By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Post Play of Graham Ike Key for Zags vs. Longhorns
The Zags are still looking for their first National Championship, and to get it, they have to go through Texas.
The formula the Longhorns used to beat BYU proved highly successful, and they’ll likely try to replicate that game plan against the Bulldogs.
UT forced AJ Dybantsa to shoot 1 for 7 from three, which doesn’t feel like a lot, but he could easily have shot 10-18 from the field, rather than 11-25.
The Horns will probably attempt to employ this strategy against Graham Ike, also.
If Ike falls into the trap, the Zags are in trouble.
Without Braden Huff, GU doesn’t have a second elite scoring option. They have a lot of great scorers, but in March, the superstars usually win.
And that’s why Ike needs to stay in the post.
He’ll be able to control the tempo of the game, draw fouls, and open up shots for other guys. This will also limit Texas’ chance at long runout rebounds.
This is the Longhorns third game in five days and they don’t want a physical matchup.
Jalen Warley and Tyon Grant-Foster are already going to swarm on defense. If Ike plays like a bully in the post, they’re probably going to wear out.
Gonzaga ranks 17th nationally in points allowed per game.
Also, if Ike can get some easy buckets early, it will take pressure off of Davis Fogle and Mario Saint-Supery.
Fogle can go off, but he’s only averaging 8.7 points per contest, so he lacks consistency. The same thing can be said about Saint-Supery.
Grant-Foster is the Bulldogs’ second-leading scorer, averaging 11.2 points per game.
Dailyn Swain has been UT’s leading scorer all year, but Tramon Mark has arguably proven to be their best player in the tournament.
Mark is averaging 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals during their opening two games. Matas Vokietaitis also had a standout performance against BYU, tallying 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Texas might be the better team, but they won’t have the legs to beat Gonzaga. The Bulldogs also aren’t likely to lose in the round of 32 two years in a row.
UT shows some fight early, but GU ultimately wins comfortably.
Hooptown USA moves on.
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
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Many football watchers will tell you the home viewing experience is ideal for them, but there are still those that love to watch NFL games from the seats at the stadium – truly taking it the experience with their own eyes.
However, as demand for the sport continues to grow, so have ticket prices just to enter a stadium on gameday. As a result, some fans are simply getting priced out from watching their favorite teams.
But legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who has represented over 300 professional athletes, especially in football with a record eight No. 1 overall picks and 64 first-rounders under his belt, believes teams and owners should be more “forward-thinking” with their tickets.
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Leigh Steinberg attends the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)
He has an idea.
“I think that it would be prudent and forward-looking for them to reserve, like, 10,000 seats for every game for them to distribute to working families and younger people,” Steinberg told Fox News Digital on a recent phone call. “So, at least at the end of the year, you have a team planting the seeds for the future.”
Steinberg believes to “truly enjoy football” you either have played the game, or have seen it live. That, in his eyes, “totally sustains that interest level.”
Yes, technological advancements have made it easier for fans of all demographics to catch their favorite teams, as well as the rest of the NFL schedule, from their living room. In fact, some may even tell you spending for the highest NFL package is better than going to games live at this rate.
That’s because tickets are not the only thing to worry about when going to a game live.
The Action Network did an analysis of the cost of a family of four to attend an NFL game in every stadium across the country. The study included ticket prices, which were primary and resale from Ticketmaster, food and drinks, and parking for said family. They even looked at the child admission policy to see what ages may be free to find out which stadiums were, somewhat, family friendly.
Fans of the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos support their teams during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
At the highest was Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions when the season began in 2025. At $2,133.44, with $2,058.44 of that the price of four tickets, the family could enjoy the Eagles. Ford Field (Detroit Lions), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Soldier Field (Chicago Bears) and Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills) round out the top five most expensive stadiums for families.
The New York Jets and MetLife Stadium were the lowest at $555.94, though the league-wide average was $1,339 for four tickets.
At the same time, though, Steinberg understands supply and demand, and the latter is through the roof for the NFL. In turn, those with means to pay the expensive ticket prices do so, while others are priced out.
EX-NFL STAR SHAWNE MERRIMAN ADVOCATING FOR PLAYERS TO GET PAID MORE WHEN TV RIGHTS DEALS EXPLODE
“Right now, you have so much excess demand that they can price those tickets [high],” Steinberg added. “I used to say, ‘Look, we need to think about the future. I’m telling you that players could take a little less money if it meant sustaining the sport long-term. That means ticket prices.’ An owner once put his arm around me and said, ‘Son, that’ll never happen.’”
Could it happen one day? Steinberg sure hopes so, but as long as the insatiable appetite for football diminishes, it’ll likely be harder for some to acquire tickets at the current price tag, let alone secondary market upcharges.
‘Again, my suggestion would be teams plan and build for the future by having a section each week – they wouldn’t be the best tickets, but who cares if you’re a young kid? I used to go to Rams games in the Coliseum back in the ‘50s and you would’ve needed a telescope. But you still create an interest in football. That’s what I would do if I owned a team,” Steinberg said.
STEINBERG’S COMEBACK
While talking all things football, Steinberg also discussed life and how his fight through adversity led to him writing “The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories.”
Leigh Steinberg speaks onstage during the 39th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party at Storek on Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)
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Steinberg had built an empire by representing the best athletes in the world, but he also dealt with alcoholism and financial struggles, ultimately bringing him to rock bottom. But he rebuilt himself through those hard times, and with this book, he’s hoping to help others do the same.
Also, sharing stories of athletes dealing with similar adversities, Steinberg believes all readers should come away with this lesson learned.
“Internal introspection,” he said. “A realistic understanding of your own values and priorities, whether it’s short-term economic gain, long-term economic security, spiritual values, family. It’s to have clarity internally in terms of what really constitutes a fulfilling life. Then, coming up with a plan to get back to that.”
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Real Madrid handed big boost as key player returns to full fitness, set to start Atletico Madrid: Reports
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has reportedly regained full fitness and will start his side’s La Liga home match against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday (March 22).
Mbappe, 27, returned to first-team action from his knee problem in Los Blancos‘ 2-1 UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg win over Manchester City this Tuesday (March 17). He completed 13 of his 13 passes and registered one shot in his 21-minute second half cameo.
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Now, according to AS (h/t Madrid Universal), Mbappe will start in the upcoming La Liga game against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Bernabeu. He has recently trained at 100 per cent and is believed to replace Brahim Diaz in his club’s starting lineup on Sunday, hoping to continue his form.
Mbappe, who missed five matches in all competitions due to his recent knee injury, has undoubtedly been Real Madrid‘s best player this season. He has produced 38 goals and six assists in just 34 total appearances for his club in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign, scoring two hat-tricks.
On the other hand, Los Blancos are also reportedly set to welcome summer arrival Alvaro Carreras, who was out with a minor calf problem. They are also expected to have Jude Bellingham, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy back at their disposal this weekend, according to AS.
Real Madrid icon hails Alvaro Arbeloa
Real Madrid icon Guti has lauded Los Blancos head coach Alvaro Arbeloa for aptly handling the high-pressure environment at the club this year. He stated (h/t Madrid Universal):
“When you join a team mid-season, with difficulties and injuries, it’s always a poisoned chalice. But he’s steering it in the right direction for now, and that’s what all Madrid fans hope for: that Madrid win titles and that Arbeloa can stay.”
Arbeloa’s outfit are second in the 2025-26 La Liga standings with 66 points from 28 games, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.
Opining on Real Madrid’s Champions League chances after defeating Manchester City 5-1 in the round of 16, Guti responded:
“This sounds familiar… Madrid is going to win the Champions League. It’s not just the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. After that, we could face a very tough semi-final against Liverpool or PSG. It’s a demanding Champions League.”
Los Merengues will take on Bayern Munich in the last four stage of the Champions League, with the two legs set to be held on April 7 and April 15.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
CLEVELAND − Everything for Iowa wrestling from Nov. 30 onward was a classic case of when it rains, it pours.
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Subsequent losses to Minnesota, Ohio State and Oklahoma State.
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Nno Big Ten champions for a third consecutive year.
Heading into the NCAA Championships, the season was a low point in the Tom Brands era. So much so, it resulted in speculation of the direction of the program.
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The first two days at Rocket Arena reestablished some good vibes in the Hawkeye program.
The Hawkeyes secured seven NCAA All-Americans, the most since the 2020-21 season when the Hawkeyes won the team title. Excluding the canceled 2020 NCAAs, its just the fourth time in Brands’ tenure (which began in 2006-07) that they have had seven or more All-Americans.
The cherry on top? Extending the NCAA finalist streak to 35 consecutive tournaments. Michael Caliendo advanced to the 165-pound final with an 8-5 sudden victory over No. 2-seeded Joey Blaze of Purdue. Caliendo lost earlier in the season to Blaze by decision, but rallied back after conceding the first takedown in the match on March 20.
“Just wrestled with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder this time,” Caliendo said. “I was a little bit more prepared and I rose to the occasion.”
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There were more feel-good stories for the Hawkeyes. Gabe Arnold went from wrestling at 174 pounds in January to an All-American at 197 pounds. He lost his first match by riding time during tiebreakers vs. Justin Rademacher of Oregon State, but won four consecutive matches in consolations to become an NCAA All-American for the first time. Ryder Block, who has torn his ACL twice since graduating from high school, also became an All-American in his first NCAA Championships.
Wrestling undersized and as the No. 27 seed, Arnold was not expected to have a performance like this. Block was a major question mark entering the year with limited mat time and even during the season with up-and-down results, but he will place sixth or higher as the No. 15 seed.
In a year that saw Iowa consistently fall short, Arnold and Block exceeded expectations. As a result, Iowa sat in fourth place entering Saturday’s final day and was in position for a team trophy. The Hawkeyes and Ohio State will battle for the final trophy, separated by just 3.5 team points.
Not many had this on their bingo card for the Hawkeyes entering the tournament. Brands gave credit to his team for sticking in there and respecting the wrestling cliche of “getting the next-best thing” when outcomes don’t go in their favor.
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“Turning things around isn’t unheard of,” Brands said. “Turning things around in this sport is why you’re alive.”
Not all was peachy for Iowa, with Dean Peterson at 125 pounds and Nasir Bailey at 141 pounds falling in the bloodround and one win shy of All-American status. Iowa also lost two semifinal matches, with Angelo Ferrari losing in tiebreakers to Max McEnelly of Minnesota and Patrick Kennedy losing by technical fall to Levi Haines. A lack of offense plagued Ferrari in his match, while Kennedy failed to close the gap between him and Haines after several previous losses.
And while Caliendo was the savior of Iowa’s NCAA finalist streak, he has a daunting task on Saturday to overcome a 0-8 record vs. Penn State’s Mitchell Mesenbrink. In two matches this year, Caliendo has lost by major decision each time.
Iowa’s chance to crown a champion seems slim given the gap shown between Caliendo and Mesenbrink, but so did the Hawkeyes’ chance to rally from a brutal stretch spanning late November through the Big Ten Championships.
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“He’s a good wrestler, but sometimes all it takes is one match,” Caliendo said. “If there’s any one time I’m going to get him, this is going to be the time. If I rise to the occasion in front of this big crowd, national finals, I’d be pretty happy if this is the one I get, even if it’s only once.”
Team scores after Day 2
Iowa wrestling’s standing after Day 2 of the NCAA Championships
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125 – Dean Peterson: 2-2, eliminated
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133 – Drake Ayala: 4-1, wrestling for third
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141 – Nasir Bailey: 2-2, eliminated
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149 – Ryder Block: 5-1, wrestling for third
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165 – Michael Caliendo: 4-0, NCAA finalist
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174 – Patrick Kennedy: 3-1, wrestling for third
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184 – Angelo Ferrari: 3-1, wrestling for third
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197 – Gabe Arnold: 4-2, wrestling for seventh
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285 – Ben Kueter: 4-1, wrestling for third
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Iowa wrestling extends finalist streak, will have seven All-Americans
Joao Fonseca has weighed in on the growing debate between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and he sees a clear difference.
Speaking recently, Fonseca praised Alcaraz’s all-round game:
“I think Alcaraz has more arsenal than Sinner.”
He described Sinner as more mechanical in style:
“Sinner is more like a robot that just kills the ball and does everything perfect.”
While highlighting Alcaraz’s variety:
“Carlos, he can do everything. He can do with topspin, fire the ball, has good movement, goes to the net.”
Fonseca added that this variety makes Alcaraz harder to read:
“It’s more difficult to understand the game…”
Sports
“You Will Come For 7 Matches, Take Rs 1 Crore And Leave”: IPL 2026 Overseas Stars Raise Eyebrows For Missing Start
The IPL 2026 is set to begin in a week’s time, but several teams are grappling with injuries to their star players. The overseas contingent seems to be the most affected. SunRisers will miss the services of their regular captain Pat Cummins and have named Ishan Kishan as their skipper. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Josh Hazlewood is also going to miss the start of the tournament due to injury. Now, even Delhi Capital’s Mitchell Starc will not be available for the start of IPL 2026.
Former India and KKR star Aakash Chopra wondered what Cricket Australia is doing by stopping Starc.
“If Mitchell Starc is also not going to come at the start, what is Cricket Australia doing? You didn’t let Josh Hazlewood come, Pat Cummins isn’t coming, and now you have held back Mitchell Starc, even though he is absolutely fit. He has already said goodbye to T20Is. So what has he done in the last two months or so?” Chopra said.
“He hasn’t played any cricket after the Ashes, but despite that, you have asked him to rest because a big Test season is coming up, in which there are five Test matches against India. That’s just before the next IPL. Why are you doing that now?”
He also asked IPL franchises to take note of how overseas players were being handled.
Chopra further raised the issue of Lockie Ferguson, who will reportedly miss the start of the IPL as he will be spending time with his family.
“I am thinking about Lockie Ferguson, and that’s a serious one. I don’t know whether he has an injury or not, but based on what I have read, he isn’t available for seven matches. He is saying he wants to spend some time with the family,” he said.
“He was available at the base price. He was bought for Rs 2 crore. He is playing for New Zealand. Then he will go home and spend time with his family. It’s not a bad thing-don’t judge anyone-but if you are leaving seven matches in the IPL after giving a commitment just because of that, then teams will have to realize that this is not right. Because you will come after seven matches, take Rs 1 crore, and leave… what is the point? By that time, the team’s campaign might be badly affected,” Chopra observed.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)
Ravichandran Ashwin has given a strong early endorsement of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title defence, insisting the franchise has assembled a squad capable of adding another IPL crown in the next couple of seasons. After ending a 17-year title drought in 2025, RCB enter IPL 2026 carrying the weight of expectation and the pressures that come with being defending champions.The 2025 mega auction saw RCB retain only Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal before rebuilding their roster. The overhaul brought in key additions such as Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving the side a more balanced structure that delivered the franchise’s long-awaited first IPL trophy.
Title-winning depth in RCB’s squad
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the squad’s balance and depth, noting it no longer relies solely on one or two stars. “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this squad. Winning the IPL isn’t easy, but the building blocks they have, the kind of like-for-like replacements they have,” he said.Ashwin highlighted how RCB have addressed previous gaps in their combination. “The way they have addressed the holes in the combination. This is a good package to finish in the top two,” he said.For years, RCB were criticised for depending too heavily on star power. The post-auction rebuild has changed that perception. The batting is now more flexible, the pace resources stronger, and each player has a clearer role in the squad.
Foreign strength and Hazlewood’s absence
Ashwin singled out RCB’s foreign contingent as one of the best in the tournament. “In Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, this is probably the best four foreigners you can get, and it is one of the best in the tournament,” he said.Despite Josh Hazlewood’s injury leaving his availability uncertain for the start of IPL 2026, Ashwin believes this could work in RCB’s favour. “In all honesty, this is a blessing in disguise for RCB. If they don’t have Hazlewood and they are concerned about Salt’s form, they can play both Salt and Bethell. And when Hazlewood returns, you will have a clearer picture on the form of these and depending on that you can change,” he said.Ashwin also noted the flexibility of the bowling attack. “If the bowling is leaking a lot, they can leave Mangesh Yadav out and bring in Jacob Duffy or Hazlewood when he is fit. They have a squad that can conquer home conditions and handle ups and downs with bat and ball,” he said.
Ahwin’s RCB probable XI (considering Hazlewood is unavailable):
Virat Kohli – Phil Salt – Jacob Bethell – Rajat Patidar – Jitesh Sharma – Tim David – Romario Shepherd – Krunal Pandya – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Mangesh Yadav – Yash Dayal – Suyash Sharma (Impact Sub)With this blend of experience, and overseas firepower, Ashwin believes RCB are well-equipped to defend their title and remain among the frontrunners in IPL 2026.
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has flagged concerns over Rinku Singh’s form ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, stating that his dip in performances could be a key issue for Kolkata Knight Riders to address.KKR begin their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on March 29. Rinku heads into the season under scrutiny after a disappointing T20 World Cup, where he managed just 24 runs in five innings.
The left-hander’s struggles come after a remarkable breakthrough in IPL 2023, highlighted by his unforgettable five consecutive sixes off Yash Dayal during a 200-plus chase against Gujarat Titans — an innings that catapulted him to stardom.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan reflected on the decline in Rinku’s returns since that standout season and his inability to make the most of opportunities at the World Cup.“We will have to see how much opportunity he gets to play. His 2023 season was outstanding. He scored 400-450 runs with a strike rate of 150. But after that, his performance dipped, and many times he did not get enough opportunities. He will have to maintain his standard and maximise the opportunities he gets. Even in the World Cup, he played five matches, but he could not fully capitalise on the chances he got. This is another problem that Kolkata needs to rectify, and Rinku Singh is one of them,” he said.Rinku had enjoyed a stellar 2023 campaign, scoring 474 runs in 14 innings at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 149.52, including four fifties. Since then, however, his numbers have dipped, with 374 runs in 22 innings at an average of 23.37, and a highest score of 38*.Pathan also pointed out that managing Varun Chakravarthy’s form would be another challenge for KKR. The mystery spinner started the T20 World Cup strongly, picking up nine wickets in four group-stage matches at an economy rate of just over five, but saw a sharp decline later, managing only five wickets in five matches from the Super Eight stage to the final, with his economy rate rising significantly.Despite the dip, Pathan backed Varun to bounce back and deliver in familiar conditions.“The challenge is how to bring Varun back with confidence given his current dip in form. He will play 14 matches, some of which will be at Kolkata’s ground, and he has definitely performed well in this league before. With the good memories he has in Kolkata, perhaps in a slightly different atmosphere, he might perform even better. I believe he will manage it, so although this is a challenge, Varun Chakaravarthy will overcome it,” said Pathan.Last season, Varun finished as the seventh-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps at an average of 22.52 and an economy rate of 7.66, with best figures of 3/22. Overall, he has claimed 99 wickets in 83 matches for KKR, including two four-wicket hauls, with best figures of 5/20.
Sports
Fabio Wardley sets sights on one man after Daniel Dubois fight: “Everything else is secondary”
Fabio Wardley has made it crystal clear who he wishes to face after May 9, when he firmly believes a win over Daniel Dubois will come to fruition.
The 31-year-old is gearing up to defend his WBO world title at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with former heavyweight champion Dubois looking to scupper his plans.
‘Dynamite’ became the IBF world champion following his eighth-round finish over Filip Hrgovic in 2024, before defending the title against Anthony Joshua later that year.
As a result of his five-round demolition job against ‘AJ’, Dubois later secured an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, who ultimately handed him a fifth-round stoppage defeat last July.
Wardley, meanwhile, comes off an 11th-round finish over Joseph Parker last October, overcoming their enthralling battle with no small amount of grit and self-belief.
The Ipswich man was then elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBO champion after Usyk vacated the title, rather than collide with his mandatory challenger, in November.
Since then, though, the Ukrainian has expressed his interest in facing the winner of Wardley-Dubois after his clash with kickboxer Rico Verhoeven on May 23.
Unsurprisingly, Wardley has also told Boxing Now that he is angling for a shot at Usyk, hoping to cement himself as the bona fide heavyweight king.
“After I win and beat Daniel, I’ll be looking at Usyk, and ultimately he holds the cards, so I’ll be waiting to hear what he says.
“Then everything else will be secondary to that, whether it be a [Tyson] Fury fight or – hard to mention his name, because of obviously what’s going on – but whether it be an ‘AJ’, or something like that.
“But ultimately, my eyes will be set on Usyk.”
Wardley has previously expressed an openness to lock horns with Fury, who must first complete his comeback assignment against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
As for Joshua, the two-time heavyweight champion has now returned to the gym, training with Usyk, but is yet to confirm any details regarding his next outing.
Celin Bizet Donnum is redefining what it means to balance sport and personal life, and she’s doing it on her own terms.
The Manchester United Women winger is expecting her first child in 2026, a decision that would make many athletes pause their careers. But for Bizet, the fear was missing the chance to start a family.
“It was very scary to miss a season… but it was even more scary to not have the baby in my career.”
At just 24, she’s in her prime, yet she chose to embrace both dreams instead of delaying one for the other.
“If you have two dreams, you can live both of them at the same time.”
Bizet knows she’s part of a small but growing group.
“It’s still very rare to have a baby when you are a footballer.” And of course I will come back to football, that’s my motivation.”
CALGARY — No one knows how to antagonize an opponent, a team, or even a nation quite like Matthew Tkachuk.
But in his first game back in his old stomping grounds since Milan, the game’s most decorated player the last three years chose not to bring attention to the Olympic gold medal his American squad ripped from the hands of Team Canada.
“It’s the only trip I didn’t bring it on. I think my dad’s got it right now. I wasn’t showing it off in this place.”
A wise, respectful move by the longtime Flame who knew better than to rub anything in the faces of those who treated him so well the first six years of his career.
They treated him well again Friday, with only smattered boos sprinkled in on a night in which Tkachuk and his defending champs showed very little bite.
Flames fans would have lost their minds if he’d strutted into the Dome with Olympic hardware dangling from his neck. And he knows that too.
Instead, he arrived with nothing but memories, and a whole lot of enthusiasm for something Calgary hasn’t hosted in decades: meaningful international hockey.
Because if there was one topic that lit him up more than the gold he didn’t bring, it was the World Cup of Hockey landing in Calgary and Edmonton in 2028.
“I think it’ll be really good for the new building,” he said while champing at the bit to catch up with Ryan Lomberg and get out on the town with teammates.
“I’m excited. I love this building. I love having the memories here, but I think it’s gonna be great for the city now that they can get all the concerts and the stuff that they’ve been missing.”
Then he went full Calgary ambassador.
“Because, to me, this is the best city in the area, by far,” he smiled, unable to resist yet another shot at Edmonton.
“And now, with this new rink, it brings just that much more traction, and I think a lot more people outside of Calgary will see what a great city Calgary is.”
One night earlier his beleaguered club turned on the jets to run the Oilers’ show once again.
But on either side of that game, the battered Panthers were beaten soundly by the 32nd and 31st place teams in the league, as part of a western Canadian tour that started in Vancouver and ended in the city Tkachuk was drafted and broke in.
There’s a respect factor for Tkachuk in Calgary that’s clearly mutual.
Even though he informed the team he wouldn’t re-sign here in 2022, he did so a year ahead of time, giving the club ample time to get something meaningful for him in return.
He still talks about Calgary like a guy who knows the shortcuts, the late‑night eats, and the best patios. And, no matter the circumstances, he understands he broke a few hearts on the way out.
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Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
“We got a couple boos the last few games, but nothing crazy,” shrugged Tkachuk, who has been a shadow of his irritating self since he returned from major surgery in time to play in the Olympics.
“It’s pretty good here. I love the fans here and I’ve got so many good memories with them. Still got some boos here.”
“Actually, (I was) surprised I got some boos in Vancouver.”
You can expect Tkachuk and his brother to be in the eye of the storm in 2028 when the eight-team best-on-best tourney will feature Canada and the U.S. playing round-robin games at Scotia Place, less than 6 months after it’s expected to open.
“I’m kind of surprised that there’s not a game in the U.S. at some point, if I’m being honest,” he said.
“But Calgary was my home for six years. With the round robin here we’ll be here for a few days, so make the team, and show a few guys some great spots.”
Another former Flame thriving in Florida, Sam Bennett lit up when asked about the World Cup coming to Alberta.
“Obviously it’s awesome,” said one of Team Canada’s gold medal heroes at the last incarnation of the World Cup, which was the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“I think it’s great for Calgary. I know how passionate the fans are here, so it’s great to see them get that experience. And I’m sure it’ll be awesome in that new building as well.”
But Bennett, unlike Tkachuk, allowed himself to get sentimental about the Saddledome, the rink that introduced him to the NHL and will soon be reduced to rubble.
“I mean, it’s where I got introduced to the NHL here, so obviously a lot of nostalgia coming back into this building,” said Bennett.
“This building will always be special to me. It’ll definitely be a sad day when this building goes down.”
Tkachuk didn’t say it outright, but you could feel it: He feels the same way.
The Dome is where he became Matthew Tkachuk, the villain, the hero, the entertainer.
The Olympic gold medalist who knew better than to remind everyone of it.
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