County & Country Night - Windsor Express
2026-03-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh St, Windsor, Ontario, N8S 0A1, Canada
County & Country Night – Windsor Express
Saddle up, Windsor!
Join us for County & Country Night this Friday, March 13th as the Windsor Express take on the Montreal Toundra at the WFCU Centre.
It’s shaping up to be a night full of country fun and exciting basketball action you won’t want to miss.
Doors open at 6:00pm, so arrive early and enjoy the festivities happening throughout the concourse. Fans can also head down to the floor to test their axe throwing skills.
Grab your cowboy hats and boots, bring your friends and family, and get ready for a western-style showdown on the court.
Tickets are available now online or in-person at the WFCU Centre Box Office.
We’ll see you Friday night!

2026 NFL Draft
2026-04-23 - 2026-04-26 | Acrisure Stadium, Heinz St,, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
2026 NFL Draft
The 91st edition of the NFL Draft will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1948.
The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft is entering its final stretch, and league insiders agree on one thing: unpredictability will define this year’s event. With quarterback‑needy teams stacked at the top of the order, a deep class of offensive playmakers, and several elite defensive prospects rising late in the process, front offices across the league are preparing for a chaotic opening night.
At the center of the conversation is the quarterback class, which scouts have described as “high‑ceiling but volatile.” Multiple teams in the top ten are expected to pursue a franchise passer, setting the stage for aggressive trade‑up scenarios. Several general managers have hinted that they’re willing to move future first‑round picks to secure their preferred prospect, a sign of how competitive the market has become. While no consensus QB1 has emerged, the class is widely viewed as one of the most physically gifted groups in recent years.
Just behind the quarterbacks is a wide receiver class that evaluators believe could reshape offenses across the league. With several prospects projected to go in the first round—and as many as 20 receivers carrying top‑three‑round grades—teams looking for explosive playmakers will have no shortage of options. Many analysts expect a run on receivers in the middle of the first round, potentially pushing defensive talent down the board.
Speaking of defense, this year’s edge rusher and cornerback groups have surged in the final months of the pre‑draft cycle. A handful of pass rushers have impressed scouts with rare athletic testing and refined technique, prompting some teams to reconsider their offensive‑heavy draft boards. Meanwhile, the cornerback class features multiple long, physical defenders who fit the modern NFL’s demand for versatility against spread offenses.
One of the biggest storylines heading into draft week is the trade landscape. Several veteran players—particularly at wide receiver and offensive tackle—have been the subject of trade rumors as teams explore ways to maneuver the board. With salary‑cap pressures mounting for playoff contenders, draft‑week trades involving established starters are considered more likely than in previous years.
The draft’s location is also generating excitement. Fans are expected to flood the host city for a multi‑day festival atmosphere, complete with concerts, interactive exhibits, and team‑specific fan zones. The NFL has leaned heavily into transforming the draft into a marquee entertainment event, and early indicators suggest this year’s turnout could break attendance records.
As teams finalize their boards, the league’s decision‑makers are emphasizing preparation for every possible scenario. Several front offices have reportedly run more simulations than ever before, anticipating a first round where one unexpected pick could trigger a chain reaction across the league.
With so many variables in play—quarterback uncertainty, deep skill‑position talent, rising defensive prospects, and a volatile trade market—the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a spectacle from the opening selection to the final announcement of the night. And if early buzz is any indication, fans should brace for surprises, bold moves, and the kind of drama that has made the draft one of the NFL’s most anticipated annual events.

2026 NHL Draft Lottery
2026-05-05 - 2026-05-06
2026 NHL Draft Lottery
The National Hockey League has announced that the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 5. The Draft Lottery will be conducted at NHL Network’s Secaucus, N.J., studio, with the event broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports at a time to be announced.
This year’s NHL Draft Lottery broadcast will once again feature a LIVE drawing of the lottery balls. Viewers will be able to follow along and learn the results at the same time as the Draft Lottery participants. As each lottery ball is drawn, odds change and teams are eliminated. The viewing audience learns which clubs are still in the running in real time.
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will determine the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the first round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Participants are all teams that did not qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs (or the teams that have acquired the first-round drafting positions of those non-playoff teams).
The Lottery will be conducted in two phases, the first to determine the first overall pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft and the second to determine the second overall pick. There is a limit on the total number of selections (10) a team participating in the Draft Lottery can “move up” in the event it wins one of the Lottery Draws. Thus, only the top 11 seeds will be eligible to receive the first overall Draft pick.
The allocation of odds for the 1st Lottery Draw of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is as follows:

Teams (Fewest Points to Most)

Odds

Combinations (out of 1,000)

Vancouver Canucks

18.5%

185

Chicago Blackhawks

13.5%

135

New York Rangers

11.5%

115

Calgary Flames

9.5%

95

Toronto Maple Leafs (cond. to BOS) *

8.5%

85

Seattle Kraken

7.5%

75

Winnipeg Jets

6.5%

65

Florida Panthers

6.0%

60

San Jose Sharks

5.0%

50

Nashville Predators

3.5%

35

St. Louis Blues

3.0%

30

New Jersey Devils

2.5%

25

New York Islanders

2.0%

20

Columbus Blue Jackets

1.5%

15

St. Louis Blues (from DET)

0.5%

5

Washington Capitals

0.5%

5

* Under the terms of a March 7, 2025 trade between Toronto and Boston, if Toronto’s 1st-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is a top 5 pick following the 2026 Draft Lottery, Toronto will instead transfer its 2027 or 2028 1st-round pick to Boston.
NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, where Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna tops the list of North America-based skaters and Frolunda (Swedish Hockey League) left wing Ivar Stenberg leads all international-based skaters.
The NHL Draft returns to Buffalo for the first time in a decade with the Sabres set to host the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday, June 26 (Round 1: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports) and Saturday, June 27 (Rounds 2-7: 10 a.m. ET on NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet) at KeyBank Center.

ICHA Fishing Derby
2026-06-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Assumption Park, Assumption Park, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
ICHA Fishing Derby
The Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association (ICHA) is an organization that works closely with individuals with a physical or intellectual disability living in our community.
We are again planning to host the 24th Annual Fishing Derby which offers these wonderfully gifted people the opportunity to go fishing. The event will be supervised by local pro-fisherman in a controlled atmosphere to ensure maximum safety and fun.
The ICHA Fishing Derby will be a live release program, supported by the MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources), OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters), The Canadian Coast Guard, Outdoors Companies and Local Bait & Tackle Shops. Sponsored by CCS & Ground Effects.
Also attending this year’s event, Italo Labignan, host of the Canadian SportFishing TV Show.
A picnic is planned with entertainment provided by Music Express, Canada’s premier show-band, Magic Show by ATTILA and the Snow Sister’s from Enchanted Adventure Parties! Prizes will be given out to all participants. Anything that you and your company would like to contribute to the ICHA Fishing Derby on June 6, 2026 would be greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, or if you would like more information, please feel free to contact me at 519-984-1860 or e-mail pat.pagano@sympatico.ca . I would also encourage you to visit and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IchaFishingDerby/?fref=ts
Respectfully yours,
Pat Pagano
Fishing Derby / Founder & Director

Johnny Loaring Classic
2026-06-07 09:30 - 17:30 | Alumni Stadium, University of Windsor, 2555 College Avenue, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
Johnny Loaring Classic
The Windsor Essex Athletics Club is proud has announced the return of the Johnny Loaring Classic in 2026, bringing elite track and field competition back to Alumni Stadium at the University of Windsor for one of Canada’s premier athletics meets.
Named in honour of Windsor’s Olympic medalist, the Johnny Loaring Classic has been established to be a critical stop on Athletics Canada’s National Tour, attracting top Canadian and International athletes. The meet continues to provide an important competition opportunity for emerging and established athletes alike, pursuing national standards, international qualifying marks, and World Athletics ranking opportunities.
Hosted by the Windsor Essex Athletics Club, the Johnny Loaring Classic has earned a reputation for outstanding performances, strong competition, and an exciting atmosphere for both athletes and spectators. Featuring a full slate of track and field events, the meet further highlights Windsor’s growing reputation as a destination for high-level athletics competition.
“The Johnny Loaring Classic represents the rich tradition of track and field excellence in Windsor-Essex and across Canada,” said Brett Lumley, Meet Director. “We are excited to once again welcome outstanding athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to Alumni Stadium for what promises to be another exceptional competition experience.”
The 2026 edition of the meet is expected to feature athletes representing not only Canada and the United States but will also include Jamaica, Nigeria, Britain, France, the Bahamas and Mexico. Organizers anticipate another highly competitive field as many athletes are looking to punch their ticket to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In addition to elite competition, the event provides local fans and aspiring young athletes with the opportunity to experience high-performance athletics firsthand while celebrating the continued growth of the sport throughout the Windsor-Essex community.

2026 NBA DRAFT
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-25 | Barclays Center
2026 NBA DRAFT
The 2026 NBA Draft will take place June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. June 23: First Round (ABC, ESPN, ESPN App) June 24: Second Round (ESPN, ESPN App) Coverage on ESPN platforms will begin at 8 p.m. ET both nights.

2026-27 NHL Regular-Season Schedule
2026-07-15 20:00 - 2026-07-16 13:00
2026-27 NHL Regular-Season Schedule Announcement
Opening Night Matchups Will Be Set on July 15; Each Team to Play Two Additional Divisional Games, Expanding Season to 84 Games Per Team and 1,344 Overall
On Wednesday, July 15, the League will unveil opening night matchups, which will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN in the U.S. and on Sportsnet in Canada. The announcement will be made during the day, prior to the 2026 ESPY Awards (8 p.m. ET, ABC), that will feature several NHL nominees, including the 2026 Olympic Gold Medal-winning USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey team for Best Team. Wednesday’s announcement will also detail the League’s 2026-27 signature events.
The following day, on Thursday, July 16, the complete 2026-27 NHL regular-season schedule is set to be announced at 1 p.m. ET. Coming off the 2025-26 season that saw record-breaking viewership and attendance, the 2026-27 regular-season schedule will feature 1,344 games – 84 games per team – which includes two additional divisional games per team.

Windsor Express Expands Trades On Tour Program
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-25
Windsor Express Expands Trades On Tour Program with Second Annual Skilled Trades Camp and New Girls-Only Camp
The Windsor Express is proud to announce the return of its Trades On Tour Skilled Trades Camp, taking place July 20-24, 2026, and the launch of a new Trades On
Tour Skilled Trades Camp for Girls running July 27-31, 2026.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural camp, the Windsor Express is expanding the program to provide even more opportunities for youth to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades. The organization has partnered with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST) to deliver a dedicated camp experience exclusively for girls ages 11-14, designed to introduce participants to women leaders and professionals working throughout the skilled trades sector. The Trades On Tour Camp was developed as an extension of the Windsor Express’ annual Express to the Trades Skilled Trades Career Expo, an initiative the organization has hosted for the past five years prior to select home games at the WFCU Centre. The camp provides youth with a hands-on opportunity to further explore the skilled trades through direct engagement with industry professionals and workplace environments.
“We are excited to continue growing the Trades On Tour program and creating meaningful opportunities for youth to explore careers in the skilled trades,” said Dartis Willis, President & CEO of the Windsor Express. “The skilled trades offer incredible career pathways that are essential to our community. Through these camps, we are helping young people discover opportunities they may not have previously considered while connecting them with professionals who can inspire their future career journeys.” The girls-only camp marks an important milestone for the program and aims to encourage greater participation of young women in the skilled trades by providing mentorship and learning experiences led by women working in the industry.
“WEST is thrilled to partner with the Windsor Express to deliver this unique opportunity for young girls in our community,” said Rose Anguiano Hurst, Executive Director of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor. “Representation matters. By connecting girls with successful women working in the skilled trades, we can help break down barriers, build confidence, and demonstrate the wide range of rewarding career opportunities available to them. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of skilled trades
professionals.”
Both camp weeks will offer participants an engaging and educational experience through:

Guided tours of skilled trades facilities
Interactive workshops and hands-on activities
Industry speaker presentations and Q&A sessions
Exposure to a variety of skilled trades career pathways

As an added bonus, every participant will receive camp swag and a Windsor Express ticket voucher. Space is limited for both camps. For more information to register, visit www.windsorexpress.ca

2027 NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium
2027-02-20 20:00 - 22:30 | AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX, 76011, United States
Outdoor Hockey Returns to Texas With 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium
Dallas Stars to be Home Team in Outdoor Game for Second Time on February 20, 2027
The Dallas Stars will play in the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, on Saturday, February 20, the National Hockey League announced today. The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and be broadcast on ABC. The Stars’ opponent will be announced at a later date.
“The National Hockey League is thrilled to bring the spectacle of an NHL Stadium Series game to Arlington and one of the world’s most spectacular sports settings, AT&T Stadium,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “Ever since its opening in 2009, Jerry Jones has been advocating for an outdoor game at this amazing venue. And we are delighted to partner with the Cowboys and Stars — two franchises dedicated to the fans of North Texas — and to create another unique fan experience for a market that has long been a hockey success story and welcomed us so enthusiastically when the 2020 NHL Winter Classic was played at the Cotton Bowl.”
“Hosting the NHL Stadium Series with the Dallas Stars is another great example of the vision we’ve always had for what AT&T Stadium could be beyond football,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “The game will be another proud moment for us and being able to provide a world class fan and team experience in partnership with two outstanding organizations, the NHL and the Stars, will be very special.”
“Our organization is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series at AT&T Stadium,” Dallas Stars Owner and Governor Tom Gaglardi said. “Five years ago, the 2020 NHL Winter Classic was a celebration of the growth and success of hockey in the Lone Star State, which was the third-highest attended Outdoor Game in League history. We have no doubt that our upcoming Stadium Series game will be met with the same enthusiasm and passion from our fanbase. We would like to thank NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones and the entire Jones family for their support in making this game a reality. AT&T Stadium is one of the premier entertainment venues in the world and is the perfect place to host our next outdoor game.”
This marks the second time the Stars and the state of Texas will serve as hosts of an NHL outdoor game. The Stars defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 before a sold-out crowd of 85,630 at the Cotton Bowl in the 2020 NHL Winter Classic. A complete history of NHL regular-season outdoor games can be found here.
Additional details about the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, including ticketing information will be announced when available. Fans can sign up for news and updates here.
Located in Arlington, Texas, AT&T Stadium has played host to numerous major events since its 2009 opening, including Super Bowl XLV in 2011, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the 2018 NFL Draft. The stadium has been a regular host for the Big 12 Conference Championship Game, and annual host of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, since 2010.
Outside of professional and college football, AT&T Stadium hosted the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Division I Final Four, numerous CONCACAF soccer matches and WrestleMania 32 (2016) and 38 (2022). Prior to the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™, the venue will host nine FIFA World Cup matches during Summer 2026, from the group stage through a semi-final.
Dallas has qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in six of the last seven seasons. During that span, the Stars have reached the last three Western Conference Finals and the 2020 Stanley Cup® Final.
