Ruth, Maris and Mantle.

Second is an imagined contest in which all the competitors wore #4 in their careers. In the simulation, which pitted the N.L. vs. the A.L. Gehrig went 0-for-4 against Blake Snell and 1950s journeyman Hal Jeffcoat, but his Junior Circuit squad took a 3-0 verdict behind two home runs by Hall of Famer Goose Goslin and eight innings of four-hit pitching by 1960s lefty George Brunet.

In the final simulation, Strat-O-Matic reimagined Gehrig’s career had he not been stricken with ALS, beginning with the 1938 season, during which his numbers were likely reduced in the early stages of the disease. In the replay, Gehrig plays through 1942, his age 39 season, amassing a total of 676 doubles (which would have placed him third at the time of his retirement, instead of 11th), 610 home runs (second, rather than third) and 2488 RBI (first, instead of third).

In addition to conducting the simulations, Strat-O-Matic will donate 10% of net sales today (June 2) to The ALS Association Greater New York Chapter, home region to Gehrig and the game company celebrating its 60th year. June 2 was both the day that Gehrig began his consecutive games played streak in 1925 (first game started), and the date of his death in 1941. In addition to increasing awareness of the disease and fundraising to fight it, Lou Gehrig Day also serves to celebrate those working to end ALS.