Brunswick Sports Forum, Spring 2020

F E AT U R E L A B E L

INSIGHT, ANALYSIS, AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOKS AT THE WORLD OF SPORTS

SPRING 2020

BRUNSWICK SPORTS FORUM FOCUS: COVID -19

On the ‘Mark’: How the Nets GM is Setting His Team Up for Future Success COVID-19 and College Sports

PLUS

‘Anfield’ of Dreams: The Premier League’s Quest to Return to Play NHL: A Season in ‘Review’

STRAUSS

MANN FROM ’WICK BACKUP TO MICHIGAN MVP

F E AT U R E L A B E L N OTE FROM THE EDITOR

When the sports world came to a screeching halt on March 12, 2020, we all found out what an important role sports play in our lives. More than just a welcomed distraction, sports represent the human spirit. Sports have the ability to unite, excite, and inspire. In this issue, we focused on how the sports world has been affected by the pandemic, how athletes are responding, and the impact the virus will have on the sports world after the pandemic is over. This is just the beginning of a magazine that will provide behind-the-scenes looks, insight, and analysis of Brunswick sports and beyond.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us.

Josh Paul ’21 Editor-in-Chief

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THE LINEUP 02

‘Mann’ Up and Work Harder: An Inside Look at Michigan Sophomore Sensation Strauss Mann

by Josh Paul ’21

08

On the ‘Mark’: How the Nets GM is Setting his Team up for Future Success

by Dylan Juneja ’21

by Myles Spiess ’22

‘Anfield’ of Dreams: The Premier League’s Quest to Return to Play

by Ian Steffensen ’21

NHL: A Season in Review

by Hank Cleaves ’22 and Josh Paul ’21

Brunswick Sports Forum SPRING 2020 01

COV E R P H OTO CO U RT E SY M I C H I G A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

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COVID-19 and College Sports

F E AT U R E L A B E L

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‘MANN’ UP AND WORK HARDER An Inside Look at Michigan Sophomore Sensation Strauss Mann

BY JOSH PAUL ’21

on the backplate is a tribute to Strauss’s late cousin Andrew Unterberg, who passed away in 2018. The quote below, a mantra Strauss lives by, is centered between stickers meant to show support to faculty advisor Mike Kennedy’s daughter Katie, who recently won a year- long battle with cancer.

G

and the University of Michigan’s hockey season was nothing short of incredible, but COVID-19 put a

screeching halt to the momentum they had built going into the Big 10 semifinal.

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY M I C H I G A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MANN: The hAUs

OALTENDER STRAUSS MANN

F E AT U R E L A B E L

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‘MANN’ UP AND WORK HARDER

Most in Mann’s situation would feel sorry for themselves and take their foot off the gas pedal. But that was the last thing on the sophomore goaltender’s mind. His meteoric rise from backup goalie during his junior year at Brunswick to a Mike Richter Award finalist (given to the best college hockey goalie in the country) has been built on commitment, hard PROTECT THIS ‘HAUS’: work, and sacrifice.

Strauss Mann was an impenetrable fortress After back-to-back shutouts during the Big 10 against Michigan State in the Quarter Finals, stopping all 45 shots he faced in Big 10 quarterfinals, the NCAA a 2-0 sweep of Michigan State. cancelled all remaining athletic events for the 2019-20 season.

Mann said hearing the news was devastating, but after having time to reflect, he believes that the Michigan hockey team was fortunate to have played an entire season full of wins, memories,

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P H OTO CO U RT E SY M I C H I G A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

As noon approaches, his mind shifts from academics to training.

He stretches and does dynamic warmups to prepare for the grueling two-hour workout ahead.

F E AT U R E L A B E L

and relationships that make playing hockey worthwhile.

It is this sense of perspective that has allowed Mann to become a successful goalie.

Before the Maize and Blue’s magical season was cut short, Mann was trying to build off of a solid first year in Ann Arbor — a season that saw the freshman start 21 games and put up a 2.91 goals against average and 89.5 save percentage.

It was hard to find answers. Changes to the sturdy foundation that landed him in between the pipes at Yost Arena could be self-destructive. Like most

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things in life, goaltending requires a balance between consistency and evolution.

Mann started with the mental side of the game.

Last summer, he spent hours watching game film.

While being hypercritical of what could have been done better, he kept a diary with positive quotes, reminding himself as to why he plays the game.

He also began meditating. Always pushing, he practices the Mamba Mentality. Every aspect of the game, down to the way he ties his skates, must be done right.

It should come as no surprise then that Mann is taking advantage of all of the extra time that comes with self-isolating during a pandemic. He remains focused.

P H OT O CO U RT E SY M I C H I G A N P H OTO G R A P H Y

LEADING THE CHARGE:

On Friday, July 10, 2020, Strauss Mann was named co-captain of the Michigan Hockey team, alongside rising senior Jack Becker. Mann is one of four Michigan goaltenders to wear the “C” in program history.

He is the first to do so since 1943.

‘MANN’ UP AND WORK HARDER

LOSE YOURSELF:

“It is the goalie with free time on a Thursday afternoon who is dissecting film instead of watching Netflix who will be successful,” he said.

The discipline that has earned him the countless accolades ranges from his workout regimen to his diet, which resembles the anti-inflammatory, high protein paleo-diet that keeps him performing at his best.

An AHCA All-American Scholar, Mann begins his day with three hours of classes, noting that the way things worked out, he has a lighter workload than usual these days.

As noon approaches, his mind shifts from academics to training. He stretches and does dynamic warmups to prepare for the grueling twohour workout ahead. He is sent a daily program by the head trainer of the University of Michigan hockey team, Joe Maher. Between school and training, Mann has been spending a lot of time with his family — something he does not get to do as often as he would

like to given the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete at one of the nation’s best schools.

But make no mistake. He is still as focused and detail-oriented as ever. While he has taken some time to relax and recover from the season, Mann is already looking for ways to improve upon his MVP season, breaking down film both on his own and with the help of his coaches.

If there is one thing to learn from Strauss Mann, it is that he never stops learning. Never satisfied, he is always trying to get better. To an outsider, his journey may seem improbable.

Since his senior year at Brunswick, Mann has walked on to a USHL team, won a championship as that team’s starter, committed to his dream school, and is now considered one of the best college goalies in the country.

Mann has more than waited his turn for his time in the limelight. He spent two frustrating years on the varsity hockey team as the backup goalie, but maintains the same mindset now as he did then.

“People reward others who work hard. They want to see hardworking people succeed,” he said.

It is that belief in hard work that continues to propel him towards greatness. ■ Brunswick Sports Forum SPRING 2020 07

P H OT O CO U RT E SY O F S T R AU S S M A N N

Strauss Mann took and made his ‘one shot’ his senior year at Brunswick. The First-Team All Western New Englander led Brunswick deep into the playoffs.

ON THE

‘MARK’ How the Nets GM is Setting his Team up for Future Success

BY DYLAN JUNEJA ’21

P H OT O BY N AT H A N I E L S. B U T L E R, N B A E

W

HEN UTAH JAZZ forward Rudy Golbert contracted COVID-19, the sports world came to an abrupt stop. The NHL and NBA were suddenly confronted with the possibility of not being able to complete their seasons. Major League Baseball was yet to start.

Ever since that fateful day of March 12, 2020, every sports fan in the world has been asking the same question: When will sports return?

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: This article was written prior to recent developments which include the impending return to play in the NBA, NHL, and MLB.

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F E AT U R E L A B E L

THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR:

Since his tenure as Nets General Manager began in 2016, Marks has been known for his superb handling of relationships with players, fans, and the media.

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F E AT U R E L A B E L

CAPTION goes here. Caption goes here. Caption goes here. Caption goes here. En space after label

SLAM DUNK: Then Charlotte Hornet Sean Marks hangs from the rim after capitalizing on a fast break.

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WITH GYMS CLOSED, NO PRACTICE FACILITIES TO TRAIN IN, AND LIMITED ACCESS TO COACHING STAFF, STAYING IN SHAPE IS MORE DIFFICULT THAN EVER BEFORE.

A FREE-AGENCY FOR THE AGES: On July 1,

2019, Brooklyn became the center of the basketball universe when Sean Marks landed superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

While everyone else was focusing all of their energies on the possibility of a return to action, Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks was planning for the long-term impacts on his ability to assemble a championship team. Marks articulated his concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on free-agency to a group of Brunswick students interested in sports management on April 16th — via Zoom, of course.

These unprecedented circumstances have changed the daily operations of a general manager. On a “normal” day, Marks can be found simultaneously planning for the draft, looking at free agency possibilities, and monitoring both the physical and mental well-being of his players.

Even while arenas were shuttered, promising

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P H OT O BY N AT H A N I E L S. B U T L E R, N B A E

P H OT O BY B O B L E V E Y, G E T T Y I M AG E S

ON THE ‘MARK’

ON THE ‘MARK’

P H OT O BY N AT H A N I E L S. B U T L E R, N B A E

THE BROOKLYN NETS PROVIDED THEIR PLAYERS WITH ACCESS TO TEAM PSYCHOLOGISTS, WHO CHECKED IN WITH THE PLAYERS AND GAVE THEM TOOLS TO MAKE THE BEST OF THIS CHALLENGING SITUATION.

declines in hospitalizations in the metropolitan area and around the country forced players to remain in playing condition. With gyms closed, no practice facilities to train in, and limited access to coaching staff, staying in shape was more difficult than ever before.

So, taking all of this into account, how did Marks and GMs throughout the league keep their players in prime mental and physical condition?

The health of the players was always the top priority. To maintain proper nutrition, the Nets facilitated grocery delivery to players to avoid physical contact and to ensure that they were maintaining their strength and fortifying their immune systems. All players, too, were provided with Pelotons. Using these bikes assisted all players in their quest to dominate upon their return to the hardwood.

Finally, the Brooklyn Nets provided their players with access to team psychologists, who checked in with the players and gave them tools to make the best of this challenging situation.

All of these methods are examples of why Sean Marks has had such success during his tenure in Brooklyn. He treats his players like human beings. As a 13-year veteran of the NBA, the Nets GM is wellacquainted with both the physical and mental toll an 82-game season and playoff run can take on both players and their families.

By taking care of the personal aspects of the players’ lives, Marks leaves the players to focus on doing what they do best.

Play basketball. ■ 12 Brunswick Sports Forum

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HIT THE GROUND RUNNING: When Kyrie

and KD return next season, the Nets will be a force to reckon with.

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GOING FOR GOLD:

WVU Women’s Soccer Coach Nicole IzzoBrown poses proudly with Canadian bronze medalists Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence.

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P H OTO L E F T CO U RT S EY O F W V U AT H L E T I C CO M MU N I C AT I O N S ; P H OTO R I G H T BY M AT T H E W L EJ U N E / U N S P L A S H

COVID-19 AND COLLEGE SPORTS

BY MYLES SPIESS ’22

T

HE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC has profoundly affected all college athletes.

The West Virginia University women’s soccer team and University of Maryland men’s lacrosse team are no exception. The Mountaineers’ spring season was cancelled.

The same goes for the Terps on the lacrosse field.

The spring season, or lack thereof, was a certainty for both schools.

The mystery, though, lies in how the pandemic will affect both programs in the future. With endless rules and regulations coming from the NCAA, coaches throughout the country are unsure of how to proceed.

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F E AT U R E L A B E L

SUCCESS IS A RESULT OF CONSTANT COMMITMENT.

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As of now, the spring athletes of Maryland and West Virginia are completing daily workout programs assigned by their coaches, preparing as if next season will go on as planned. Looking for some inspiration and guidance, the Terps are attending Zoom lectures featuring the likes of the Washington Redskins defensive lineman Jon Allen and NBA trainer Alan Stein.

Then comes the issue of recruiting high school athletes. How can coaches know who to recruit when they can’t see athletes play? WVU women’s soccer

OFFENSIVE DYNAMO:

Jack Brennan had an incredible start to the 2020 season, totaling 9 points (6 Goals, 3 Assists) in 6 games.

coach Nicole Izzo-Brown believes that COVID-19 will delay recruitment and development for all high school athletes.

Jack Brennan, a lacrosse midfielder for the University of Maryland, concurs.

“This has created headaches for our coaches and program,” Brennan said.

Much of the worry has to do with the possibility of athletes returning for an extra year and maintaining scholarship. For a sport like lacrosse, with only 12.5 scholarships per team, it will be hard to share

the scholarships with the incoming class — resulting in smaller recruiting classes for upcoming years to meet financial aid demands.

Both also had some words of wisdom to keep high school athletes motivated during these unprecedented times. Izzo-Brown urged them to stay focused on both their academic and athletic development. Working out on a daily basis and remaining committed to academic excellence are a good place to start.

Brennan agreed.

“During this time, you can gain a large advantage over the competition while simultaneously working on being a better person,” he said.

During quarantine it is hard to resist the urge to reduce athletic and scholastic workload. That is what most people are doing. Success is a result of constant commitment.

At the beginning of this national nightmare, America was glued to the television watching “The Last Dance,” a 10-part series that showed us all what it takes to achieve greatness. So, if you’re looking to improve any facet of your life, now is the time to do so.

Of all the things that this virus has taken from us, it has most certainly given us the gift of time. ■ Brunswick Sports Forum SPRING 2020 17

P H OT O L E F T CO U RT S E Y O F M A RY L A N D AT H L E T I C S ; P H OTO R I G H T BY A DA M B O U S E / U N S P L A S H

COVID-19 AND COLLEGE SPORTS

F E AT U R E L A B E L

‘ANFIELD’ OF DREAMS

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F E AT U R E L A B E L

The Premier League’s Quest to Return to Play

BY IAN STEFFENSEN ’21

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: This article was written before the Premier League returned on June 17th, and Liverpool won its first title. Any information about standings and statistics reflects the league’s status at the time of the pause.

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P H OT O BY J A S O N C H A RT E R S / U N S P L A S H

T

HE 28TH SEASON of the Premier League promised to dazzle and entertain as various clubs competed to claim England’s top prize.

Liverpool opened as the early favorites to win the league after a long 30-year hiatus without the title.

Coming off their miraculous Champions League run, which culminated in a championship, Liverpool sought to win the Premier League after losing to Manchester City by one point last season.

Before the suspension of the season, Jürgen Klopp’s squad won a record 18-consecutive games and soared to the top of the table. As of March 13, the Reds held a commanding 25-point lead over the reigning champions from Manchester City.

Other clubs have also had their fair share of successes, as Leicester City now claims the third-place spot. After their fairytale 2016 season, Leicester City has faced both managerial

‘A N F I E L D ’ O F D R E A M S

Leicester City frontman Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring one of his leagueleading 19 goals before Covid-19 shuttered soccer stadiums across Europe.

and player shakeups. The club has posted lackluster finishes in past seasons, but the future is bright.

The Foxes and their frontman Jamie Vardy, who leads the league in goals with 19, have posted impressive victories, including a 9-0 win over Southampton.

COVID-19 has created a global 20 Brunswick Sports Forum

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crisis that transcends the world of football, but league officials are still trying to salvage the season. Following the suspension of the season, there has been much debate between clubs and league officials regarding finances.

The Premier League initially asked that its players take a 15 percent salary cut for the rest of the year to brace for an abysmal financial forecast. The Players Union countered with a proposal to form a

charitable initiative for the National Health Service in England. They wanted the money typically used to pay their salaries to benefit frontline workers, not team owners. After much heated debate, the players’ initiative, called “Players Together,” was formed, and the owners’ plans to keep the league in good financial shape fell through the cracks.

Immediately after the players succeeded in pushing through

P H OT O BY M I C H A E L R E G A N / G E T T Y I M AG E S

“THE NATURAL”:

P H OT O BY J Ö RG S C H Ü L E R / B O N G A RT S / G E T T Y I M AG E S

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE — A THING OF THE PAST: Athletes

their initiatives, club and league officials met to discuss the league’s “Project Restart” plan, which includes playing the remaining matches at neutral venues in order to maintain the integrity of competition. This plan has been met with opposition by relegation-threatened West Ham United and Brighton, who feel that their remaining fixtures and the lack of home-field advantage will easily relegate them to the lower league.

Clubs are expected to vote on “Project Restart” sometime after May 7, when the government reviews the current situation within England. If the plan is passed, clubs will resume training and recommence the season in June. Clubs are also planning for

next season. Football enthusiasts should expect empty stadiums and a later start date.

Despite the league being suspended, there is controversy surrounding the £300 million takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The new owners recently passed the Premier League’s Fit and Proper Persons’ Test, and the takeover bid can go through in the upcoming weeks.

This is extremely significant, as the acquisition will allow Newcastle to challenge for the league title as well as Champions League supremacy. And with an exciting transfer market classwhich includes the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé-the club’s takeover will surely change the scope of the league.

Recently, the German football

around the world

league, will have to provide themselves Bundesliga, has with muchbeen allowed needed boosts of motivation at to recommence crucial points in a game. its season, and various leagues throughout Europe have drafted clear guidelines for their return. The English government is committed to resuming league action on June 1st, yet many clubs are still hesitant about the provisions of “Project Restart.”

Clubs will reconvene in mid-May to discuss final plans for a season. If no resolution is met, the league will be forced to throw in the towel for the 2019-2020 season. While there has been much debate surrounding the Premier League and its season, league officials, club owners, and players are making their best effort to bring back a sense of normalcy for everyone. ■ Brunswick Sports Forum SPRING 2020 21

F E AT U R E L A B E L

NHL A SEASON

IN ‘REVIEW’

BY HANK CLEAVES ’22 AND JOSH PAUL ’21

N

ORMALLY AT THIS TIME, NHL players are gearing up for one final playoff push or trying to establish some momentum going into next season.

Now, they are stay-at-home dads.

For some of the world’s best hockey players, the unexpected pause to the NHL season provides them with the opportunity to spend more time with their families. As it turns out, the NHL’s best are not so different from the rest of us.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:

This article was written before the NHL announced its return to play plan. The NHL is set to resume on July 28th, with a series of exhibition games and a play-in round. The playoffs will commence on August 1st.

P H OT O L E F T BY L E N R E D KO L E S, G E T T Y I M AG E S ; P H OTO I N B AC KG RO U N D BY LO G A N W E AV E R / U N S P L A S H

F E AT U R E L A B E L

THE FLYERS’ BEATING ‘HART’:

Philadelphia finally has their man between the pipes.

After decades of uncertainty that included some Risky “Bryzness,” Carter Hart is destined to take the Flyers to the promised land.

spell out “year old”?

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NHL: SEASON IN REVIEW

P H OT O BY J A R E D S I L B E R / N H L I V I A G E T T Y I M AG E S

Artemi Panarin has high kicked (and scored) his way into the hearts of the Garden Faithful with a career-high 95 points in under 70 games.

“We’re full time teachers and nannies,” joked Winnipeg’s Blake Wheeler. “It’s a full day job.”

So while the players are busy at home with kids, we thought this would be a great opportunity to look back at a season yet to be completed.

Let’s start with the Metropolitan Division — the best division in the NHL — which has amassed a total of 654 points. Powered by 700-goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin and smooth-skating defenseman John Carlson, the once-cursed Washington Capitals seem poised to contend for another Stanley Cup. And don’t get us wrong, we would love to see another Summer of Ovi. But on to the City of Brotherly Love. Sophomore sensation Carter Hart has proved to be Philadelphia’s

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saving grace in net. “Cahtah Haht,” as off-season acquisition (and Boston native) Kevin Hayes calls him, might just be the engine that propels the Flyers to a deep playoff run.

On to the Atlantic Division. No one stands out more than the Big-Bad Bruins, who bring teams to their knees at the Hub on Causeway. The B’s are an absolute juggernaut. Combine league leading scorer David Pastrnak with Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask at the top of his game, and you’ve got trouble for the rest of the league. We at Brunswick Sports Forum are making the bold prediction that Zdeno Chara will be hoisting Lord Stanley at end of the season.

Chasing the Bruins are the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Don’t count them out, as they have depth and are as motivated as ever after last year’s premature exit.

P H OT O BY B RU C E B E N N E T T / G E T T Y I M AG E S

THE RANGERS’ VERY OWN ROCKETTE:

The wild-card race in the East is tight to say the least. The Carolina Hurricanes are barely holding on to the first spot with 81 points, while the Blue Jackets are second with the same number of points (but with two more games played). If this season has proved one thing, it is that John Tortorella is a wizard behind the bench. After losing Panarin and Bobrovsky, the Blue Jackets are still in playoff contention.

Not far behind are the Rangers and Islanders.

With the newly proposed 24-team playoff, we could see both New York teams in the playoffs.

As far as the Western Conference goes, St. Louis, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, lead the Central Division with Colorado not far behind. The Avalanche are undoubtedly one of the best offensive teams in the league, but goaltending continues to be an issue.

On to the Pacific. Marc Andre-Fleury and Robin

Lehner are sure to backstop the first-place Vegas Golden Knights to a deep playoff run. Trailing them are the two-man show Edmonton Oilers with 83 points and their rivals, the Calgary Flames.

In the Western Conference wild-card race, Winnipeg and Nashville have hold of the first two spots with Vancouver and Minnesota both on their tails.

If the league does resume, some teams out of the playoff picture will most likely be battling for the Stanley Cup. When Rangers sniper Artemi Panarin is done personally delivering 1,500 N95 masks to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, he hopes that he will be able to deliver the Rangers’ first cup in 26 years.

If one thing is for certain, this has been a great NHL season and has left us DON’T POKE THE BEAR: After a wanting more. ■

heart-wrenching Game 7 loss in the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals, the Bruins are poised to go all the way.

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FACULTY ADVISOR

Mike Kennedy ’99 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Josh Paul ’21 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dylan Juneja ’21 Myles Spiess ’22 Hank Cleaves ’22 Ian Steffensen ’22 Special thanks to Mr. Lin and Mr. Griffin for all of their help in making this possible.