Little League Weekend concluded with the New York Mets defeating the Seattle Mariners, 7-3. It was a fun time where young baseball players saw superstars like Juan Soto (with his loads of money), Cal Raleigh (with his big dumper), and Pete Alonso (with his home run power).
Overall, it highlights being a kid and the game's innocence. You also get viral moments like this.
Long live the pride of New Jersey known as Big Al. Keep hitting 'dem dingers.
Anyways, Vegas Golden Knights fans were watching some youngsters hit homers and strike out batters. All of this was in anticipation of the upcoming NHL season (which can't come soon enough, by the way).
What if the NHL had something similar to the Little League Classic?
The NHL could learn something from Major League Baseball and capitalize on the amateur-NHL connection. They have a similar showcase where NHL teams play in, say, London (Ontario, not England) or Saginaw for a regular season game. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, the Vegas Golden Knights, or the Toronto Maple Leafs could get involved and sell the game on another level.
Imagine TNT or ESPN (although I hate the idea of Disney ruining something like this) getting involved by airing the game. Hearing Kenny Albert and Eddie Olczyk call the game and interview up-and-coming hockey stars would resonate well with fans everywhere.
Capitalizing on the fondness for amateur hockey among hardcore fans would bolster this game. It would highlight the journey NHL players have with their former leagues, whether that's the OHL, WHL, or the USHL.
The most passionate NHL fans love the Winter Classic and the Stadium Series since it's a throwback to playing on the pond (or outdoors, in general). Why not go through the journey of making the NHL by looking at the amateur hockey scene?