Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
December 10, 2019 - XFL (XFL)
This past week the XFL unveiled jerseys and helmets for all eight teams, the Memphis Hustle set the NBA G League record for most wins to start the season with ten, and Members of Congress created the Save Minor League Baseball Task Force to prevent Major League Baseball (MLB) from eliminating 42 minor league franchises. Highlights from this week are from XFL, American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, National Lacrosse League and NBA G League.
FOOTBALL
XFL
From ESPN: Every XFL uniform has a story.
Canadian Football League
The BC Lions Football Club announced that Rick Campbell has been named the 27th head coach in team history. Campbell, who will also serve as the team's defensive coordinator, takes over the reins of the Leos after serving as head coach of the Ottawa RedBlacks from 2014 to 2019. In that time, the 48-year-old native of Spokane, Washington transformed the expansion club into an East Division power that enjoyed three trips to the Grey Cup in 2015, 2016 and 2018; taking home the title in an overtime win over Calgary in 2016.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are excited to announce the hiring of Paul LaPolice as the second Head Coach in franchise history. LaPolice, who has signed a three-year deal with the REDBLACKS, comes to Ottawa from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he most recently helped led the club to the 2019 Grey Cup championship as offensive coordinator.
National Arena League
The Carolina Cobras are pleased to announce the signing of Josh Resignalo as the new Head Coach. Resignalo was the 2019 Defensive Coordinator of the Cobras and led the defense to league bests in defensive scoring, rushing, passing, and total defense. His hire follows that of the brief appointment of Anthony Payton as Head Coach of the Cobras.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
Jacob Larsson sends the San Diego Gulls crowd home happy with the game-winner in the extra frame.
Western Hockey League
Michal Kvasnica's first goal for Vancouver Giants sends a cascade of teddy bears & stuffed animals onto the ice at Rogers Arena.
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
For those of you still unfamiliar with who the Gatineau Olympiques goaltender is, let us introduce him to you... Ladies and gentlemen, here is: Creed Jones
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Welcome to ESPN SportsCenter, Buffalo Bandits forward Josh Byrne.
With the first goal in Halifax Thunderbirds franchise history, Jake Withers makes it 1-0 just 10 SECONDS into the game.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
The Memphis Hustle improved to 10-0 with a 130-104 victory over the Northern Arizona Suns at Findlay Toyota Center. The team's 10 wins to start the season are now the most in NBA G League history, with the record previously held by the 2013-14 Rio Grande Valley Vipers (9-0). The Hustle have now won eight games by double digits and half of its games by 15 points or better.
Top Plays of the Week
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Orlando City SC has appointed former MLS Coach of the Year Oscar Pareja as the Club's newest head coach, it was announced today. Pareja returns to Major League Soccer (MLS) from Club Tijuana of Liga MX, a stint that succeeded an accomplished and storied tenure at FC Dallas.
United Soccer League Championship
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC made history in Colorado Springs as the club broke ground on a new Stadium and revealed a new crest and color scheme in Downtown Colorado Springs.
BASEBALL
International League
The Detroit Tigers and Toledo Mud Hens announced Tom Prince has been hired as the 2020 manager of the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens. The 55-year-old from Kankakee, Illinois served as the Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach for the past two seasons.
New York-Penn League
The new Norwich Sea Unicorns (Detroit Tigers Single-A affiliate) unveiled their identity program at Kelly Middle School in Norwich. The team was formerly known as the Connecticut Tigers.
Florida State League
Southwest Florida: get ready to flex your mussels! The Fort Myers Miracle baseball team is changing its name to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Andrew Kaufmann, CEO and owner of Zawyer Sports, which owns the team, announced the name change during a VIP event at Hammond Stadium attended by elected officials, community and business leaders, corporate sponsors, media and baseball fans.
Northwest League
The Northwest League (NWL) announced that North Johnson will become the new league president at the start of 2020. The NWL conducted a nationwide search, bringing interest from over 60 well-qualified candidates. Johnson, a 42-year MiLB veteran, stood out amongst the competition with his extensive resume of leadership experience.
The Boise Hawks praised the newly created Save Minor League Baseball Task Force that has been organized by members of Congress to prevent Major League Baseball (MLB) from eliminating 42 minor league franchises, nearly one quarter of all minor league teams around the country.
SOCCER
United Soccer League Championship
Tulsa's professional soccer club and owners J.W., Ryan and Kyle Craft unveiled the club's new identity, including a new name, new colors, and a new crest. The club will move forward as FC Tulsa, ushering in a new era for the USL Championship franchise.
OTHER SPORTS
World TeamTennis
World TeamTennis is launching a new free agency player recruitment model ahead of its 2020 season, and teams have the opportunity to sign players beginning December 2nd. The free agency approach was designed to allow teams more freedom to assemble their rosters during the WTT recruitment window. Free agency enabled WTT to eliminate the WTT Draft, the avenue by which WTT teams typically began to fill out their rosters in March.
Former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova will return to the Orange County Breakers this upcoming July for two World TeamTennis matches. Sharapova, who will be entering her eighth season with the Breakers, is scheduled to play the July 28 and 29 home matches in Newport Beach.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
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XFL Stories from December 10, 2019
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
