By Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday May 23, 2012 5:35 AM Last night, Dustin Brown and the Los Angeles Kings met the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. The night before, Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils met Ryan Callahan and the New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Brown, Parise and Callahan share at least three things in common. They are captains, they are semifinalists — and they are Americans. Hockey is, of course, Canada’s sport. More than 50 percent of the NHL is Canadian born and bred. Americans made up around 15 percent of the league in 2003. They make up around 25 percent now. Given the way prospects are being produced — ... Continue reading →
Photo courtesy of Jamie Sabau Fans gathered at Nationwide Arena in April when the 2013 All-Star Game logo was unveiled. Plans are to transfer control of the arena to a private group that would meet behind closed doors. By Lucas Sullivan The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday May 22, 2012 7:19 AM Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said his office is reviewing the purchase contract of Nationwide Arena and will push for necessary changes to ensure the taxpayer-owned facility is operated in public view. O’Brien was responding to a story in Sunday’s Dispatch that detailed plans to transfer control of the arena to a private, nonprofit group that would meet behind closed doors and shield documents from public disclosure. The prosecutor said he would review whether the ... Continue reading →