The 2018-2019 NHL season schedule was officially released on June 21st. The regular season will begin on Wednesday, October 3rd. Stanley Cup Champions the Washington Capitals will start off the season with a four-game set that will include the Stanley Cup Championship banner ceremony. The Capitals will play against the Boston Bruins. 

The other matchups for the season's first night include Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames, and San Jose Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks. 

A 2018-2019 season highlight is the 2018 NHL Global Series that brings NHL to an international stage. The Edmonton Oilers will play the New Jersey Devils in Sweden in early October while the Florida Panthers will play the Winnipeg Jets in Finland in early November. 

Another favorite aspect of any season is the regular season matchup of the previous NHL Stanley Cup Finals. The Capitals will play the Vegas Golden Knights on October 10th as the first rematch since their Finals victory. 

The New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic, a timely tradition in hockey, will feature the Chicago Blackhawks vs. the Boston Bruins at Notre Dame Stadium. 

Here are the Ticket Galaxy Top NHL teams to watch for this season:
Philadelphia Flyers tickets
Washington Capitals tickets
Boston Bruins tickets
Arizona Coyotes tickets
San Jose Sharks tickets
St. Louis Blues tickets
Vegas Golden Knights tickets

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By Jenna 

It's the nail-biting, teeth-clenching, edge-of-the-seat matches that keep sports fandom so alive. The majority of the time, the most epic game finishers occur when an underdog team perfectly outplays a top-seed contender. Though everyone likes a winning story, everyone also gets behind an underdog story

This is the basis of this season's professional sports playoffs. On one hand, the NBA Finals seem to run on repeat. On the other hand, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals are a treasure chest of colorful come-up stories that make for a better read and finals match.

I think it's time to accept that winning isn't everything, but the manner in which you get there is. Diving into the two major playoffs series, here's a breakdown of the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals leading into June.

The lesson: it's important to root for the underdog. And frankly, it's a hell of a lot more fun.  

Lebron vs. Dub Nation

By Game 3, the crown on Lebron James's head was looking a little dull.

The Boston Celtics pulled off two monster wins in Game 1 and Game 2, and fans everywhere began to think that this series was going to get lucky. The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't have it in them this season. Love, almost useless the parts of the playoffs he did play, sat due to an injury.

The Celtics had a chance to knock James & Co. off of the pedestal after a twisting season that left Cavs-turned-Celtic Kyrie Irving on the bench with an injury. It took seven games in a hard-fought series, but Lebron still pulled off the series in a manner that reinstated his dominance in the NBA.

After another tough seven-game series, the Rockets fell to the knees of Durant and the Golden State Warriors in the NBA semifinals. Stephen Curry's return post-injury packed an extra punch. Though James Harden and the Rockets fended off the reigning NBA Champions from taking hold of the series, the Rockets joined the Celtics in losses during Game 7.

Therefore, the 2018 NBA Finals are looking just like the 2017 NBA Finals that look very much like the 2016 NBA Finals that looked exactly like the 2015 NBA Finals.

I'm bored. I'm over turning on the television and hearing the announcers hyper-focus on James's legacy before he even retires. I'm over the Hampton Five and a clenching reign of the NBA Finals spot that leaves all other prospects just slightly too behind. There is a gaping hole where underdogs should shine in the NBA, and for all of the money that this matchup makes, it also makes professional basketball currently boring. The NBA Finals rerun says a lot about where the league is, and it also opens sports fans' eyes to this year's NHL playoffs. Underdogs galore, and a lot more to talk about than Lebron James.

Purchase NBA Finals tickets to see the dominating teams live. 

NHL Thrives in Sin City
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The Stanley Cup Finals aren't following suit of the NBA Finals this year. After Sidney Crosby and the Penguins pulled off the victory over the hungry Predators last year, it looked like most professional sports were stalling to find new kings to crown. 

Enter the Vegas Golden Knights. A team literally in their first season, they have played their way into the Stanley Cup Finals. The team's roster is a mashup of players whose talent did not precede them. ​Suddenly together, once weaker talent soared forward, racking up stats that are unprecedented. 

The Golden Knights fought past major NHL teams such as the San Jose Sharks and the Winnipeg Jets to land themselves in the Finals. They now face the Washington Capitals. The Capitals have a history of successful seasons that end in heartbreak. For leader Alexander Ovechkin, this hangs over his legacy, as he has not won a Stanley Cup. The win would be huge for both franchises, but the Knights' newbie run makes for a little extra in playoffs season.

​After the year that Las Vegas has had, including the mass shooting at the Route 91 Festival, an underdog story is exactly what the city needed. The Golden Knights arrived with an entire community behind them. Vegas itself is not known for its professional sports or even college teams. T-Mobile Arena is used more for PBR, UFC, and concert events than popular professional sports teams. The Golden Knights filled the gap in the city, and their early success will hopefully continue to drive excitement towards the franchise. 

Game 1 of the Golden Knights vs. Capitals Stanley Cup Finals has been deemed by some experts as "peak hockey." The Golden Knights won 6-4 in an epic match that included 135 shots on goal with major saves from both sides. Though Vegas won with two goals to spare, there was no major lead the entire game. The back-and-forth made for the ultimate beginning to the Stanley Cup Finals. No matter the outcome of the series, either a novice NHL team or a veteran NHL player will make history by taking home the Stanley Cup. That in itself makes the Stanley Cup Finals vastly more interesting than the NBA Finals. 

Purchase NHL Stanley Cup Finals tickets to see history unfold live!


By Jenna

BY: Justin Felisko (PBR Senior Writer/Editor)

LAS VEGAS – How high are the stakes for this weekend’s Last Cowboy Standing, presented by Ariat, at Helldorado Days?

Major you could say.

The third PBR Major of the 2018 season has arrived and with it comes the opportunity for riders to make one final splash in the world standings before the 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast takes its summer break.
While there will be multiple non-premier series events across the United States and the world this summer, none will compare to what a rider can accomplish inside the Thomas & Mack Center this weekend.
One rider can earn potentially 1,250 points toward the world standings at Last Cowboy Standing. The champion will earn a minimum of 625 world points and $100,000.

RELATED: Visit PBR.com for more information.

Each round winner earns 125 points toward the world standings, as well.

A rider needs to reach 8 seconds to advance to the next round.

Last Cowboy Standing is a minimum of two rounds and a maximum of five. At least 25 riders will advance to Round 2, with any draw spots being filled by the current world standings heading into Last Cowboy Standing if there are less than 25 rides in Round 1.

If all riders buck off in Rounds 2, 3 or 4, then all riders that attempted a bull advance to the next round.

If there is more than one ride in the final round (Round 5), then the Last Cowboy Standing will be the rider with the highest-ride score in Round 5. If there are no rides in Round 5, then the Last Cowboy Standing will be the rider with the most round points that had competed in Round 5.

The PBR Majors, which began in February 2015, have become a ticket into the World Championship race.

This weekend is the 14th PBR Major in PBR history. Entering this season, eight of the previous 11 Major winners finished no lower than 12th in the world standings.

Fans can watch Round 1 of Last Cowboy Standing beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
Current world No. 2 Ramon de Lima has spent seven weeks as the world No. 1 after winning Iron Cowboy in February.

However, even before Last Cowboy Standing was deemed a PBR Major, winning Last Cowboy Standing also propelled riders to a strong finish in the world title race.

Three of the five past Last Cowboy Standing champions finished in the Top 3 of the world standings – Kaique Pacheco (2016), Joao Ricardo Vieira(2015) and Silvano Alves (2013), while Alves also won the 2012 World Championship after winning his first Last Cowboy Standing title earlier that season.

2014 winner Guilherme Marchi finished seventh in the world standings after a right knee injury saw him lose the No. 1 spot in the world during the stretch run to the Finals.

Inaugural winner Luke Snyder finished 2011 12th in the world standings.

Here is a look at the previous champions of Last Cowboy Standing

Kaique Pacheco (2017 & 2016)
Perennial world title contender Kaique Pacheco comes into Las Vegas on the cusp of regaining the world No. 1 ranking. Pacheco has won Last Cowboy Standing for two consecutive years by going 5-for-6. Pacheco is 8-for-11 in four trips to Las Vegas for Last Cowboy Standing.

What a victory this weekend could potentially mean: Pacheco would surge to the No. 1 world ranking.

​Joao Ricardo Vieira (2015)
Joao Ricardo Vieira won the two first PBR Majors in 2015, and his victory at Last Cowboy Standing had him in the driver’s seat for the World Championship. Vieira went into the 2015 summer break with a 1,002.5-point lead in the standings, but it wasn’t enough to hold off a red-hot J.B. Mauney in the final three months of the season.
What a victory this weekend could potentially mean: Vieira would move as high as potentially No. 6.

Guilherme Marchi (2014)
Guilherme Marchi won the 2014 Last Cowboy Standing to head into the 2014 summer break No. 1 in the world standings. Marchi had been the No. 1 rider for 11 of the last 12 weeks at the time of his victory. However, Marchi  injured his PCL in his right knee during the victory and that injury would only worsen as the season went on.

The 2008 World Champion ultimately finished seventh in the world standings.

What a victory this weekend could potentially mean: Marchi could move as high as No. 4.

Silvano Alves (2013 & 2012)
Silvano Alves won the second Last Cowboy Standing event in Las Vegas (2013) a year after he won the Detroit LCS event.

The three-time World Champion is 11-for-23 (47.83 percent) at all Last Cowboy Standing formatted events, but it also is important to note Alves’ dominance inside the Thomas & Mack Center.

The 30-year-old won all three of his gold buckles and the 2015 World Finals event average inside the home of UNLV basketball. Alves is 27-for-36 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

What a victory could potentially mean: Alves could move to No. 6 in the world

Luke Snyder (2011)
Luke Snyder won the inaugural Last Cowboy Standing pay-per-view event in Las Vegas by going 3-for-3 with two 90-point rides. Snyder won the event with 90 points on Cooper Tires Wild & Out. Snyder won a whopping $217,500.
​
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Repost by Jenna

The new MLS rivalry brewing between LAFC and LA Galaxy is going to be a can't-miss event in the upcoming seasons. After LAFC officially opened their stadium doors, the battle between the two teams has started on an intense note that hints at much more to come for MLS fans. LA Galaxy won their first matchup 4-3, but the level of play and aggression made fans excited for a heated rivalry in the games to come.

LAFC
​Los Angeles Football Club, or LAFC, is the new MLS team in Los Angeles. They shoulder up against the well-known LA Galaxy in the major West Coast city. LAFC's journey began in 2014 when the MLS awarded L.A. with a new team. The modern stadium began to come to fruition in in the heart of L.A., and LAFC's vision was born. In 2015, The 22,000-seat stadium plans were revealed. It is located next to the LA Memorial Coliseum in South L.A.

In January 2016, LAFC revealed the team's crest and colors to the public. The team's colors are black and gold. In mid-2016, the City of Los Angeles permitted the stadium construction. A team broke ground in August 2016, beginning what would soon come to be the Banc of California Stadium. In 2017, LAFC hired Bob Bradley as the Head Coach. Bradley is a two-time MLS Coach of the Year and a former U.S. Men's National Team coach. The rest of the team followed. In 2018, LAFC's stadium and first season opened. 

Purchase LAFC tickets from Ticket Galaxy, the Official Ticket Distribution Partner of the Los Angeles Football Club.

LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy is coming from the opposite end of the MLS spectrum from the newbie LAFC franchise. LA Galaxy is one of ten founding MLS franchises that began their first season in 1996. The team plays at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, a suburb of L.A. LA Galaxy was founded in 1994 before they began playing two years later. LA Galaxy carries an immense legacy with them in the MLS; they have won a record five MLS Cups and a myriad of other honors that grants them the supreme status in the league.The team's colors are white, blue, and yellow. 

2017 was the first season in years that the team did not qualify for the MLS Cup. Earlier in the new millennium, LA Galaxy welcomed and celebrated David Beckham's era on the team. However, in recent years post-Beckham, LA Galaxy has rebuilt the dynasty with new faces. American Landon Donovan and more U.S. stars have begun to emerge after Beckham's retirement from the team. Donovan retired but came out of retirement in 2016 to aid his team in the playoffs. LA Galaxy's tradition of wins and superstar players will hopefully continue moving forward. The new rivalry with LAFC will spark more attention for the team, and it'll be exciting to see the season unfold. 

Purchase LA Galaxy tickets.


By Jenna

The 2018-2019 NFL schedule has been released. This announcement arrives a little over four months away from the season's kick-off. Pre-season will begin in August with the official start date in September. Ticket Galaxy is covering the major game highlights to look forward to this coming season.

Get a jump start on the season and purchase your NFL tickets today! 

Top NFL Games to Watch For:
​Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Thursday, September 6th
The opening game of the 2018-2019 NFL Season holds the Atlanta Falcons against the Super Bowl LII Champions the Philadelphia Eagles. The game will be held at the Eagles' home stadium Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles will open the season as reigning champions, and it will be exciting to see if they can hold up their success for another season. Carson Wentz got injured last season, and backup quarterback Nick Foles performed the impossible and carried his team to a Super Bowl victory. The Super Bowl has never been won by a backup quarterback, and the Eagles made history. With Wentz back at the helm, the Eagles will face the Falcons who lost to the Patriots in another iconic Super Bowl in 2017. The matchup will kick off the entire season and feature two Super-Bowl friendly teams to demonstrate the level of talent in the game this year.

Get your Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles tickets.  

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, September 16th 
The New England Patriots, run by quarterback Tom Brady, are always a dominant force in the NFL year after year. Whether it's due to their solid base, extensively talented lineup, or smart coaching, the Patriots are never to be underestimated. The Jacksonville Jaguars were a force last season; their intense, aggressive playing style landed the Jags far into the NFL Playoffs. This will be a redo of the AFC Championship last season. The Pats stole the win to head onto the Super Bowl, but the Jags didn't bow out easily. It'll be exciting for fans to see a rematch early in the new season.

Find New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars tickets.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Sunday, October 7th 
The Super Bowl Champions face a sturdy Minnesota Vikings team in early October. The Vikings are in for change this season, as Kirk Cousins will come in as the starting quarterback for his first full season on the Vikings. Cousins was the Redskins' quarterback for five years before moving to the Vikings for the 2018-2019 season. This will be a major transition for the team, as Cousins is replacing Case Keenum who moved from the Vikings to the Broncos. The new Vikings team vs. the Philadelphia Eagles will be a thrilling test partway into the season.

Purchase your Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles tickets. 

Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots: Sunday, October 14th 
The Kansas City Chiefs took all of Pats Nation by surprise early last season when they started the Pats' season off 0-1 due to the Chiefs offensive execution and lack of intimidation. Chiefs won 42-27 during the first week of the NFL season, and the New England Patriots remembered that they are not invincible especially with Edelman on the bench with an injury. The Chiefs went on to have an extremely successful season with Alex Smith as their quarterback, though the Chiefs traded Smith to the Redskins during the off-season. The rematch of an early shocker last NFL season will make for great rivalry tides and football at its most excellent.

Get your Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots tickets.

New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sunday, December 16th 
A classic NFL matchup and rivalry: the New England Patriots vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers is always a guaranteed blood bath and fight to the finish. Around the same date last season, the Patriots won 27-24 against the Steelers in a close win that demonstrated the impressive status of both franchises. Both the Patriots and Steelers had 11-3 regular season records. The controversy during their last matchup also thjabarows fuel to the fire. Steelers tight end Jesse James seemed to have caught a game-winning touchdown that was overruled after further review, letting the Pats walk off with the win. This will only aid the Steelers who will come back with a point to prove and a chip on their shoulder. 

Find New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers tickets. 

By Jenna 

The MLB season is underway heading into the summer months where warm nights and Saturday afternoons are filled with America's greatest pastime. However, baseball games have a tradition beyond home runs and strikeouts. The experience of a MLB game includes venue history, team traditions, and most importantly, a ballpark's iconic food and drink options. Ticket Galaxy breaks down the top ballpark foodie cravings in America because with Major League Baseball, there are always Major League Eats:
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​Boston Red Sox: Fenway Park
​Fenway Frank
​
The Fenway Frank is a prized food item sold at Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park. The oldest MLB stadium in America, Fenway holds a legacy in MLB nestled in the heart of Boston. The bars directly surrounding the ballpark hold enough good eats to keep fans full for seasons, but the food inside the stadium is not to be underestimated. A Fenway Frank is as simple and true as the park itself. The Fenway Frank went under a revamp in 2009, only being modified after careful taste testing. Unlike other ballpark's hot dogs, The Fenway Frank is both boiled AND slightly grilled. It's placed on a standard hot dog roll, and the toppings are up to the customer to decide from there.

Purchase Boston Red Sox tickets here.  

​Oakland A's: Oakland Coliseum
​Kinder's Famous Ball Tip Sandwich
​
Oakland Coliseum holds a handful of delicious BBQ options for Oakland A's fans that attend the games. The close proximity of the Coliseum to Oracle Arena creates an unique sports atmosphere before fans even enter the ballpark. One famous sandwich in the midst is the Ball Tip Sandwich from Kinder's Meats. Kinder's Meats is a business that caters and sells BBQ food in addition to their rubs and sauces. The business has locations scattered throughout California and Nevada. They are located in the ballpark, and Kinder's Famous Ball Tip Sandwich can be sniffed out down the walkway during games. 

​Purchase Oakland A's tickets here.  

Washington Nationals: Nationals Park
Ben's Chili Bowl Half-Smoke Hot Dog

Ben's Chili Bowl franchise goes back to the '40s in the Washington D.C. area. Starting as a breakfast sausage, the famous Half Smoke meat developed into a hot dog with the addition of a bun, mustard, onions, and spicy homemade chili sauce. Ben's Chili Bowl Half-Smoke Hot Dog was born. The Nationals Park includes a Ben's Chili Bowl where fans can get a taste of one of D.C.'s beloved franchises. Chili sauce is just one of many options on the menu; turkey dogs and veggie dogs are also options. The franchise is so famous that the staff has built up a photo gallery of celebrities who have stopped by to eat over the years. Highlights include George W. Bush, Kevin Durant, Bruno Mars, and many more. Indulge in one of the capital's beloved eats while watching the Nationals play ball. 

Purchase Washington Nationals tickets here.  ​

New York Yankees: Yankee Stadium
Lobel's Steak Sandwich

The Yankees are undoubtedly one of the most famous MLB teams in the league. After their new and expensive Yankee Stadium opened, the food options grew, as well. Lobel's of New York has Carving Stations at Yankee Stadium that offer Lobel's USDA Prime Steak Sandwich. Feeling like eating like a ballpark king? The Steak Sandwich is your answer. Lobel's features world-class butchers that began as an online family butcher shop. Yankee Stadium is the ONLY location that one can eat a Lobel's Steak Sandwich, making it a special addition to the new stadium. Though Yankee Stadium is notoriously expensive, this rare food option will be worth it.

Purchase New York Yankees tickets here.  ​

San Francisco Giants: AT&T Park
​Crazy Crab'z Dungeness Crab Sandwich

With a location so close to the water, it only makes sense that the San Francisco Giants would put seafood on the top of their tasty options at AT&T Park. Crazy Crab'z does it all: calamari, chowder, shrimp, and of course, their signature Dungeness Crab Sandwich. Stuffed between two San Francisco sourdough bread slices with tomato, the Dungeness crab stands out between the few simple ingredients. It's tasty and unique to the location of the stadium near the coast. Next time you head to a Giants game, remember to indulge in the best that San Francisco's coastline has to offer. 

Purchase San Francisco Giants tickets here.  ​

​Pittsburgh Pirates: PNC Park
Primanti Brothers ​Pitts-burger

​Primanti Brothers have been located in Pittsburgh since the 1930s. Since then, it's expanded into a franchise with a location at Pittsburgh Pirates' PNC Park. The Primanti Brothers sandwich, known for the fries on the sandwich itself, became a signature item for the franchise. At the stadium, there is another signature worth mentioning. The Primanti Brothers' Pitts-burger contains a beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce, french fries, and coleslaw on white bread. The unique creation combines the french-fries-on-the-sandwich Primanti Brothers' signature with a burger to create a mouth-watering Pittsburgh tradition. The famous Pittsburgh franchise is located at PNC Park, so enjoy the tradition will watching your next Pirates game!

Purchase Pittsburgh Pirates tickets here.  

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​For more MLB action, purchase MLB tickets here. 

​
By Jenna

BY: Justin Felisko (PBR Senior Writer/Editor)
​
PUEBLO, Colo. – The secret is out of the bag with the PBR Majors now in their fourth season of existence.
Win New York, Iron Cowboy, Last Cowboy Standing or the Music City Knockout and you can assure yourself a much better chance of being in the world title conversation come season’s end once the 25th PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast in Las Vegas (Nov. 7-11).

This Saturday’s WinStar World Casino & Resort Invitational, powered by Kawasaki, is the 13th PBR Major in PBR history. One rider can walk away with a minimum of 625 world points to as many as 1,250 points if he wins every round and the event goes a full five rounds.

RELATED: Visit PBR.com for more information

The winner of a PBR Major earns on average 842.29 points toward the world standings.

That large chunk of points has helped the previous eight winners of the 11 PBR Majors, not including this year’s season-opener victory for Gage Gay, all finish 12th or better in the world standings.

Two PBR Major winners – 2017 World Champion Jess Lockwood and 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis – won PBR Majors during their championship seasons, while Kaique Pacheco, Eduardo Aparecido and Joao Ricardo Vieira all finished in the Top 5 of the world standings.

The only three riders not to finish in the Top 5 were Fabiano Vieira (10th in 2017), Shane Proctor (11th in 2016) and Paulo Lima (12th in 2015).

​Essentially, barring a massive slump (i.e. Proctor and Lima) or injuries (i.e. Fabiano Vieira and Gay this year), a PBR Major victory guarantees a rider a seat at the World Championship dinner table come the PBR World Finals.

Reigning PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood said that winning a PBR Major isn’t essential to winning a world title, but that it obviously helps.

Lockwood brought up how Derek Kolbaba (five events wins) and Cooper Davis (11 round wins) were the front runners last year heading into the World Finals despite lacking a PBR Major on their resumes.

In 2015, J.B. Mauney was able to clinch the world title before the Finals was even over, and he didn’t win a PBR Major.

“I don’t think it is a necessity, just look at Derek and Coop last year being the front runners for the world title. And look at J.B. too,” Lockwood said.

Davis added, “Winning a Major is important, but not necessarily a necessity. I think round wins are just as important as a single Major win.”

The 2018 World Championship conversation will certainly revolve around stats such as event wins, round victories, qualified rides, riding percentage and conversions aboard the rankest bulls in 15/15 Bucking Battles and championship rounds, but the PBR Majors offer a clear-cut path to a ticket to the World Championship conversation.

Nine-time World Champion Ty Murray will be joining Craig Hummer and two-time World Champion Justin McBride in the broadcast booth in Arlington. Fans can watch Rounds 1 & 2 on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. They then can watch the finale of Iron Cowboy Sunday at noon ET on CBS national television.

Murray compares the PBR Majors to that of a playoff game for the riders.

“If you are going to be a World Champion, you have to step up to the mental challenges,” Murray said. “That is the element for me that the Majors bring to the sport of bull riding. Physically, you can argue it is basically the same and you have to ride your bulls. That is the name of the game since it was invented to now. Adding in that element of more points, the pressure of what it can do for a world title race or getting you in the hunt. That is the step-up of a mental challenge of this sport.

“That is what I like about the four majors. When you are able to step up and excel at a place that mentally can be harder to excel at, you get rewarded for it.”

Lockwood and Davis wouldn’t be World Champions if not for their PBR Major victories the last two seasons, but it also can be said that PBR Major championships for the other six bull riders did not equate to a gold buckle.
There are no guarantees in bull riding.

Eduardo Aparecido held the No. 1 world ranking for six months last year after overtaking Lockwood for the lead when he earned a PBR Major-record 955 points at Iron Cowboy.

“It is very good because it gives you a lot of points,” Aparecido said. “The new design with the points, if you win a Major it is like you win two or three events.”

Pacheco has the most PBR Major victories (3) and has won a PBR Major every year of his career, but he has yet to place a gold buckle on his waist.

It is no coincidence that he has two runner-up finishes and a No. 5 ranking last year courtesy of two Last Cowboy Standing titles and a Music City Knockout crown.

“These are very important events because there are more points,” Pacheco said. “A lot more points and money. That helps a lot for the world title. All of the events are important, but Majors are more important.”

Iron Cowboy is a single-elimination “ride or go home” format with riders advancing to the next round by making a qualified ride. Iron Cowboy is a minimum of two rounds and a maximum of five.

It has been the same format as Last Cowboy Standing since 2015, and Pacheco called it one of the most grueling events on the PBR schedule.

“Yes they are harder because you need to ride more bulls in just one day,” Pacheco said. “Five bulls.”
Joao Ricardo Vieira couldn’t hold off J.B. Mauney in 2015 despite winning Iron Cowboy and Last Cowboy Standing. The 2013 Rookie of the Year went on to finish third in the world standings.

Despite coming up short of a gold buckle, the trios PBR Majors put them on the putting green of a championship.

However, none of them converted on the 18th hole at the PBR World Finals like Lockwood and Davis.
“Best way to get the gold is to step up when it matters most and consistency,” Lockwood concluded.

Below is the world point structure for Iron Cowboy
Round Points                                Event Points
1st – 125                                         1st -   625
2nd – 75                                           2nd - 100
3rd – 60                                           3rd -    75
4th – 50                                           4th -    50
5th – 40                                           5th –   25
6th – 20                                           6th -    15
7th – 10                                           7th -    10
8th -    5
9th -    5
10th – 5
11th – 5
12th – 5
13th – 5


* If the event ends with only one rider making a qualified ride in the final round, regardless of when that round occurs after the first round, then that rider is the Last Cowboy Standing and receives 625 points for the event win.  No other riders are awarded event points.

This year's National Lacrosse League (NLL) is heating up, as the regular season wraps up only a few months away in late April. The NLL is a men's professional indoor lacrosse league that was founded in 1986. With almost ten teams active, the NLL represents the best that North America has to offer in the sport. Every season, the teams play for the Champion's Cup. The playoffs then begin, as top divisional teams compete for the change to face off for the Champion's Cup. So far this year, a handful of teams have made their presence known. Ticket Galaxy break down this year's top contenders midway through the season.

Eastern Division:
Georgia Swarm
The Georgia Swarm is a NLL team based in Georgia. They play their home games at Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth, Georgia and share the venue with the Atlanta Gladiators, a ECHL ice hockey team based in Duluth, as well. During Swarm games, a series of entertainment is available for fans, including concerts such as the Scott McCrery show coming up on February 17th. The Swarm's record is 3-3 this season, putting them as 4th in the Eastern Division. 

New England Black Wolves
The New England Black Wolves are 4-2 in the Eastern Division so far this season. The New England Black Wolves play their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. They are currently leading the Eastern Division, making them a major contender for the Champion's Cup. This includes winning streaks this season that are hard to beat so early on. They are currently the team to watch for in the NLL Eastern Division. 

Western Division:
Calgary Roughnecks
The Calgary Roughnecks were founded in 2002 and are located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Though they are currently 2-5 in the Western Division, their fight and history make them potential underdogs in the upcoming playoffs. It's too early in the season to tell which team will end on top of the division, but the Roughnecks are a team to watch that has began the season quieter than normal. In the past, the Roughnecks won two Champion's Cups in 2004 and 2009. The team plays their home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome. 

Saskatchewan Rush
In the Western Division, the Saskatchewan Rush are the team to look out for. With a stunning record of 7-1, Saskatchewan Rush are from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The team was founded recently in 2015 and already has a successful record on the team's side. They play home games at Co-Op Field at SasktTel Centre. In 2016, the team won the Champion's Cup. Therefore, for such a new and young franchise, Saskatchewan Rush has made a big impact on the NLL. 

Written by Jenna

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Defending Super Bowl LI Winner the New England Patriots

The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking on the New England Patriots for the AFC Championship Game. After surging back to beat the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI, the Patriots once again proved their superstar status. Quarterback and arguable G.O.A.T. Tom Brady leads a developed team well-rehearsed in the art of winning and winning often. The Patriots' success is almost mocked in the NFL due to its consistency and enormity throughout the past decades. Aside from Brady, notable franchise players such as Rob Gronkowski  and Danny Amendola help hold up a strong offensive line. The Patriots have won four Super Bowls since the new millennium including Super Bowl XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, and LI. The passionate New England fan base and talented roster make for a deadly Super Bowl contender team year after year. 

The Jaguars, on the other hand, bring a different story to the AFC Championship game. The Jaguars, 10-4 for the season, are headed into this game with a little different of a mentality than the well-established Patriots. The team has won neither a conference championship or Super Bowl throughout its history. In fact, it's almost become a running joke about their lack of titles to match up with any skill on the field. This season showed a voracious, exciting Jaguars squad. After beating the Steelers in thrilling fashion to get to the AFC Championship, this might be a different ending for the Jags. The Jaguars' defense is what is truly carrying this team. Their defense is second in yards allowed, points allowed, sacks, and passing yards allowed. Therefore, the Jags are hungry to show that the Patriots' legacy is not enough to swipe away their chances at a Super Bowl spot. ​

​Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Minnesota Vikings are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles for the NFC Championship Game. Both teams are comeback stories in a one way or another. The Eagles have not participated in a conference championship game since winning the NFC Championship in 2004. With many NFC East titles under their belt, the team has still not managed to find themselves back in Super Bowl territory. As far as Super Bowl wins, the Eagles have not wrangled a Super Bowl win since 1960. In addition, the Eagles are fighting against the loss of their starting quarterback Carson Wentz, now replaced with Nick Foles. Foles has carried the team during their time of need, and fans can only hope he can maintain control during these important games. The Eagles are also fortunate to play the NFC Championship game at home, so home advantage is on their side. Lastly, the Eagles have held an excellent defensive season that make them a prime candidate for this battle.

​However, the Vikings have also held a tight, successful defensive line during this season. Quarterback Case Keenum has led the offense to a surprising and thrilling season of success. The Vikings are playing in the NFC Championship for the first time since 2009 and are entering the vital games with an 11-1 record during the last twelve games of the season. The team has not won a championship since before the AFL-NFL merger in 1969, similar to the Eagles. Their last conference championship was also years prior in 1976. Therefore, the team is hungry for a major success mark this season. The Vikings pulled off a tremendous win over the Saints to make it to the NFC Championship game. Winning 29-24 in a last-minute finish, the Vikings proved that they are not a team to sleep on.

Written by Jenna

Last evening (July 12th, 2017) marked the highly anticipated ESPY Awards- a high class event that was designed to recognize top-performing athletes, and affiliates of various sporting organizations. This year marked the 25th annual ceremony, and it was hosted in Los Angeles, California.

Narrated by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, this event was full of honorable, tear-jerking stories, accompanied by good humor to lighten the mood. Manning poked fun at several different athletes (although Kevin Durant wasn’t a fan) before rolling out the actual awards. 
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Aside from recognizing top performing players, the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award show also accredits noble individuals who have made a difference within the sports community. This year there were several heart-warming awards given to extremely deserving individuals including:

• The Pat Tillman Award for Service: Granted to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro, who survived a devastating explosion during his tour in Afghanistan in 2005. He was told he had a 15% chance of survival, and despite his injuries, he made a recovery and even re-enlisted in the air-force a couple of years later. 

 

• The Jimmy V Perseverance Award: Given to 15 year-old Jarrius Robertson who has a debilitating liver disease. In just 13 years, he has undergone 15 surgeries, yet he continues to be positive, and show his endless love and enthusiasm for sports. Robertson is a legend in the sports community, and he acts as a reporter, performing interviews with the players at major awards shows. 

 

• The Asher Ashe Courage Award: Former first lady Michelle Obama honored the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver with this award for her role in founding the Special Olympics.

For a complete list of winners click here! 

Written by Tara