Sports
Claude Lemieux's family to donate his brain to CTE research
Jan. 20, 2009; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Claude Lemieux (32) warms up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images Claude Lemieux’s family said Saturday that the four-time Stanley Cup champion’s brain will be donated to CTE research following his death at age 60 on Thursday.
Lemieux committed suicide, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday. He was found at a furniture store that Lemieux and his wife owned in Lake Park, Fla., per the reports.
“In the hope that Claude’s life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury,” the family said in a statement released by daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop. “The family has also given permission for the CTE Center to identify Claude by name in connection with his donation and any findings it may publicly share in accordance with its research protocols.
“The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”
Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL and was awarded the 1994-95 Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He won two Stanley Cup titles with the New Jersey Devils (1994-95, 1999-2000) and one each with the Colorado Avalanche (1995-96) and Montreal Canadiens (1985-86).
Lemieux recorded 158 points (80 goals, 78 assists) and 529 penalty minutes in 234 playoff games. He had a team-leading 10 goals and four game-winning goals in aiding the Canadiens to their 23rd Stanley Cup title in 1985-86.
“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” the family said, referring to his role as an agent. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”
Known as a fierce competitor with a physical side, he skated a fine line between being a clutch scorer and an agitator.
Lemieux had 786 points (379 goals, 407 assists) and 1,777 penalty minutes in 1,215 regular-season contests with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, then-Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks.
“The Lemieux family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, opponents, organizations and friends across the hockey community,” the family said in the statement. “The stories being shared of Claude’s competitiveness, humor, loyalty and unmistakable presence have brought comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. The family asks only for continued prayers.”
The Quebec native was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft.
On Monday, Lemieux greeted the Montreal crowd by carrying the torch into the Bell Centre prior to the start of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.
“The family recognizes that there has been public reporting about the circumstances of Claude’s death,” the family said in the statement. “Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who loved him. Anyone in crisis or emotional distress in the United States can call or text 988 for confidential support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Jocelyn Briski shuts down Nebraska, leads Alabama to WCWS semifinals
May 28, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide starting pitcher Jocelyn Briski (23) throws a pitch in the first inning against the UCLA Bruins during the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park. Alabama won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images Marlie Giles set the tone with a three-run homer to lift Alabama into the Women’s College World Series semifinals with a 5-1 defeat of Nebraska Saturday night in Oklahoma City.
That alone proved to be enough for Alabama pitcher Jocelyn Briski, who threw a complete-game one-hitter to move the Crimson Tide (56-7) one win away from the WCWS Championship Series.
Giles added a run on a sacrifice fly, finishing with four RBIs. Leadoff hitter Jena Young was 2-for-2 with an RBI single.
Lauren Camenzind provided the only hit for Nebraska (52-8), a fourth-inning solo homer. Jordy Frahm allowed three runs over two innings in her start. She was replaced by Alexis Jensen, who struck out six over four innings but allowed two unearned runs on two hits.
Despite putting the first two batters of the home first inning on base, the Crimson Tide seemed destined to come up empty after consecutive strikeouts. Giles made sure that wasn’t the case, smashing a first-pitch homer over the wall in center to open a 3-0 lead.
Briski retired the first 11 batters of the game before allowing her lone hit and run on Camenzind’s homer. She followed by retiring 10 of the final 12 batters she faced, with the only two baserunners reaching on errors. Briski struck out six and gave up no free passes to improve to 25-3.
Nebraska, which had a 27-game win streak snapped, faces Texas Sunday in an elimination game for the right to face Tennessee in the semifinals. Alabama awaits the winner of Sunday’s other elimination game between Texas Tech and UCLA for a Monday semifinal.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Red-hot Ronald Acuna Jr. homers twice to lead Braves past Reds
May 30, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Ronald Acuna Jr. launched a pair of home runs on Saturday night to help the visiting Atlanta Braves post a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Acuna tallied his first multi-homer game of the year, hitting his third and fourth home runs in the last three games after he had just two in his first 42 games. Jorge Mateo and Matt Olson each added a solo homer for the Braves, who won their fourth game in five tries and became the first team in the majors to reach 40 wins.
Martin Perez (3-3) allowed two runs on four hits over five innings, striking out a pair and walking three.
Raisel Iglesias completed his 10th save in as many tries with a perfect ninth inning. The Braves improved to 33-0 this season when leading after eight innings.
Brady Singer (2-5) yielded three runs on four hits in five innings, walking four and striking out two. JJ Bleday hit a two-run homer for the Reds, who dropped their third straight and fell to 9-17 in the month of May.
Ozzie Albies began the second inning with a double and scored the game’s first run on Mike Yastrzemski’s RBI single.
The Reds took their first lead of the series in the bottom of the second, as Spencer Steer’s walk was followed by Bleday’s ninth homer of the season to give Cincinnati a 2-1 edge.
Acuna knotted the score in the third with his first homer of the day.
Mateo launched his third homer of the year in the top of the fifth, restoring Atlanta’s lead.
Singer then walked Acuna, Michael Harris II and Olson to load the bases with two outs. Albies popped out to end the jam.
Tejay Antone threw a scoreless sixth in relief of Singer.
Tyler Kinley took over for Perez in the bottom of the sixth, throwing just six pitches in a perfect frame.
Olson doubled the Atlanta lead with a solo blast in the seventh off reliever Brock Burke before Acuna’s 405-foot homer in the ninth off Lyon Richardson pushed the margin to three.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Blackhawks great Dennis Hull dies at 81
Oct 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the logo on the jersey of Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek (34) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Dennis Hull, a five-time All-Star forward for the Chicago Blackhawks and the younger brother of Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, died on Saturday, the team announced. He was 81.
No other details were given with the announcement from Blackhawks owner and CEO Danny Wirtz.
“The Chicago Blackhawks are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Hull earlier this morning,” Wirtz said. “Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career built on his scoring ability and consistency, leaving lasting contributions not only to the Blackhawks franchise but to the game itself.”
Hull played the first 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with Chicago (1964-77) before finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1977-78 after a trade.
He played in five All-Star Games, including four consecutive seasons from the 1970-71 through 1973-74 campaigns, and was selected a second-team NHL All-Star in the 1972-73 season.
Hull totaled 654 points (303 goals, 351 assists) and a plus-22 rating in 959 regular-season games. He also recorded 67 points (33 goals, 34 assists) in 104 playoff games. He played for the Blackhawks in three Stanley Cup Finals (1965, 1971, 1973).
on behalf of the Wirtz family and Chicago Blackhawks organization, we mourn the passing of Dennis Hull??
we extend our deepest condolences to the Hull family during this time.https://t.co/oafhCuX63g pic.twitter.com/ZptDCBfGfS
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 31, 2026
“Known around the league for his immense skill, toughness and intelligence, Dennis was as dominant on the ice as he was beloved off it,” Wirtz said. “He often drew on his sharp wit and sense of humor to keep the locker room loose, while his warmth and humility made everyone he met feel welcome.
“On behalf of the Wirtz family and the entire Blackhawks organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dennis’s family, friends and teammates, and the many fans who adored him.”
A native of Point Anne, Ontario, Canada, Hull was nicknamed the “Silver Jet” as his brother Bobby was the “Golden Jet.” Bobby Hull, who died in January 2023 at age 84, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Dennis Hull played for Canada against the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series and totaled two goals and two assists in four appearances as Canada triumphed.
–Field Level Media
Jocelyn Briski shuts down Nebraska, leads Alabama to WCWS semifinals
Red-hot Ronald Acuna Jr. homers twice to lead Braves past Reds
