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Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard became the youngest player in NHL history to be selected to the All-Star Game on Thursday. Bedard, currently 18 years and 171 days old, will displace Buffalo Sabers forward Jeff Skinner, who previously held that record.

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place on February 3, when Bedard will be 18 years, 203 days old. Skinner was 18 years and 259 days old at the 2011 All-Star Game.

The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and he did not disappoint.

On Thursday, the center had scored 15 goals and provided assists in 18 to 37 games played. He leads Chicago in both categories as well as all rookies in the NHL. Bedard was named Rookie of the Month in both November and December.

The Blackhawks have a record of 11-24-2 and are in eighth place in the Central Division.

Why was Bedard chosen?

You could be a cynic and say that the league only wants its biggest names in the game for marketing purposes and therefore wants Bedard – the league's most promising and exciting rookie – to be the center of attention in one of its main events. You can be a harsh realist and say that there are simply no other viable options for a Blackhawks team that is near the bottom of the standings and plagued by injuries.

But the truth is that Bedard deserves to be in the All-Star Game. It's hard to overstate how impressive he was. It's not just because he scored 15 goals and 18 assists in 37 games as an 18-year-old, it's also because he does it with so little help, and in a squad filled with players from the bottom six games and AHL/NHL tweeners. Bedard's linemates this season have been deep forwards like Nick Foligno, Philipp Kurashev, Ryan Donato and Anthony Beauvillier, not your typical top talent. Nevertheless, he just keeps producing.

And it's not just the numbers, it's the often spectacular way he puts them together – whether by picking Nikita Kucherov's bag and setting up a 2-on-1, or by running the puck along against Florida stealing from the goal line and covering a no-look, short-side flick or simply blasting the goalie one shot at a time with his patented drag-and-drive trigger. Bedard has somehow lived up to the almost ridiculous hype that surrounded him, and he's not even 18.5 years old.

The kid belongs in the All-Star game and will undoubtedly be a fixture there for years to come. — Mark Lazerus, senior NHL writer

Why this matters to the NHL

No player in NHL history has entered the league with as much enthusiasm as Bedard. Social media just wasn't what it is today when people like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby came along. The entire hockey world knew about Bedard long before he came into the league.

Since his arrival, he has done nothing to quell the hype. He has attracted a huge following of hockey and non-hockey fans who follow his games. He was talked about in areas where hockey isn't usually talked about. And as he continues to grow, this will continue to benefit the NHL.

The league having him in the All-Star Game – and rightfully so – will only expand that platform further. – Scott Powers, senior Blackhawks writer

Required reading

(Photo: Dilip Vishwanat / NHLI via Getty Images)

Game of Caracas Lions vs. Cardinals from Lara LIVE for the LVBP Round Robin 2023 – 24. This Friday, January 5th, the top contenders for the Venezuelan baseball title will meet for the first time in the semifinals. After winning their respective series in the regular season, the long-haired ones try to assert their superiority over the shady ones who dream of crashing into the Monumental Simón Bolívar Stadium. La República Deportes will show you the game minute by minute, which will be televised by Venevisión and ByM Sport from 7:00 p.m

YOU CAN SEE: LVBP Round Robin 2024 broadcast calendar: Channels, platforms and where to watch Venezuelan baseball for FREE

What time is Lions vs. Cardinals for the 2023-24 LVBP Round Robin?

Continuing the first round-robin week, the confrontation between Leones del Caracas vs. Cardenales de Lara was scheduled for the following time plans from Venezuela, Central America and other regions of the world:

• Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico: 7 p.m
• Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Peru, Miami, New York: 6 p.m
• Mexico (Downtown), Chicago, Texas: 5:00 p.m
• Mexico (Pacific): 4 p.m
• Argentina, Chile, Brazil: 8 p.m
• España (Peninsula): 00:00 (Saturday 6).

Which channel will broadcast the Leones del Caracas vs. Cardinals LIVE game at the LVBP Round Robin?

Throughout the territory of Venezuela, the following television channels will be responsible for broadcasting the clash between Caraquistas and Larenses:

• ByM Sports
• Venevision.

Where to watch Lions vs. Cardinals LIVE ONLINE?

The ball game between Lions vs. Cardinals can be watched via the streaming signal from Beisbolplay in Venezuelan countries and the rest of the world.

In regulation, Leones maintained an 8 games to 3 lead against the Cardinals. Photo: Lions

YOU CAN SEE: LVBP Round Robin Schedule 2023-24: Games, dates and times to watch the postseason

Lions vs. Cardinals: Pitchers for today, January 5th

The long-haired men have already confirmed their commitment starting pitcherbut the Red Birds still have to do the same:

• CAR: Rito Lugo
• HOME: needs to be confirmed.

Results of the private series between Caracas and Lara

• Caracas Lions 0-7 Cardinals of Lara | November 3, 2023 | Antonio Herrera Gutierrez Stadium
• Lions of Caracas 8-3 Cardinals of Lara | November 4, 2023 | Antonio Herrera Gutierrez Stadium
• Cardinals of Lara 3-6 Lions of Caracas | November 8, 2023 | Simon Bolívar Monumental Stadium
• Cardinals of Lara 2-11 Lions of Caracas | November 9, 2023 | Simon Bolívar Monumental Stadium
• Caracas Lions 4-6 Cardinals of Lara | November 18, 2023 | Antonio Herrera Gutierrez Stadium
• Cardinals of Lara 2-7 Lions of Caracas | November 25, 2023 | Simon Bolívar Monumental Stadium
• Caracas Lions 5-11 Cardinals of Lara | December 16, 2023 | Antonio Herrera Gutierrez Stadium
• Cardinals of Lara 6-7 Lions of Caracas | December 26, 2023 | Simon Bolívar Monumental Stadium.

The Cardinals still have a score to settle with the Lions. Photo: Cardinals

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving said he did not ask for a courtside sign to be removed during a game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City this week, even after there was an interaction between the player and a prominent Jazz fan who wanted to see Irving play in person following Irving's suspension from the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 for posting a link to an anti-Semitic film on his social media.

Avremi Zippel, a rabbi who has held Jazz season tickets since 2016 and lit a menorah during a halftime Hanukkah ceremony at a Jazz-Knicks game in December, sat Monday evening with a sign that read, “I am Jewish and I” I'm proud.” The message referred to the widespread backlash that resulted from Irving's post and comments, which led to an eight-game suspension, an eventual apology and the termination of his Nike sponsorship.

After an exchange with Irving in the first quarter, Zippel was asked by Jazz officials to switch seats a few rows back or stop displaying the sign. Zippel, Irving and two others familiar with the situation told The Athletic on condition of anonymity that the Jazz decided to ask Zippel to stop displaying the sign after Mavericks safety discussed the issue with Jazz safety .

Zippel said in an interview with The Athletic and in a post on Instagram that he took a photo with his group, which included his father, brother and brother-in-law, holding up signs on the field before the game and The ball held signs in front of arena security personnel at the start of the game without any problems.

Then, during the first quarter, Irving walked near his group while running a ball, saw the sign and said, “Nice, I'm Jewish too,” Zippel said.

“And I said, ‘Cool. Happy New Year, buddy,'” Zippel said. “He threw the ball in, and as he dribbled down the field he shouted over his shoulder, 'You can't bring a sign like that to a game.'”

A few minutes later, Zippel was asked to remove the signs from the sidelines.

Irving told The Athletic after the Mavericks beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night that he did not ask for the signs to be removed. “I wish him and his family all the best,” Irving said. “He won’t be disrespectful. That’s not my MO.”

In a statement, the Jazz said the signs were removed because they interfered with game play and the team had no issue with the message on the signs.

“The issue was the disruptive interaction caused by the use of the signs, not the content of the signs,” the team said in its statement.

Sports leagues around the world have different policies regarding signage in arenas. The NBA's Code of Conduct sets guidelines for the size of signs (none larger than 11 x 17 inches), but does not mention the content of the signs. These guidelines are far less restrictive than those of the International Olympic Committee, which more broadly prohibits fans from expressing support for any causes during the Olympics.

In response to a message seeking comment, the NBA referred to its written code of conduct.

Zippel said he had been planning to attend the game for some time because he felt it was important to attend a game that Irving was attending in order to “be fully present as a visible Jew.” He said he checked the Jazz sign policy before deciding to participate and received mixed messages about the sign rules during the game. He said he was told by a Jazz executive that the team made its decision based on the interaction with Irving on court.

“I think it's a no-holds-barred rule, and that was kind of the most frustrating part, other than the interaction with Kyrie and the fact that a sign like that bothers him,” Zippel said. “The confusion from the organization was, I think, the most disappointing part.”

(Photo: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

In the second semifinal of the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, the United States scored three unanswered goals and beat Finland 3-2.

They will therefore face Sweden in the grand final.

The Finns started the game strong and beat goalie Trey Augustine twice in the first period. Oiva Keskinen and Rasmus Kumpulainen were the authors of these successes.

However, the Americans had not yet said their last word and equalized in the second period. Jimmy Snuggerud first used a power play to halve the gap. Will Smith then brought everyone back on level terms. The San Jose Sharks prospect was forgotten at the opening of the goal and was skillfully served by Gabriel Perreault.

Cutter Gauthier completed the comeback in the final moments of the third period. In the power play, he delivered the ball to the Americans with a shot from the top of the face-off circle. Canadian young player Lane Hutson from Montreal prepared the winning goal.

On Friday, the United States will compete in a first final since the 2021 edition of the tournament. At that time they had defeated Canada and secured the fifth gold medal in their history at this prestigious competition.

For their part, Sweden will be in a final for the first time since 2018 and will be trying to triumph for the first time since 2012.

On the same day, Finland and the Czech Republic will fight for the bronze medal.

The Rimense team has been strengthened for a new season with three foreign players and there will be more news in the next few hours.

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Sporty Cristal He started a new pre-season with the hope of getting back to the top of Peruvian football. This year the Bajopontino team is under the leadership of the coach Enderson Moreira, who replaced Tiago Nunes. After the last title that the outstanding club won in 2020, the Brazilian strategist will try not to extend the negative series of further years without a championship. The Rimenses are carrying out their pre-season training in Florida and at the same time are preparing for their official presentation: the Tarde Celeste 2024, which will take place next Sunday, January 14, at the National Stadium. Find out how Cristal's transfer market is developing so far.

Which players joined Sporting Cristal for 2024?

So far, the beer team has added four foreign footballers to its squad. Three of these new signings were unveiled at a press conference last Wednesday, January 3rd.

• Martin Cauteruccio
• Gustavo Cazonatti
• Santiago González
• Quembol Guadalupe.

Which players have extended their contract with Sporting Cristal for 2024?

The Rimense club has extended the contracts of eleven footballers. Several of them were part of the starting team last season.

• Yoshimar Yotun
• Ignacio da Silva
• Hilmar Lora
• Irven Avila
• Martin Tavara
• Leandro Sosa
• Renato Solis
• Gilmar Paredes
• Gianfranco Chavez
• Aldair Vasquez
• Fernando Pacheco.

Which players have left Sporting Cristal for 2024?

So far, six players have severed their ties to the heavenly institution.

• Emile Franco
• Brenner Marlos
• Percy Lisa
• Diego Soto
• Washington Corozo
• Nilson Loyola
• Adrian Ugarriza (provided)
• Gilmar Paredes (provided)
• Flavio Alcedo (on loan)
• Joel Herrera (on loan).

What time will Tarde Celeste be in 2024 and which team will Sporting Cristal play?

The official presentation of the Sporting Cristal 2024 squad will take place on Sunday, January 14, from 1:00 p.m. (Peruvian time). The light blue team will face the Catholic University of Chile and the game will be broadcast on Latina Signal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Communicator. Graduated from UNMSM in Social Communications with a concentration in Journalism. His main interest is cultural, sporting and social issues. Currently editor of the sports section of La República.

Want to talk about trust?

Following No. 2 Washington's 37-31 victory over No. 3 Texas (12-2) in the Sugar Bowl, the Huskies' coaches rejected a curfew Monday night — even though the team hotel was just blocks from Bourbon Street.

“I was there and enjoyed the city of New Orleans,” right tackle Roger Rosengarten said Thursday with a broad smile. “I'll just leave it at that. No details.”

We know the UW players had to go to breakfast at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by a team meeting at 9 a.m. and a flight a few hours later.

“Not a man was left behind,” Rosengarten added when asked if everyone made that flight. “It was an early flight, but definitely one I’ll remember for sure.”

Of course, the game itself was memorable, as UW totaled 532 yards and four touchdowns (plus three field goals from Grady Gross) to outrebound the Longhorns. That earned UW a spot in the national championship against No. 1 Michigan (14-0) on Monday.

It was a close turnaround.

Complete coverage of the Huskies in the national championship

More

“I had the opportunity that day to say, 'Wow, that was a crazy game,'” said Rosengarten, a fourth-year student who has started 27 straight games at right tackle. “The next day I dove straight into the film [Michigan] Guys I go against, Interior people. We just played the two best center backs in the country [in Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II]. They've given us great insight and the people of Michigan are every bit their equal.

“It was a big turnaround. But the trainers immediately flew back [Monday night] and they began game planning that evening. Right now we’re full steam ahead against Michigan and we’re ready to win this game.”

Outside of Seattle, that's not the expected result as Michigan leads by 4.5 points.

This is good news for Washington.

“We are once again underdogs,” said Rosengarten. “That’s three games in a row since the Pac-12 Championship where we’ve been big underdogs. So we love it. We love this feeling. It's all just fuel for the fire. We're going to take every chip we can get on our shoulders to make sure we go that extra inch, that extra yard to push and push to get that win. We have to get this win.”

Maybe that's why the UW coaches weren't worried about a hundred 18- to 23-year-old Huskies bombarding Bourbon Street.

They all have a bigger goal.

“[The coaches had] No stress at all,” said junior linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala, who contributed five tackles and a pass breakup in the Sugar Bowl. “Here’s the thing: We’re a very tight-knit group of veterans. We are also closely connected to our trainers. So the trust is already there. They already knew we wouldn't do too much. They trusted us to come back and do what we needed to do.”

Polk is (nearly) going home

UW sophomore wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk is from Lufkin, Texas, 120 miles north of Houston.

The 6-foot-1, 204-pound player, who has 65 catches, 1,122 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games this fall, said, “I have a lot of family from Lufkin, just an hour and 50 minutes away by car . I also have a lot of family and friends in Houston. So I’m looking forward to a full house with a lot of support.”

Of course, Polk plans to repay this support in the usual way.

“Of course a lot of people [from home] They hit me up, support me, give me a lot of love and just reach out,” he said. “But I feel like I just keep the essentials and block out the outside noise. I don't listen to it too often, I just stay focused.

“I just understand that I have a lot of people, a lot of family that are out there supporting us and watching. My biggest job is to make sure I put on a show for them. They take the time and the entire Husky Nation takes the time to support us. It would be wrong if I didn’t go out and do what I need to do to make it happen.”

Remarks

• On Thursday, Polk had a direct message to UW's increasingly excited fans. “They deserve what’s coming and what we’re going to do,” he said. “I can barely wait for it. There are so many fans who have season tickets and have been there for many years. You have been waiting for this chance and this opportunity. When I say it's bigger than me, there are so many people in this city and in Washington state who have been doing this for a long time and have rooted for us and supported us through all the ups and downs. They earn it.”
• Tuputala, a Federal Way product whose cousin is former UW standout defensive back Danny Shelton, is keenly aware of the significance of winning the university's first national title since 1991. “This is huge,” he said. “I'm proud to say that I'm from this state, which is 35 to 45 minutes south of here, and it's a true blessing to be able to bring my home team all the way here and hopefully get to where we need to go. “
• UW has organized a farewell at Husky Stadium on Friday at 1 p.m. as the team departs for its flight to Houston. Coach Kalen DeBoer will also meet local media after his arrival at 6 p.m

Owen Beck, who just returned from the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, will likely have to adjust to a new environment as he would have been transferred to the Ontario Junior League (OHL).

According to Sportsnet, the Peterborough Petes would send the center to the Saginaw Spirit. This could be the third club in this league for the Ontario native, who began his career with the Mississauga Steelheads.

• Also read: Sweden does not fall into the Czech trap

• Also read: World Juniors: Canada eliminated in quarterfinals

CH fans who were hoping Beck would finish this season with the Laval Rocket may have to wait as Saginaw will host the Memorial Cup tournament next May. The 19-year-old also competed with the Petes last year.

Beck was discreet at the World Junior Championships, scoring just one goal in five games for Canada, which lost to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. In the OHL, he is on pace to set personal bests with 16 goals and 30 points in 25 games.

The Habs' second-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2022 draft is under contract through the end of the 2025-2026 season. He made his National Hockey League debut last year.

When it looked like Alianza Lima would no longer hire any more players, the name appeared in the last few hours Sebastian Rodríguez. The Uruguayan midfielder was announced as a new signing and Argentina confirmed his arrival to the blue and white team. In this way, in the coming days the arrival of the Uruguayan will be officially announced, who will be Alejandro Restrepo's “10” in 2024.

journalist Cesar Luis Merlo was responsible for announcing the arrival of Sebastian Rodríguez. Through his social networks, the Argentine communicator reported that Peñarol and Alianza Lima had reached an agreement, so all that was missing was the signature of the player who would wear the club's colors throughout 2024.

“Exclusive! Peñarol Uruguayan midfielder Sebastián Rodríguez will play for Alianza Lima. There is already an agreement between the clubs to buy his passport,” the communicator’s report said.

Sebastián Rodríguez would be the new midfielder for Alianza Lima for 2024. Photo: Shot by X

Who is Sebastian Rodriguez?

The 31-year-old midfielder just finished second with Peñarol at the Uruguayan tournament. Sebastian Rodríguez He started in the grand final against Liverpool but failed to score. Despite losing the 2023 season, the Uruguayan footballer already knows what it means to win a title, having been crowned champions in 2016 with Nacional of Uruguay.

Which teams did Sebastián Rodriguez play on?

Sebastian Rodríguez He began his career as a footballer with Danubio and then made the leap to Europe to sign with Almería B in Spain. In 2015, he returned to the lands of Uruguay to defend the colors of Liverpool and Nacional. He then went to Tiburones Rojos de México (2019) and Emelec de Ecuador (2020). He joined the coal team last year.