The World Baseball Classic run through March 17, 2026 (World Baseball Classic image)
Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:
#1 How did Team USA respond after its earlier loss to Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and which pitcher helped lead the team to a win over Canada to reach the semifinals?
#2 Which two powerhouse teams are set to face each other in a highly anticipated World Baseball Classic semifinal following the Dominican Republic’s dominant win over South Korea?
#3 What roster change did Team USA make when reliever Jeff Hoffman replaced a recently retired star pitcher for the World Baseball Classic semifinals?
#4 What injury concern emerged for the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen when reliever Robert Stephenson experienced another elbow issue requiring medical evaluation?
#5 How has the use of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in games and spring training highlights sparked conversation about technology’s role in officiating baseball?
Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sun Feb 15, 2026 in Milan Italy (AP News photo)
American Ice Hockey Olympic star awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
Amaury Pi-González
On July 7, 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Simone Biles the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her athletic achievements, winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics, the nation’s highest civilian honor. American Olympic stars who made the country proud are favorites for US Presidents to present this type of award, and it happens more often than most people think.
Most recently Connor Hellebuyck , the goalie for the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as announced to the nation by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, his first in his second term.
Hellebuyck made 41 saves to lead Team USA to a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter The American team’s defense was key in their victory during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hellebuyck’s performance was crucial in securing the U.S. men’s team’s first Olympic gold since 1980, stopping 41 of 42 shots.
The now world-famous goalie Hellebuyck (#37) is the primary starting goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets as of February 2026, known for his elite, award-winning play and recent Olympic participation. Hellebuyck is recognized as one of the top goalies in the NHL, having won multiple Vezina Trophies.
If you wonder why it is uncommon for a sitting US President to give an award to a US athlete, is this unusual? It is not, in fact, the previous US President, Joe Biden, who also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to US Olympic hero Simone Biles and others, such as world-famous chef José Andrés.
The President of the United States can award this medal to any American who contributes to the United States in any walk of life, for his/her contributions to the country. Although Hellebuyck plays professionally for the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, he is an American who was born in Michigan.
The recipient of this award must be born in the US. Of the 32 National Hockey League teams (considered the premier professional league in this sport in the world), seven (7) are based in Canada. Hellebuycks’s Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Team USA Jack Eichel celebrates with fans after defeating Team Canada at the hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Italy on Sun Feb 22, 2026 (AP News photo)
USA Hockey Gold for Country and Flag
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
For the third time in Olympic history, the United States won men’s hockey gold and for the first time since the Miracle on Ice in 1980 against the Soviet Union. Men’s hockey is the last event in the Olympics, and this 2026 Canada vs USA match did not disappoint.
The USA faced a tough and talented Canadian team, as NBC reported a huge audience for the final event of the Olympics. The game aired at five in the morning West Coast time. Many were up early to watch this event of the two big North American rivals who share a friendly border.
Known as the longest international boundary in the world, and one of those that got up this early was my youngest son, Geoffrey, who is a huge San José Sharks fan and a big Hockey enthusiast, who played in an Amateur Ice Hiockey League, This was Geoffrey’s commentary on the game:
“It was a great game, one of the best games I have seen. But like most sports, defense wins championships, even though Canada had the best players, McDavid, Mackinnon, Crosby (hurt), and Celebrini, the USA had the best defense and Goalie. Solid defense, great goaltending, and some puck luck… gave the USA the edge. Also, it’s a shame that it was 3v3 for OT. It should be 5v5 just like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”
Jack Hughes, who has played his entire NHL career for the New Jersey Devils, scored the winning goal at 1:41 into overtime, sending the Americans to their third Olympic title as they defeated Canada 2-1. The other goal for the US was scored by Matt Boldy, who plays for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League.
While Cale Makar, who plays for the Colorado Avalanche, scored the lone goal for the Canadians. This USA Olympic team defeated a very tough and seasoned Canadian team, even without their great player, Sydney “Sid the Kid” Crosby who suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia, causing him to miss the semifinal and the gold medal game against the USA. Despite trying to return, the injury sustained from a hit kept him out. He is there and together with the rest of the Canadians who received their Silver Medal.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com
Team Canada’s Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid skate at the 4 Nations face off hockey practice in Brossard Quebec on Mon Feb 15, 2026 (Canadian Press via AP photo)
Olympic Hockey podcast Lincoln Juarez:
#1 What impact did Sidney Crosby’s injury sustained in the quarterfinal game have on Team Canada’s strategy and lineup heading into the next stage of the tournament on February 19?
#2 How did Canada’s thrilling 4-3 overtime win over Czechia in the quarterfinals influence team morale and expectations as they awaited their semifinal matchup on Friday?
#3 Which Canadian players were highlighted on February 19 for their standout performances in the tournament so far, including contributions against Czechia?
#4 What tactical adjustments were analysts discussing on February 19 for Canada ahead of their semifinal game against Finland men’s national ice hockey team, given Finland’s recent Olympic form?
#5 How was Team Canada’s path to a potential medal being evaluated on February 19, considering their quarterfinal win and the upcoming semifinal draw?
Canada’s Bo Horvat scores the third goal against the Czech Republic’s goaltender Lukas Dostal in the prelimary round match of the men’s hockey at the 2026 Olympics on Thu Feb 12, 2026 in Milan Italy (AP News photo0
Olympic Hockey podcast Lincoln Juarez:
#1 Can Team Canada sustain its Olympic momentum after a dominant 5-0 win over Czechia? — Canada’s NHL-loaded roster delivered a statement performance in their Olympic opener, led by goaltender Jordan Binnington’s shutout and strong contributions from stars like Macklin Celebrini.
#2 How will fans and teams react to the controversial overturned goals in the USA-Latvia game? — The U.S. rallied for a 5-1 victory, but two early goals were wiped off, sparking debate about officiating in Olympic hockey.
#3 Who gets the nod in key Olympic goalie and lineup decisions? — Team USA announced Connor Hellebuyck as its starting goalie, marking a big strategic choice for America’s Olympic campaign.
#4 What is the status of NHL access and media content at the Olympics? — NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league is getting broader access to Olympic hockey content in Milan and hopes for even more in future Games.
#5 Which international rivalries or matchups are shaping up next at the Olympics? — Teams like Finland and Sweden are renewing historic rivalries as the Olympic hockey tournament continues.
Pittsburgh Penguins long time broadcaster Mike Lange addresses the crowd before the unveiling of a statue depicting Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame center Mario Lemieux outside the NHL hockey team’s arena March 7, 2012, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:
#1 Len what can you say about your good late friend Pittsburgh Penguins play by play announcer the great Mike Lange who you roomed with during your college days.
#2 Len, talk about those catch phrases that he used after a goal was scored he was well known for.
#3 Penguins star Syd Crosby said he was proud that Lange called almost all his goals of his career that’s saying a mouthful right there.
#4 Turning to the Four Nations Tournament Team USA and Team Canada battle at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday night Team Canada wins it in overtime 3-2 on Conner McDavid’s goal at 8:18.
#5 No doubt about it there were some gritty hockey played in this tournament no one caved in and all teams played like everything was on the line. It was not like an East vs. West All Star game where they run up the score.
There is good reason to suppose that Todd McLellan will be the next coach of the Edmonton Oilers. At the end of the season, McLellan stated that his immediate focus would be his job as coach of Team Canada at the World Championships, so it is reasonable to assume he won’t announce a decision before that job is done. He did meet with the Oilers during the tournament, and there have been no reports of in person meetings with any other team.
McLellan has had a chance to work with some of the Oilers (Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle) this month. He has also been coaching some Flyers (Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier) and other players on NHL teams that are looking for new coaches. One could imagine that announcing his choice before the end of the tournament could be a distraction for his players. That would be regrettable, as the team is having a better tournament than they have had in years. Saturday, they defeated the Czech team 2-0 for a spot in the gold medal game Sunday. It was Canada’s first shutout of the Czechs in the world championships since 1958.
Coaching Team Canada has been just the ticket for McLellan. He anticipated a positive experience, and he is having one. He told the Edmonton Sun’s Terry Jones:
When I went through my departure with the Sharks in San Jose it was emotional and it was empty. To come here, it was like getting refreshed again. With a different coaching staff, different people, a different approach, and a different country has been a really good experience.
As for what comes next, back in Aprils McLellan explained what he is looking for in his next head coaching position:
I would like to coach a great group of hockey players next year. And Connor McDavid, everybody is talking about him and his ability to come and have an impact. I’m assuming that the Oilers will pick him number one. But. one thing that I have learned: you can have the best player and still not have the best team. It’s about team, it’s about a group, it’s about the whole organization, the culture of the organization and Connor is going to be a very exciting player to watch, again I’m assuming in Edmonton, and he’ll have an impact on the league for years and years to come. But it’s often bigger, the bigger story is the group as a whole.
Edmonton may not seem like everyone’s idea of an ideal destination, but McLellan might be the coach to turn that around. The Oilers have a lot of forward talent and they have a new arena in the pipeline. Edmonton is also a little closer to California and McLellan’s family is staying in San Jose for the time being. Being a time zone or two closer to home can make a difference.
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Also in Prague this weekend, defenseman Brent Burns was named one of Team Canada’s bext three players of the tournament. Claude Giroux and Mike Smith were the other two. Ben Smith has two goals for Team USA in the tournament. Tomas Hertl has been conspicuously absent from the Czech bench, twice listed in the lineup only to not play. He was listed in the lineup for the games against Latvia on May 2nd and on May 14th against Finland, but saw no ice time in either game. In the bronze medal game Sunday, Hertl was not in the lineup.
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