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Roush Review: ‘Stick’ with This Charming Sports Comedy (Ted Lasso Would)
Apple TV+

You know who would love Stick, a sentimental sports comedy about second chances and taking big swings of hope and heart? Ted Lasso, that’s who.

And I’m not about to argue.

The fictional soccer coach who hung a “Believe” sign in his locker room would happily endorse this charming, proudly cornball fable about Pryce “Stick” Cahill (the adorably sheepish Owen Wilson), a washed-up pro golfer who’s first seen mourning his lost career, his broken marriage (to Judy Greer, who begs the guy to grow up), and a family tragedy that haunts his every moment. Doesn’t take long before Stick rekindles his passion for the game upon discovering 17-year-old prodigy Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager, a winning discovery) on an Indiana driving range.

Taking the kid under his wing, Pryce embarks on a road trip to hone Santi’s tremendous potential on the amateur circuit, soldiering on even when Santi insists, “No one’s going to tell me how to play my game.” (He’s gifted but reckless, and Pryce warns him, “The way you play is not sustainable.”)

Along for the ride: Santi’s wary yet warm mom, Elena (Mariana Treviño), who’s no pushover and drives a hard bargain on her son’s behalf, and Pryce’s curmudgeonly former caddy, Mitts (the great, gruff Marc Maron), a widower with an RV. They also acquire along the way an ultra-woke free spirit named Zero (Lilli Kay, burdened by a few too many progressive clichés), who bonds with the emotionally vulnerable Santi and helps guide him on his coming-of-age journey.

While many of the more predictable twists and inevitable road bumps merit an eye roll or two—Santi has daddy and trust issues that erupt at the most inconvenient times—there’s no way you won’t root for this ad hoc family. Real-life golf pros and broadcasters (including CBS legend Jim Nantz) sign on for genial cameos, and a gleefully preening Timothy Olyphant steals his scenes as Clark Ross, a smug celebrity ex-golfer who precipitated Pryce’s downfall.

By the series’ improbable but satisfying end, even Clark’s grinning. So, most likely, will you. So would Ted Lasso. Go ahead, believe.

Stick, Series Premiere (three episodes), Wednesday, June 4, Apple TV+

This article first appeared on TV Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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A Hidden Prospect Could Open Big Trade Doors for the Oilers
NHL

A Hidden Prospect Could Open Big Trade Doors for the Oilers

With a stacked blue line and limited roster spots, Edmonton could turn one of its top young, somewhat undiscovered, defensemen into a key bargaining chip when the trade deadline approaches. That prospect is Beau Akey, and he’s looking to make a name for himself this season. The Oilers have a luxury most teams can’t claim — a veteran-heavy, Cup-contending blue line. But that depth also potentially blocks the path for Akey, who is one of their most intriguing young defense prospects. Akey is coming off a strong bounce-back season in junior after double shoulder surgery. A full season of good health could do wonders for his reputation as someone who has a bright future. Last year with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, he posted 32 points in 52 games, added five assists in the playoffs, and wore a leadership role. Known for his elite skating and crisp passing, he’s now set to make the leap to pro hockey in Bakersfield (AHL). “I’m 100 percent now,” Akey said during camp. “I’m looking to make the step to professional hockey (this season), so I’m looking to show the Oilers that at training camp. I want to give my all to try and make the Oilers and try to prove to them I can make an NHL roster.” Oilers development staff already love his mobility and offensive instincts, but they want him to sharpen the defensive side of his game. In the meantime, he’s a premium asset waiting in the wings — a 20-year-old right-shot defenseman with top-four potential. The Oilers know he can be a future impact player for them. That means he can also be an impact player for someone else. Edmonton won’t be looking to move the youngster. That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he pops up on radars around the league. Oilers senior director of player development Kalle Larsson said, “A healthy Beau Akey is an elite skater, he can break the puck out well and he has offense.” He added, “I think in pro, he’ll be a two-way defenseman that will need to be more reliable defensively.” Akey Will Be a Trade Piece that Other Teams Look At For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, players like this are gold. They can grow into future cornerstones or become the centerpiece of a trade for immediate help. If Edmonton needs a deadline boost — be it a depth scorer, penalty-kill specialist, or injury insurance — Akey could headline a package that draws serious interest from rebuilding teams or clubs on a timeline where they’ll be contenders in two or three seasons. The Oilers will decide later whether to keep him for the long haul or flip him for a win-now piece. Either way, they’re holding a hidden card that could make all the difference come spring.

New York Rangers Expected to Make Controversial Decision With New Captain, Per Longtime Analyst
NHL

New York Rangers Expected to Make Controversial Decision With New Captain, Per Longtime Analyst

Longtime New York Rangers analyst Larry Brooks has suggested that the team could name JT Miller, who was re-acquired this year, as their new captain and official successor to ex-Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba. The New York Rangers do not have a captain right now following the controversial trade of Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks in December. But according to Larry Brooks, they may have found one. Why Naming Miller Captain Could Signal a Culture Shift for the Rangers It followed a period of tension between Trouba and Rangers management led by GM Chris Drury, who reportedly threatened to waive him if he didn't accept a trade. Months later, the Rangers re-acquired JT Miller from the Vancouver Canucks; he was taken by the Rangers with the 15th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Per longtime Rangers analyst Larry Brooks of The New York Post, the Rangers should name Miller their new captain and the successor to Trouba. The captain's sweater is not just another piece of laundry. It represents the organization's ethos. The Rangers acquired J.T. Miller to change the team culture. The 32-year-old is hard-edged and can be abrasive. That is the identity the Blueshirts should adopt. Miller was traded to the Rangers after a long public feud with Canucks teammate Elias Pettersson was confirmed by executive Jim Rutherford. JT Miller Expected to Be Named Captain of the New York Rangers, Less Than a Year After Trade From Vancouver The Canucks traded Miller to the Rangers, who took him in the 1st round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a 1st round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Miller returned to the place where he began his NHL career, and had 35 points (13G, 22A) in the 32 games he played after the trade. If Miller does become captain of the Rangers, he would be the 29th player in team history to wear the 'C' on his sweater.

Cowboys exec has blunt message about Micah Parsons' trade request
NFL

Cowboys exec has blunt message about Micah Parsons' trade request

The Dallas Cowboys have not been able to come to an agreement with Micah Parsons on a long-term contract extension, but that does not mean the team has any plans to shop the star pass-rusher in trade talks. Parsons, who is making just over $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season, publicly requested a trade from the Cowboys on Aug. 1. There have now been questions about whether he will report to work before Week 1. While Parsons has refused to practice in training camp, he traveled to Los Angeles with the Cowboys for their preseason game against the Rams on Saturday night. Before kickoff, Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones said he was pleased with Parsons' decision to join the team. Jones also said the Cowboys "have no intention of trading Micah." It is a positive sign for the Cowboys that Parsons chose to be on the sideline for Saturday's exhibition game. The 26-year-old has also been with his teammates at training camp, though he has not been practicing. From a contractual standpoint, Parsons has very little leverage. He would have to forfeit game checks if he were to skip regular-season games, and his contract would eventually toll and carry over into 2026 if he were to sit out long enough. The Cowboys also still have the franchise tag available to use on Parsons in both 2026 and 2027. All Parsons can do is create a headache for the Cowboys, which has been a successful strategy for many players in the past. For what it's worth, a different Dallas star who had a contract standoff with the team last year believes the situation will eventually be resolved. Jones and his father, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, have made it clear that they will not entertain trade offers at this time. Parsons had 12 sacks in 13 games last season, so there is no question the team is better with him on the field. He has 52.5 sacks in 63 career games and is arguably the best pass-rusher in the NFL when healthy.

Red Wings Announce Major Change for Their 100th Season and Fans Are Fired Up
NHL

Red Wings Announce Major Change for Their 100th Season and Fans Are Fired Up

The Red Wings have announced that they are bringing back their iconic 'Hockeytown' logo to center ice at Little Caesars Arena for their 100th year in the NHL. A somewhat familiar look is coming back to center ice at Little Caesars Arena, which has been the home of the Detroit Red Wings since 2017. A special fan polling has resulted in the announcement that the iconic former 'Hockeytown' logo from Joe Louis Arena, their former home, is coming back as part of a new special logo for the team's 100th year. Asia Gholston, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, released the following statement. The center ice fan vote, launched in partnership with Meijer, was a great way to get fans involved in Red Wings Centennial right from the start. Through an incredible response to this vote, fans have made it clear they're fired up for what's to come in celebrating 100 years of Hockeytown, which is only possible due to their unwavering support for the Winged Wheel. The Red Wings featured the 'Hockeytown' logo at Joe Louis Arena in 1996, which remained until the building's closure in 2017. The Red Wings then used the same logo in their 1st year at Little Caesars Arena, but since then have just utilized a large team logo. The Red Wings celebrate their 100th year in the NHL The Red Wings were founded in 1926, but are in the midst of the longest drought of postseason hockey in their history. Considering that they've now been around for 100 years, that postseason absence is a surprising statistic. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has started to feel some heat for having not been able to get the team to the postseason in each of his first 6 years on the job.

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