Jenna Payette, Contributor Dear Ice Hockey, “Anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” This quote from Steve Prefontaine hung in my brother’s room growing up and became the silent force that subtly shaped me. As the baby of my family, I was pushed to challenge my limits[Read More…]
Behind the Bench
Black History Month in the big leagues—is it enough?
From Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists during the 1968 Olympics to Muhammad Ali’s refusal of the Vietnam draft to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Black athletes have a storied history of using sporting events as platforms for political statements—and of being punished heavily[Read More…]
English FA’s decision to scrap cup replays means less economic parity than ever
The Football Association Cup (FA Cup) is the most prestigious domestic tournament in European football. Comprised of teams throughout the tiers of the English football pyramid—from local semi-pro players who participate for fun to the biggest powerhouses of Europe—squads compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine which is the best[Read More…]
Football fan’s misogynistic tirade caught on camera sparks social media outrage
For many sports fans, the National Football League (NFL) playoffs are the best time of the year. In many parts of the country, a chill in the air and a dusting of snow on the ground can only mean one thing: The race for the Super Bowl is on. Philadelphia[Read More…]
What cities would be valuable additions to the PWHL?
A recent Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game between the Montréal Victoire and Minnesota Frost in Denver set a U.S. attendance record, with more than 14,000 fans chanting: “We want a team!” This excitement has sparked conversations about which cities should host the league’s potential 2025-26 expansion teams. Chicago, Vancouver,[Read More…]
Ilona Maher’s smashing debut for the Bristol Bears captivates a record-breaking crowd
On Jan. 5, rugby superstar Ilona Maher made her debut appearance for the Bristol Bears against defending league champions Gloucester-Hartpury. Despite the team’s loss (17-40), Maher’s first performance with the Bears was a great success. Following her signing back in early December, the Bears moved the match to a bigger[Read More…]
Who’s to blame for the NBA’s viewership struggles?
There are few things in sports more exciting than a professional basketball game. High-flying dunks, intense defense, and an electrifying atmosphere make for an enthralling product. However, in recent years, television ratings for NBA games have gone down across the board, and fans are disgruntled with the state of the[Read More…]
Karolina Wisniewska and Nikki van Noord speak on women’s leadership in sports in alumni panel
The McGill Women’s Alumnae Association partnered with the McGill Women in Sport Program to host a panel featuring Paralympic Ski Champion Karolina Wisniewska and McGill Assistant Swim Coach Nikki van Noord to speak on their careers in sports, the influence McGill had on their success, and how gender affected their[Read More…]
Bowers and Pulisic’s “Trump Dance” celebration met with criticism
Sports and politics are interwoven in increasingly complex ways. From Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ powerful silent protest on the podium during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games, athletes have used sport to have their voices heard. In the weeks[Read More…]
The rise of YouTube boxing: A golden age or a gilded age?
The recent clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has ignited the debate surrounding the burgeoning phenomenon of YouTube boxing. This peculiar intersection of sports and entertainment has seen a meteoric rise, driven by a blend of celebrity, controversy, and colossal paydays. While some hail it as a renaissance for[Read More…]
