All of the signs are there. The leaves on the maple tree are still green, but subtly fading. The days are shortening, and there is a distinct crispness in the air in the early morning. School is back in session. The apples are ready for picking. Hockey cannot be far behind.
In fact, hockey is here. The 2016 World Cup of Hockey has been playing exhibition games for a week, including last Friday’s USA vs. Canada matchup in Nationwide Arena. Brandon Dubinsky, Jack Johnson, Seth Jones, Ryan Murray, Brandon Saad and Sergei Bobrovsky are all participating, and all have acquitted themselves quite well thus far.