Flick can transfer himself one step nearer to the rankings with victory over Maness this weekend, and he heads into the bout with an array of ending strategies in his arsenal. However, if the chance offered itself for him to hit his signature approach, it will make his victory even sweeter.

“The Von Flick, 100%, is my favourite choke,” he mentioned.

“I’ve 4 wins by the Von Flick. And the rationale I name it that Von Flick is as a result of I can really hit it from backside. And in case you return and watch the struggle with Malcolm Gordon, I used to be hitting it from backside. However Malcolm, the angle he took, he gave me an opportunity to roll him over. So after I roll you over, it is simpler to complete.

“In the future, I am going to hit it from the underside and I will hit it from the highest, as properly. After which individuals will see why it is known as the Von Flick. I’ll go for it in a heartbeat. The guillotine, the triangle, the armbar, it would not matter. I am trying to get the win and I do know if I faucet ’em,  I receives a commission faster.”

The US will compete in Group C, with the hosts taking over Bolivia, Panama and Uruguay within the group levels in Texas, Atlanta and Kansas Metropolis respectively.

In the event that they qualify from their group, there’s a probability they may tackle Colombia within the knockout rounds, which means Richards would meet Palace teammates Daniel Muñoz and Jefferson Lerma in aggressive motion.

Richards and his teammates might be hoping to construct off the again of a 3rd consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title secured in March, with the Palace man taking part in each minute of an epic semi-final and remaining in opposition to Jamaica (a 3-1 win after extra-time, having trailed till deep into second-half damage time) and Mexico (a 2-0 victory, sealed by two gorgeous objectives) respectively.

They will even be hoping for a powerful displaying forward of a house World Cup in 2026.

For all the most recent worldwide call-ups, performances and Copa América updates, keep tuned to cpfc.co.uk and the official Palace app.

Match Particulars

All match instances BST.

• Solar, twenty third June: United States v Bolivia (23:00)
• Thu, twenty seventh June: Panama v United States (23:00)
• Tue, 2nd July: United States v Uruguay (02:00)

Switzerland made a flying begin to their Euro 2024 marketing campaign with a commanding 3-1 win over a blunder-prone Hungary on Saturday, with first worldwide objectives for Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, and Breel Embolo netting on his return from damage.

Chasing a spot within the knockout rounds of their sixth consecutive main match, Switzerland had been an aesthetic outfit, composed, organised and fast on the assault as a Hungary aspect billed because the match’s darkish horses made numerous errors and struggled to get into the sport.

In solely his second worldwide match, Duah fired the Swiss forward with a cool end after 12 minutes when he was put by means of by Aebischer, who doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time with an outstanding curling shot from outdoors the field after sloppy defending.

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Hungary had been shell-shocked however improved within the second half, with Barnabás Varga squandering a transparent likelihood when he discovered himself in area however headed large of the publish.

He did discover the online within the 66th minute, nonetheless, crouching low to move residence Dominik Szoboszlai’s neat cross to spark a frantic effort to combat again which the Swiss fended off resolutely, responding with a flurry of probabilities of their very own.

Substitute Embolo sealed the win after one other Hungarian error in stoppage time, lifting the ball over the keeper to set off frenzied Swiss celebrations.

“I liken soccer to chess and at the moment we received our ways proper,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin mentioned.

“We targeted on benefiting from our energy and we made our opponents’ lives very onerous.”

Switzerland had been determined for a robust begin to the match after scraping by means of a weak group in a dismal qualifying marketing campaign fraught with late mishaps in video games.

Participant of the match Granit Xhaka carried out an important function within the victory, controlling the tempo of play, delivering pinpoint passes and twice coming near scoring late objectives.

Aebischer and Duah had been introduced again into the Switzerland aspect and Embolo was match once more after damage and their choice proved impressed, with Aebischer central to a number of assaults that uncovered the frailty of the Hungarian defence.

Hungary’s begin to their third successive European Championship was disappointing, with expectations excessive after a run of 14 video games unbeaten that ended solely just lately, and pleasure over Szoboszlai, who made his debut within the match because the youngest captain within the Euros at 23 years outdated.

Hungary play Germany and Switzerland tackle Scotland within the subsequent Group A matches on Wednesday.

“The primary half was very unhealthy … we had been too passive,” Hungary coach Marco Rossi mentioned, lamenting his aspect’s errors on the again.

“I’m not trying to level fingers. I’m the coach, so I take duty.”

“It is onerous to appropriate the type of errors that we made. Our gamers don’t make errors like this day by day,” he added.

Former NHL ahead Olli Jokinen, who coached Helenius the previous two seasons, believes that sort of leap is feasible due to the drive and willpower he confirmed.

“I actually assume that he’ll have an awesome alternative to crack an NHL lineup subsequent yr as a result of he’ll be a helpful participant,” Jokinen stated. “He can play down the lineup as properly. In that approach he is a particular child. Clearly his strengths are with the puck and bringing the offense and all that, however typically whenever you go within the new degree, it’s good to be good with out the puck, and particularly within the NHL degree not essentially turn out to be a scorer instantly within the first yr.

“Our large focus this yr was getting higher within the face-offs, getting higher understanding that taking part in strong protection and taking part in for the staff and being on the ice within the essential conditions, that coaches belief you. That was an enormous studying factor for him this yr, and he took an enormous step ahead.”

Jokinen particularly was impressed by the sting that Helenius confirmed regardless of his measurement (5-foot-11, 189 kilos).

“He is actually poised with the puck so clearly he can play quick, however on the identical time he can sluggish the sport down,” Jokinen stated. “So his hockey sense is off the chart. Clearly his compete degree is the place it must be and in addition that is one of many strengths for him, that he loves the competitors. He likes to observe, he likes to battle and he likes to get his nostril soiled.

“He is very robust together with his skates and clearly the edgework and small turns with the cutbacks and stuff like that, he can actually function in small areas and tight areas. The compete degree and all that, he is not afraid of going into these small areas.”

Helenius is No. 3 in NHL Central Scouting’s ultimate rating of Worldwide skaters for the 2024 Higher Deck NHL Draft.

“Konsta is a really versatile participant, which makes him what he’s as we speak,” stated Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, NHL director of European Scouting. “He’s not essentially doing YouTube highlights, however he retains his staff on the suitable path. He’s a frontrunner contained in the staff and has an awesome persona.

“Konsta’s hockey IQ is his better part in my thoughts as he is ready to consistently do small performs the place he helps his teammates to get higher possibilities to attain.”

The Prime Minister will journey to Switzerland immediately to reiterate the UK’s help for Ukraine, as the primary chief degree peace summit centered on the way forward for the nation will get underway.

Greater than 50 heads of state and governments are anticipated to attend the summit close to Lucerne, making it the biggest world chief gathering solely centered on Ukraine for the reason that invasion started.

Talking on the summit this night, the Prime Minister will say:

Those that assist Russia by offering the weapons of conflict, or parts for these weapons ought to have a look at this summit immediately. They need to have a look at Bucha, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and they need to mirror on the selection they’ve made.

They’re inserting themselves on the facet of the aggressor – and on the incorrect facet of historical past. Putin has no real interest in a real peace. He has launched a sustained diplomatic marketing campaign in opposition to this summit ordering international locations to remain away, spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to barter.

We should always ask Russia why they really feel so threatened by a summit discussing the fundamental rules of territorial integrity, meals safety and nuclear security.

He’ll add:

From a place of power, we should work with President Zelenskyy to set out the rules for a simply and lasting peace, based mostly on worldwide legislation and the UN Constitution.

That’s the path to a everlasting cessation of hostilities. It is going to present Ukraine that we’ll stand by them when they’re prepared for negotiations.

And it’ll present Putin’s allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere that we are going to defend the best of all nations to find out their very own future.

Whereas on the summit, the Prime Minister is anticipated to fulfill President Zelenskyy to reiterate the UK’s help for Ukraine, together with making certain any future peace deal is sustainable, and crucially, on Ukraine’s phrases.

The summit follows the assembly of the G7 in Italy this week, the place the UK, alongside G7 companions, introduced 50 new sanctions designations and specs to degrade Putin’s conflict machine, and dedicated to offering £242m in bilateral help to Ukraine, to help instant humanitarian, power and stabilisation wants.

The UK additionally agreed with the G7 to supply a brand new mortgage for Ukraine price $50bn, which shall be repaid by the extraordinary revenues that come from the frozen belongings of Russia’s central financial institution, each in Europe and all over the world.

Nationwide Safety Advisor Sir Tim Barrow can be anticipated to attend the two-day Swiss summit.

Who dominated the fortress?

WWE held one other worldwide premium reside occasion, this time in Scotland for the primary time in firm historical past with Conflict on the Citadel. 5 matches passed off inside OVO Hydro, they usually had been all for championship gold.

Cody Rhodes and AJ Kinds confronted one another for the Undisputed WWE Championship after their on the spot basic at Backlash France, they usually delivered in one other title match. Drew McIntyre additionally went for the World Heavyweight Championship, however a well-known foe acquired in the way in which. European crowds have gained a repute of being among the many greatest in WWE, and it was one other rowdy environment.

Here’s a recap of all of the motion from Glasgow:

World Heavyweight Championship match: Damian Priest (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

Feeding off the gang power, Drew McIntyre got here out of the gate firing on all cylinders, getting Damian Priest outdoors of the ring and flying excessive rope to take him out. There was an enormous botch when Priest tried to leap off the ring however he acquired his foot caught within the ropes in what regarded like might’ve been a harmful misstep. It was apparent Priest was injured within the mistake and he was hobbling for the remainder of the match.

It took awhile for issues to quiet down however as soon as it did, McIntyre and Priest traded blows for minutes. McIntyre was the one which was capable of get the higher hand and went for his first claymore, however Priest countered it with a chokeslam. Priest went for the pin and McIntyre kicked out. One way or the other after taking a hurricanrana off the highest rope, McIntyre recovered rapidly for a claymore. Priest kicked out of the pin.

The referee acquired taken out of the match because of a bump from Priest, and when McIntyre went for a pin after a claymore, there was no referee. One got here out and counted to 2 however did not end the pin. McIntyre regarded up, just for it to be CM Punk and fully shock the challenger. A pissed off McIntyre went to assault Punk, however the heated rival delivered a low blow. Priest landed one other choke slam and the referee got here again to rely the pin and provides Priest the win, a stunner to the Glasgow crowd.

Evaluation: What a chaotic solution to finish it. Sure, interferences are damage matches, however this one was as excellent because it might be. The rivalry between McIntyre and Punk continues to be among the best of the 12 months and nothing comes shut. Folks had been so targeted on The Judgment Day not being current for the match that nobody remembered the hated Punk has for McIntyre. The Glasgow crowd was completely shocked and hated seeing their fellow countrymen lose at residence, particularly since Punk costed him the title but once more, nevertheless it makes for some wonderful storytelling. The individuals could not find it irresistible, nevertheless it’s simply one other layer in what will likely be a spectacular match when McIntyre and Punk lastly face off within the ring.

Drew McIntyre makes epic Scottish entrance

Drew McIntyre goes all out for his title match.

A Scottish band got here out and performed “Scotland the Courageous,” one of many unofficial nationwide anthems of Scotland. The gang went wild when McIntyre emerged, and he held up the Scotland flag. By the point his music stopped taking part in, the gang serenaded the sector by singing his identify.

WWE Girls’s Championship match: Bayley (c) vs. Piper Niven

The gang displaying some simply small favoritism to Bayley upset Piper Niven and it resulted in her going after the champion rapidly within the match, which additionally acquired different followers behind her. Chelsea Inexperienced tried to intervene early and it was pricey as she was kicked out of ringside. Nonetheless, it did not faze Niven as she continued to assault Bayley out and in of the ring. Bayley had some moments the place she regarded like she’d be on the brink of roll, just for Niven to counter.

Inexperienced got here again out in a luchador masks in an try to come back again, however referee Charles Robinson wasn’t fooled. Nevertheless, it distracted him from counting a pin from Bayley. Niven was closing in on a win, however Bayley discovered a gap and countered to drive Niven’s head on the mat and rolled her as much as get the pin.

Evaluation: Piper Niven confirmed out in entrance of her residence crowd and her homeland was loving it. She is a proficient wrestler and he or she acquired the time she wanted to show it. Whereas it was an excellent match, it was a uneven ending since Bayley did not have many alternatives on the offensive finish, so it regarded like she mores escaped the match relatively than profitable it. Regardless, it is a large win so as to add extra legitimacy to Bayley’s title reign. This must also present Niven is greater than able to being profitable in a single push.

Intercontinental Championship match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable

Chad Gable took out his frustrations on Sami Zayn early and the technical wizard showcased spectacular combos of submissions and highly effective strikes, all whereas battling the gang that was clearly rooting for the champion. Gable saved tabs on Otis and Maxxine Dupri at ringside, ensuring they had been prepared for every time he wanted them.

Zayn did not have many moments on offense since Gable was countering so many moments. Gable tried to get Dupri to hit Zayn with the title when the referee wasn’t wanting, however she could not do it. Zayn tried to capitalize on a distracted Gable with a helluva kick, however he moved away simply in time. Gable landed a chaos idea, however Zayn kicked out in stunning trend. When Gable proceed to scold Dupri, Otis acquired in the way in which, and the Alpha Academy member took a success from Zayn in consequence. Gable regarded to have a window, just for Zayn to get better.

When Zayn acquired out of an ankle lock outdoors of the ring, it resulted in Gable taking out Dupri’s damage left leg, irritating Otis extra. It left one other likelihood for Alpha Academy to take out Zayn, nonetheless Dupri stopped Otis. He picked up Dupri and left the ring, and with Gable distracted, Zayn lastly landed a helluva kick and acquired the pin.

Evaluation: Gable and Zayn have placed on nice matches in current months and this was one other one which gave the idea the challenger might come out on high. With Zayn retaining, it ought to put this finish to this rivalry and permit Gable to give attention to the struggles occurring with the Alpha Academy. Accident or not, Gable made contact with Dupri and that needs to be the final straw from Otis consistently being berated by his chief. A feud that followers are considering needs to be on the horizon and headed towards SummerSlam.

Triple menace match for the Girls’s Tag Workforce Championship: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill (c) vs. Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak

The champions showcased their energy early within the match as they have been accustomed to doing, with Belair taking management of Baszler and Daybreak, after which Cargill dominating Stark and Fyre earlier than each of them unleashed a punishing assault. Realizing they had been overmatched, the challengers teamed as much as assault the champions, which was a hit.

With Belair and Cargill out, the challengers went blow-for-blow and the gang clearly was rooting for the natives of Fyre and Daybreak. As soon as Belair and Cargill got here in, it was a frenzy with photographs throughout. Belair and Cargill regarded like they had been about to win after the facility combo on Baszler, however Daybreak snuck in to eliminate Cargill and he or she acquired the pin to turn into new champions.

Evaluation: This was a stunner. For as cool as it will’ve been for the Scotland natives to win, Belair and Cargill have been such a robust power that it did not appear lifelike for them to lose the titles. However with it a triple menace match, it made it an ideal alternative for the champions to be snuck up on and another person capitalize on the second. The response to Fyre and Daybreak getting the win was wonderful from the gang, and it was a candy second seeing them have fun with household and get their flowers of their residence nation. A spectacular second for a crew that did not have a lot occurring previous to Conflict on the Citadel, and hopefully they will get a strong run as champions. In the meantime, the loss places Belair and Cargill in an attention-grabbing spot. Will they proceed to crew up, or break up and ultimately face each other?

The Bloodline assaults Cody Rhodes

We could know who Cody Rhodes’ subsequent challenger is, and it might be somebody he is very acquainted with.

After beating AJ Kinds, Rhodes celebrated, just for Solo Sikoa to come back out for a tense face-off, Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga got here out to unleash an assault on the champion, however Kevin Owens and Randy Orton got here to assistance from the champion. They had been capable of maintain off The Bloodline, nevertheless it looks like Rhodes is headed towards one other encounter with the household.

“I Give up” match for the Undisputed WWE Common Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Kinds

The gang introduced the electrical energy and made it clear it was rooting for the champion. Rhodes began the match on offense, took it outdoors of the ring and into the stadium hallways earlier than the motion returned to the ring. Rhodes tried a determine 4 lock within the first important try to get somebody to give up, however Kinds was capable of get out.

Kinds then took management when he bounced Rhodes off the announcer’s desk, and Rhodes was reduce huge open on his face with blood popping out above his left eyebrow. Kinds landed a knee drop on the chair wrapped on Rhodes head after which introduced out the kendo stick to put extra punishment. Kinds continued the onslaught after he used an STF on the champion by handcuffing Rhodes’ palms behind his again and unloading a ruthless assault. Every time Rhodes denied to say “I Give up,” the gang would erupt in cheer.

After Kinds acquired distracted with Rhodes’ mother, which included her slapping the star, Rhodes recovered and threw a chair when Kinds tried an exceptional forearm, which additionally reduce the challenger. Rhodes landed three cross Rhodes and handcuffed Kinds to the ropes as he relentlessly pelted him with the chair. Kinds did not give up, however when Rhodes introduced the metal steps into the ring, Kinds understood it will get uglier and stated, “I Give up.” Rhodes retained, however only for good measure, he hit Kinds with the metal steps anyway for all of the disrespect he took, and whereas the challenger laid in defeat, he stood on high of the steps in victory.

Evaluation: The 2 had a tough act to observe from their first assembly, however this rematch delivered. The electrical energy from the gang actually added to the aura on this assembly, and there have been some strong spots that gave it a singular spin on the punishment that occurs throughout a “I Give up” match. The ending of the match was a extremely intriguing spot as a result of it confirmed Rhodes can activate one other change that turns him into a frightening, ruthless champion as a substitute of being the babyface star everybody loves. It’s nonetheless exhausting to think about Rhodes dropping the title at any level within the close to future, however his matches are doing a great job of presenting plausible moments and making his reign reputable.

Watch: Cody Rhodes makes entrance, crowd sings track

The gang is already off to an electrical begin. The Undisputed WWE Champion made his entrance and the gang erupted, singing “Kingdom” very like the gang at Backlash France.

When is Conflict on the Citadel 2024?

Conflict on the Citadel 2024 will likely be Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. ET. The occasion will start at 7 p.m. native time.

The place is Conflict on the Citadel 2024?

Conflict on the Citadel will likely be happening in Glasgow, Scotland. It will likely be held within the OVO Hydro.

How you can watch Conflict on the Citadel 2024

The occasion might be streamed on Peacock, however you could have their premium or premium-plus subscription to observe. Internationally, it is going to be obtainable on WWE Community.

Conflict on the Citadel 2024 match card

Matches not so as

• “I Give up” match for the Undisputed WWE Common Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Kinds.
• World Heavyweight Championship match: Damian Priest (c) vs. Drew McIntyre.
• WWE Girls’s Championship match: Bayley (c) vs. Piper Niven.
• Intercontinental Championship match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable.
• Triple menace match for the Girls’s Tag Workforce Championship: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill (c) vs. Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak.

Conflict on the Citadel 2024 predictions

• “I Give up” match for the Undisputed WWE Common Championship: Cody Rhodes def. AJ Kinds.
• World Heavyweight Championship match: Drew McIntyre def. Damian Priest.
• WWE Girls’s Championship match: Bayley def. Piper Niven.
• Intercontinental Championship match: Sami Zayn def. Chad Gable.
• Triple menace match for the Girls’s Tag Workforce Championship: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill def. Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak.

WWE stars from Scotland

Scotland will likely be nicely represented when the primary WWE premium reside occasion takes place within the nation. Drew McIntyre is probably the most notable star from the nation, however three different Scottish natives will likely be in motion on Saturday.

Piper Niven, Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak are from Scotland, and Daybreak is from Glasgow.

What does the gang chant for Bayley?

Piper Niven will possible get the house crowd throughout her WWE Girls’s Championship match in opposition to Bayley, however the champion can be anticipated to get love from the European followers.

When Bayley has gone to Europe, followers serenade her with a chant primarily based off the 1961 track “Hey Child” by Bruce Channel. The mantra goes:

“Hey Bayley, ooh aah. I wanna know, when you’d be my woman.”

With the 2024 NHL Draft closing quick — lower than two weeks away now — I’ve been learning earlier draft outcomes. Second-guessing is at all times enjoyable and it’s notably simple as a result of NHL groups are drafting youngsters, and they also’re making an attempt to mission what occurs when boys turn out to be males.

Generally, it’s not a linear factor.

Principally, I used to be pondering: Is drafting higher, worse or the identical? Once I began protecting the NHL full-time, it was a 20-year-old draft. It modified in 1979, including underage gamers for the primary time, successfully making a double cohort. It additionally included all of the juniors who’d bolted to the WHA and had been out of the blue out there — Rob Ramage, Mike Gartner, Rick Vaive and others. Ray Bourque went No. 8 and Mark Messier was forty eighth, two of the seven future Corridor of Famers in that class (additionally Gartner, Michel Goulet, Kevin Lowe, Man Carbonneau and Glenn Anderson).

Arguably, that draft had extra certain issues than any draft, earlier than or since, however even in a draft as deep as that one, there have been nonetheless some missteps alongside the way in which. What if Chicago had taken Bourque slightly than Keith Brown at No. 7? Or if Winnipeg had taken Goulet as an alternative of Jimmy Mann at 19? If the New York Rangers had taken Brian Propp at 13 as an alternative of Doug Sulliman?

These are all examples of gamers who instantly went subsequent within the draft and had been there for the plucking. Anyway, it received me pondering, what in the event you may return in time and permit every workforce one likelihood to change its choose — from the participant it selected to the subsequent participant off the board? How may which have modified the arc of the franchise?

Full disclosure: What received me down this rabbit function was reviewing some previous Calgary Flames drafts, particularly 2011. On the floor, it regarded good. Calgary had solely 5 decisions that yr and all 5 ultimately performed some NHL video games. That’s uncommon. One choose was completely prescient — Johnny Gaudreau at 104, an entire residence run. Nevertheless it may have been even higher if, at 57, as an alternative of taking a defensive prospect, Tyler Wotherspoon, they’d chosen the participant who was picked instantly simply after him.

That was Nikita Kucherov — to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Wotherspoon ended up enjoying 30 NHL video games. Kucherov is a Stanley Cup champion and MVP, and stays one of the dynamic gamers within the recreation right this moment.

If solely, proper? That’s a harmful recreation, however enjoyable and typically enlightening, too. So let’s do it for each workforce, and spoiler alert, my favourite turned out to be Vancouver for causes you’ll uncover beneath.

One remaining caveat: On no account is that this meant as an train with solely a single appropriate reply. I chopped 1,000 phrases simply to get it this size. Quite the opposite — it’s one thing that may be debated endlessly, and at size.

Keep in mind, my solely rule is you may’t choose a participant that was out there at some later level within the draft. It’s the participant who turned out to be the subsequent man up. Let’s start.

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At No. 42 in 2007, P.Okay. Subban as an alternative of Eric Tangradi. That yr, the Geese received the Stanley Cup with a workforce anchored by Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, two future Corridor of Famers, and with a few younger pups, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, simply getting began of their respective careers. With Subban, who ultimately received a Norris Trophy and performed 834 NHL video games, on board, perhaps there would have been one other championship of their future.

At No. 15 in 2025, Mathew Barzal as an alternative of Zach Senyshyn. Nearly as good a workforce as Boston has been of late, the 2015 draft represented a sequence of missed alternatives. With three consecutive picks between 13 and 15, they drafted — so as — Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk and Senyshyn. The subsequent gamers off the board had been Barzal, Kyle Connor and Thomas Chabot. Yikes, what a distinction that trio may have made. Nonetheless, to stay true to the aim of this train, solely Barzal applies. He might need been the middle they’re trying to find now, somebody who most likely would have performed the wing early on and shifted to the center after Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci stepped apart. Honorable point out: In 2007, at No. 8, they might have had Logan Couture as an alternative of Zach Hamill. Couture has 933 NHL video games on his resume and Hamill has 20. In 2000, Mr. Recreation 7, Justin Williams, was out there at 27, however they took Martin Samuelsson. And perhaps the choose they’d most love to do over: Again in 1987, they might have had Joe Sakic at 14, however as an alternative selected Stephane Quintal.

At No. 8 in 2016, they might have chosen Mikhail Sergachev as an alternative of Alexander Nylander. Or at No. 26 in 2008, John Carlson was out there, however they took Tyler Ennis. Carlson was the No. 1 defenseman on quite a lot of succesful Washington groups, and Ennis, a serviceable NHLer. Sergachev, in the meantime, has been a stable No. 2 on the Tampa Bay-era championship groups, whereas the youthful Nylander has moved round continuously and solely towards the tip of this yr confirmed hints he may be an NHLer in any case.

Calgary Flames

Kucherov as an alternative of Wotherspoon. See above within the intro. Not a lot else so as to add.

The Hurricanes began out because the Hartford Whalers in 1979, so let’s break it down into two parts, the present period and the earlier one. In Carolina, in 2016, at No. 13, they might have had Charlie McAvoy as an alternative of Jake Bean. In 2014 at No. 7, they might have had William Nylander as an alternative of Haydn Fleury. In 2008 at No. 14, they might have had Erik Karlsson as an alternative of Zach Boychuk.

Turning again to the Hartford days, in 1989 at No. 52, the membership had a shot at Nicklas Lidstrom however took Blair Atcheynum as an alternative. And in the identical draft, at No. 73, they might have had Sergei Fedorov however opted for Jim McKenzie as an alternative — who, to be truthful, performed 880 NHL video games, however not at Fedorov’s stage.

Chicago Blackhawks

In 2012 at No. 18, Andrei Vasilevskiy as an alternative of Teuvo Teravainen. Teravainen has been a stable NHLer ever for the reason that Blackhawks traded him to Carolina, however there’s a distinction between stable NHLers and arguably the best goaltender of his era, which is what Vasilevskiy grew to become in Tampa Bay. Honorable point out: In 2020 at 17, they might have had Dawson Mercer as an alternative of Lukas Reichel. It’s nonetheless early within the profession arcs of each gamers, however Mercer has settled in virtually as an rising core piece in New Jersey whereas Reichel remains to be lingering on the periphery of the Blackhawks’ ahead group.

The Avalanche franchise operated in Quebec from 1979 till transferring to Colorado in 1995 and promptly successful the Stanley Cup. Organizationally, the Nordiques had as many misses as hits on the draft. In 1988, with two picks within the high 5, they took Curtis Leschyshyn and Daniel Dore. However the gamers chosen simply behind them, at No. 4 and 6, had been Darrin Shannon and Scott Pearson. So not a lot distinction. Unhappily, this train doesn’t permit us to look at the gamers chosen with Nos. 7-10, which produced Martin Gelinas, Jeremy Roenick, Rod Brind’Amour and Teemu Selanne. As an alternative, let’s flip to 2003, the place at No. 204, Joe Pavelski was out there however they took Linus Videll. To be truthful, each workforce within the league had a number of possibilities to draft Pavelski earlier than San Jose did within the seventh spherical. That he performed 1,332 NHL video games and could also be destined for the Corridor of Fame makes him one of many biggest long-shot draft decisions of all time.

In 2008, Roman Josi at No. 37 as an alternative of Cody Goloubef. There have been numerous choices for Columbus, however a future Norris Trophy candidate to anchor that protection might need modified rather a lot.

At No. 25 in 2016, Tage Thompson as an alternative of Riley Tufte. At No. 14 in 2014, Dylan Larkin as an alternative of Julius Honka. In all probability no workforce has drafted in addition to Dallas since 2017, however are you able to think about if it had nailed these two picks simply a few years earlier than? Thompson and Larkin on a workforce that went to the Stanley Cup semi-finals this yr? The one difficulty would have been how one can shoehorn all that expertise below the wage cap.

The Pink Wings have been in a rebuild for years now however take into consideration how a lot additional alongside they’d be if, at No. 6 in 2018, they’d taken Quinn Hughes as an alternative of Filip Zadina. Or at No. 39 in 2017, Jason Robertson as an alternative of Gustav Lindstrom. Or going again to a earlier managerial regime, in 2009 at No. 32, Ryan O’Reilly as an alternative of Landon Ferraro. Or in 2008, when two goalies went back-to-back at Nos. 30 and 31, the Pink Wings opted for Tom McCollum, from close by Guelph, leaving Jacob Markstrom to go subsequent to Florida.

Edmonton was probably the greatest drafting groups in NHL historical past between 1979 and 1981 after which grew to become one of many worst drafting groups within the half-dozen years that adopted. However given the way it turned out, what if, in 2009 they’d taken Mattias Ekholm at No. 101 as an alternative of Toni Rajala? It might have solved the issue of getting to commerce for him on the deadline a few years again. Two others to notice: At No. 25 in 2004, Cory Schneider may have been had as an alternative of Robbie Schremp, and most lately in 2021, Xavier Bourgault was the participant chosen simply forward of Wyatt Johnston.

Since we love chaos right here, let’s flip the calendar again to 1998, the place at No. 63, the Panthers may have chosen Brad Richards as an alternative of Lance Ward. Ward had a reputable NHL profession, enjoying simply over 200 video games, however Richards was MVP of their cross-state rival Tampa Bay’s 2004 championship workforce. Richards enjoying towards the Lightning (and Vincent Lecavalier) as an alternative of for them would have made for some good theater. Honorable mentions: At No. 38 in 2016, Alex DeBrincat was out there, however they took Adam Mascherin. Or in 2005, they might have had Tuukka Rask at No. 20 and as an alternative took Kenndal McArdle.

Talking of cross-state rivals, what if in 2003, at No. 27, the Kings had drafted Corey Perry as an alternative of Jeff Tambellini? The Kings had three No. 1 decisions in that seminal draft and took Dustin Brown at No. 13 and Brian Boyle at No. 26. Not horrible. With the second of two consecutive picks, they opted for Tambellini, the son of former NHLer Steve. Jeff performed 242 NHL video games. Perry? He received a Hart Trophy and, this yr, made the Stanley Cup Last along with his fifth totally different workforce, one thing that had by no means been finished earlier than. Additionally, the thought of Perry wreaking havoc for the Kings towards the cross-town rival Geese is simply too scrumptious a state of affairs to think about. By the way in which, in that very same draft, at No. 44, the Kings chosen Konstantin Pushkarev. The subsequent participant off the board at No. 45 was future Corridor of Famer Bergeron to Boston. Ouch.

Recency bias choose: At No. 5 in 2019, they might have had Moritz Seider as an alternative of Alex Turcotte. Seider received the Calder as the highest rookie. Turcotte has but to solidify himself as an NHL common.

At No. 4 in 2005, Carey Value as an alternative of Benoit Pouliot. Take into consideration the Wild’s goaltending all through the years after which take into consideration what Value, in his prime, might need finished to stabilize the place.

You may most likely dedicate a complete column to second-guessing Montreal picks, going again to 1980 after they took Doug Wickenheiser at No. 1 when everybody within the province was clamoring for Denis Savard (who went third to Chicago; No. 2 was Dave Babych to Winnipeg). The subsequent yr, in 1981, the Canadiens took Mark Hunter at No. 7; the subsequent participant off the board was Corridor of Fame goaltender Grant Fuhr. Quick ahead to 2017, and an identical state of affairs unfolded at No. 25. Montreal selected Ryan Poehling. The subsequent participant off the board was Jake Oettinger to Dallas. Then in 2018, the transfer that most likely stings probably the most within the right here and now, the Canadiens took Jesperi Kotkaniemi at No. 3, leaving Brady Tkachuk for division rival Ottawa.

In 2007 at No. 23, Mikael Backlund as an alternative of Jonathon Blum. Blum was one of many first gamers drafted from California as a part of the Gretzky Impact. He was born in Lengthy Seaside and performed 4 years of junior in Vancouver however spent a lot of the remaining decade of his profession enjoying abroad in Russia, Sweden and Germany. Backlund, in the meantime, has 990 video games of NHL service to his credit score, all with Calgary, the place he’s been on the perimeters of the Selke Trophy dialog for years, is the workforce’s captain and is taken into account one of many higher leaders within the NHL right this moment.

The Devils have drafted fairly nicely for lots of years, however at No. 53 in 2002, they might have had Duncan Keith and as an alternative selected Barry Tallackson. Tallackson performed 20 NHL video games. Keith completed with 1,256, was a part of three Blackhawks championship groups and is ultimately destined for the Corridor of Fame.

Controversial alternative right here, however at No. 1 in 2009, Victor Hedman as an alternative of John Tavares. Tavares was a wonderful participant for years in New York and has been a dependable scorer now in Toronto. However Hedman, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, may have been a latter-day Denis Potvin. Defensemen with dimension and talent are so laborious to search out, develop after which retain. Tampa Bay has finished that with Hedman. However the Islanders had the primary crack at him and handed. Honorable mentions: In 2006, Brad Marchand may have been had at No. 70 as an alternative of Robin Figren, or in 2003 at No. 48, Shea Weber was out there however they took Dmitri Chernykh as an alternative.

New York Rangers

Adam Fox is a stalwart on the Rangers blue line, however what if, at No. 9 in 2018, they’d taken Evan Bouchard as an alternative of Vitali Kravtsov? Different choices: At No. 21 in 2006, they might have had Claude Giroux as an alternative of Bobby Sanguinetti. Or in 2003 at No. 12, Dustin Brown as an alternative of Hugh Jessiman.

Ottawa Senators

At No. 1 in 1993, Chris Pronger as an alternative of Alex Daigle. Daigle as soon as stated nobody remembers who goes No. 2. That yr, they did.

At No. 2 in 2017, Miro Heiskanen as an alternative of Nolan Patrick. Accidents undermined Patrick’s profession, whereas Heiskanen is without doubt one of the high 10 defensemen within the NHL and at all times on the fringes of the Norris debate. True No. 1s are laborious to come back by, and two had been out there at this choose (Cale Makar the opposite). The Flyers managed to safe neither.

At No. 7 in 1973, Bob Gainey as an alternative of Blaine Stoughton. This goes again a great distance, so some might not bear in mind Stoughton’s stable NHL profession that included two 50-goal seasons with Hartford. However Gainey grew to become the prototypical defensive ahead of his period and received a number of Selke Trophies. In a Penguins group that typically lacked course early on, Gainey’s management might need calmed a number of the turbulent waters that characterised the franchise earlier than Mario Lemieux arrived to save lots of the day.

At No. 4 in 1971, Rick Martin as an alternative of Gene Carr. You’ll be able to learn an in depth account of the life and occasions of Gene Carr beneath.

Arguably, Carr’s biggest notoriety got here from being a pal of Glenn Frey’s and the topic of The Eagles’ track “New Child in City.” Carr had a good profession undermined drastically by accidents, however Martin starred as a member of the Sabres’ French Connection and had 701 factors in solely 685 video games earlier than accidents derailed his profession.

San Jose Sharks

In 1996, Zdeno Chara at No. 55 as an alternative of Terry Friesen. Temporary historic word: The 4 gamers drafted simply earlier than Chara and the 2 gamers drafted simply after didn’t play a single NHL recreation. Chara managed 1,680 — the seventh-highest all-time and greater than any defenseman in NHL historical past. He grew to become a legendary chief in his time with Boston, serving to to set the tradition there. San Jose got here shut quite a lot of years with quite a lot of good groups. Might Chara as an anchor have pushed them over the end line? We’ll by no means know.

Not sufficient of a observe report to essentially start second-guessing, so let’s go together with No. 4 in 2022, Cutter Gauthier as an alternative of Shane Wright. Gauthier was a extremely prized acquisition by Anaheim this yr, and Wright is slowly gaining floor within the Seattle system the place Coachella Valley seems to be poised to win a championship once more. The jury’s nonetheless out.

Tampa Bay Lightning

At No. 94 in 2001, Patrick Sharp as an alternative of Evgeny Artyukhin. Sharp was drafted by Philadelphia, traded to Chicago in one of the lopsided trades of the last decade (Philly received Matt Ellison), proceeded to play 939 NHL video games and was a top-six presence on all of the Blackhawks championship groups.

At No. 34 in 2015, Sebastian Aho as an alternative of Travis Dermott. Like Montreal, Toronto has a wealthy historical past of draft hits and misses, however Aho is the kind of dependable 200-foot participant who might need contributed to a Core 5 and perhaps even the odd playoff victory over time.

Utah Hockey Membership

In 2015, at No. 3, Mitch Marner as an alternative of Dylan Strome. Marner is rumored to be on the commerce block this yr and one vacation spot that is smart is Utah, the place a brand new proprietor is making an attempt to get the workforce extra aggressive extra shortly. A technique to do this can be to commerce for Marner after which signal him to a contract extension. However what if Arizona had merely drafted Marner as an alternative? Strome is a top quality NHLer, however over the previous six seasons, Marner has the eighth-most regular-season factors within the league.

This can be a cheat, a two-way tie for first place. At No. 5 in 2016, they might have had Matthew Tkachuk as an alternative of Olli Juolevi. In 1990, at No. 18, they might have had Keith Tkachuk as an alternative of Shawn Antoski. Matthew is in his second straight Cup Last and Keith is a borderline Corridor of Fame candidate. Remarkably, the Canucks had an opportunity to draft each the daddy and the son and went in several instructions.

The issue with the Golden Knights is twofold: One, they’ve solely been within the league since 2017, and two, after their first draft through which that they had three first-round choices, they’ve principally traded away their premium picks in change for ready-made NHLers, a few of them stars. And whereas there have been higher gamers at No. 6 in 2017 than Cody Glass, Glass has carried out higher than the participant taken proper behind him, Lias Andersson to the Rangers. Nick Suzuki, at No. 13, was glorious and higher than Cal Foote at 14. And at 15, Erik Brannstrom vs. Juuso Valimaki, the subsequent participant chosen, can be a wash. However since we’re selecting one from each workforce, let’s get nitpicky and say at No. 62, in 2017, they might have taken Fabian Zetterlund (163 NHL video games) forward of Jake Leschyshyn (77 NHL video games).

Washington Capitals

In 2004 at No. 62, David Krejci may have been taken as an alternative of Mikhail Yunkov. Krejci performed 1,032 video games for the Bruins, principally because the 1B behind Bergeron, and led the 2011 and 2013 playoffs in factors. If Krejci had been aboard to complement the Alex Ovechkin–Nicklas Backstrom period, perhaps all these good Capitals groups that received regular-season titles — with out attending to the Stanley Cup (till 2018) — might need received just a few extra, and earlier. Krejci was at all times dynamic within the postseason (128 profession playoff factors in 160 video games).

Winnipeg Jets

In 1999, when the Jets had been nonetheless the Atlanta Thrashers and had the primary choose, they might have had Daniel Sedin however as an alternative chosen Patrik Stefan. Vancouver ultimately scooped up each Sedins, however the actuality is, the twins thought they had been headed to totally different NHL groups and if Atlanta had grabbed Daniel, perhaps sooner or later alongside the way in which, it may have traded for Henrik as nicely. Concussions and a hip damage restricted Stefan’s improvement, and he was out of the NHL by 2007, by no means scoring greater than 14 targets in a single season. The Sedins ended up within the Corridor of Fame.

(Prime photograph of Nikita Kucherov: Sergei Belski / USA Immediately)

WWE Conflict on the Fort 2024 was a memorable occasion for the followers in Glasgow, one highlighted by the return of CM Punk, an enormous loss for Drew McIntyre and one other profitable title protection for Cody Rhodes.

At WWE’s newest worldwide occasion, 4 Scottish superstars entered the evening with aspirations of profitable a significant title. Nonetheless, it was solely the pairing of Alba Fyre and Isla Daybreak who left the OVO
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Hydro area sporting gold after the duo gained a triple risk match to change into the brand new WWE Ladies’s Tag Crew Champions.

Whereas Clast on the Fort featured numerous large moments, like Fyre and Daybreak’s large hometown win, general the present was a step down from different latest abroad reveals similar to Backlash France. Some shortsighted artistic calls—and disappointing matches—resulted in additional questions than solutions concerning the short-term and long-term futures of a few of WWE’s largest stars.

Listed here are the total outcomes for the present:

• Cody Rhodes defeated AJ Types in an “I Stop” match to retain the WWE Championship
• Isla Daybreak and Alba Fyre gained the WWE Ladies’s Tag Crew titles by defeating Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair and the duo of Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler in a triple risk match
• Sami Zayn beat Chad Gable to retain the Intercontinental Championship
• Bayley defeated Piper Niven to stay the WWE Ladies’s Champion
• Damian Priest retained the World Heavyweight Championship in opposition to Drew McIntyre

And let’s check out a few of the most vital highlights and takeaways from a newsworthy Conflict on the Fort 2024 occasion.

ForbesWWE Conflict At The Fort 2024 Outcomes: Cody Rhodes Makes AJ Types StopBy Blake Oestriecher

Cody Rhodes Vs. Solo Sikoa The Doubtless Course For WWE Championship

Rhodes defeated Types in an “I Stop” match to retain the WWE Championship—simply as anticipated. Maybe the most important story popping out of that match wasn’t the match itself however quite what occurred afterward.

As Rhodes made his exit following his profitable protection over Types, he was confronted by Solo Sikoa and attacked by The Bloodline. After all, Rhodes and The Bloodline have loads of historical past, however this new incarnation of the faction—with Sikoa as its chief—is far completely different from the unique secure.

Sikoa, within the absence of Roman Reigns, is the group’s clear No. 1 star and is reportedly deliberate as a future opponent for Rhodes. Given Rhodes’ second decisive victory over Types at Conflict on the Fort and the dearth of different non-Bloodline heels on SmackDown, Rhodes vs. Sikoa seems to be coming sooner quite than later.

Anticipate that WWE Championship match both at Cash within the Financial institution or SummerSlam however possible the latter.

Jade Cargill And Bianca Belair Loss Hurts WWE Ladies’s Tag Crew Division

WWE pulled off fairly the shocker when hometown heroes Fyre and Daybreak gained the WWE Ladies’s Tag Crew Championship in Glasgow. That, in fact, signifies that Cargill and Belair misplaced their titles roughly simply six weeks after profitable them.

The glass half full outlook right here can be that Cargill and Belair will proceed to give attention to tag group wrestling and pursue a second reign. Nonetheless, because the WWE Ladies’s Tag Crew Championship returned in 2019, there was little to nothing to counsel that Belair and Cargill dropping the belts is an efficient factor.

WWE has, time and time once more, united star-studded duos—like Becky Lynch and Lita, for instance—in what seemed to be an effort to raise the titles. In actuality, although, their championship reigns proved to be the exception quite than the rule, with little or no general impression on the customarily poorly booked ladies’s tag group division.

Whereas Belair and Cargill might doubtlessly stick across the division as challengers, WWE’s historical past would counsel that they’re as an alternative going again to the singles scene—which might spell doom for Daybreak, Fyre and the remainder of the tag group division.

WWE Drops The Ball With Chad Gable’s Loss To Sami Zayn

Gable misplaced an Intercontinental title match. Cease in the event you’ve learn that sentence earlier than.

Sure, WWE dropped the ball but once more with one other large loss for Gable, who fell quick in opposition to Zayn in Glasgow. The query is: why? Gable simply re-signed with WWE and was seemingly set for a significant championship reign. As an alternative, he—simply as he’s executed all through 2024—failed in his quest to win the Intercontinental title.

Whether or not he’s misplaced to Zayn or Gunther, this has been the working theme for Gable this yr. When Gable was a babyface, these losses made sense. Nonetheless, as a full-fledged heel who’s doing one of the best character work of his profession, Gable was the perfect candidate to win the Intercontinental title at a time when his character is pink scorching.

But, he misplaced once more, and it makes you surprise why WWE is constant to delay his title win—if he’s even going to win it in any respect.

Regardless of Loss To Bayley, Piper Niven Proves She Belongs In Ladies’s Title Scene

Piper Niven by no means actually had an opportunity in her WWE Ladies’s Championship match in opposition to Bayley. She was there to provide her hometown followers in Scotland an enormous second—after which lose.

But when WWE followers discovered something from Niven’s displaying in Glasgow, it’s that the oft-overlooked star must be a mainstay within the ladies’s title image. Niven and Bayley delivered a improbable match on the newest WWE pay-per-view, with Niven trying like a formidable challenger and a doable future world champion.

At a time when WWE’s ladies’s division has been hampered by accidents and different departures, now could be the proper time for the artistic group to give attention to stars who’re sometimes ignored. Given her robust character work and top-notch efficiency at Conflict on the Fort, Niven’s latest push must be greater than a one-off.

She will speak, she will wrestle, and she will make the followers imagine. Why not give her one other probability?

Drew McIntyre Vs. CM Punk Doubtless For WWE SummerSlam

For the second time in as many tries, McIntyre misplaced a world title match at WWE Conflict on the Fort. This time, nonetheless, it was because of interference from a returning CM Punk.

Throughout McIntyre’s title match in opposition to Priest, an inadvertent referee bump gave Punk the chance to—whereas disguised as a ref himself—hit McIntyre with a lowblow and permit Priest to retain his title. For McIntyre, that was yet one more disappointing world title match consequence, however it wasn’t in any respect stunning.

The clear and apparent course for McIntyre has been a match with Punk, and with SummerSlam lower than two months away, McIntyre vs. Punk must be one of many largest matches on that occasion’s card. The unlucky actuality is that McIntyre needed to lose to Priest in his residence nation to be able to additional his feud with Punk, which possible additionally units up Gunther vs. Priest at SummerSlam after Gunther earned a title shot by profitable the King of the Roung match.

The place that leaves McIntyre’s title aspirations is anybody’s guess, and for now, his second main Conflict on the Fort title loss is a troublesome tablet for him—and his followers—to swallow.

Chris Billam-Smith efficiently defended his WBO world cruiserweight title with a convincing unanimous choice victory over Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.

The Gentleman avenged his 2019 break up choice defeat to Riakporhe, proving an excessive amount of for the London man of their rematch after a 116-111, 115-112, 115-112 ruling.

Bournemouth supporter Billam-Smith dug in away from house and prevented Riakporhe’s energy to be an element as he elevated himself into potential unification competition.

Billam-Smith hinted in battle week that coach Shane McGuigan had devised a plan for Riakporhe and that was clear within the first spherical. CBS refused to take a again step through the early exchanges, forcing Riakporhe on the again foot in a bid to suppress the ability in his proper hand.

Billam-Smith relished the shut encounters and took each alternative to tough Riakporhe up on the within. This strategy was in no way fairly, nevertheless it was efficient in disrupting his opponent’s rhythm as Riakporhe didn’t land any significant pictures by the tip of the second.

Riakporhe was nonetheless in first gear by the fourth. The south London man seemed shot of any momentum and his clinch-heavy ways started to sap the ambiance round Selhurst Park as he started to fall additional behind on the playing cards.

This continued into the halfway level of the battle with the referee having to separate the pair a number of occasions per spherical. The match-up resembled Billam-Smith’s title win towards Lawrence Okolie final Might the place Okolie’s clinching noticed him deducted factors on the night time.

With fatigue constructing it felt like Riakporhe’s probabilities have been fading. He started to swing his proper hand with little to no accuracy however a late flurry in spherical seven proved his most profitable interval of the bout.

The flurry developed into a high quality ninth spherical from the Midnight Prepare as he examined the champion’s chin with a number of energy pictures. Riakporhe compelled Billam-Smith onto the ropes with a straight proper which created the primary second of uncertainty for the Bournemouth man.

Riakporhe ran out of steam and he reverted again to his early unhealthy habits. This noticed him lastly deducted some extent within the twelfth which all however confirmed Billam-Smith’s deserved victory.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente mentioned on La 1 TV after the match: “We’re very pleased, however very prudent, we all know how soccer is. It is a good begin, with good emotions, our soccer, our competitiveness. However this has simply began, there’s a lengthy strategy to go. So pleased however calm and prudent.

“It was a really full sport, in defence and assault, good in our excessive urgent in opposition to top-of-the-line technical groups on this planet.

“I’m proud of the perspective, how we learn the sport, doing what was wanted, and clearly for the outcome. However we will nonetheless get rather a lot higher, now we have to be demanding, take pleasure in this outcome, however put together for the following sport.

“Italy will probably be very troublesome, one other of the very best groups in Europe, now we have to be on the identical degree as at present, not less than, to have an opportunity to win. We all know how troublesome it’s to win. We need to take one other huge step ahead, and be examples for the individuals in our nation.”