The USA Today High School Sports Awards returns for 2025 with a series of 19 local shows celebrating outstanding high school athletes across the United States. Each show will recognize over 300 local athletes and present prestigious Player of the Year awards in nearly 30 different sports. Key awards include Boys and Girls Athletes of the Year, Teams of the Year, and Coaches of the Year, along with Courage Awards highlighting remarkable achievements.

The events span from April to June, with notable guest speakers such as NFL stars Ryan O'Reilly and C.J. Hanson, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets are often free or available at reasonable costs, making these events accessible for families and local communities.

The Florida Panthers halted their five-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, showcasing a strong performance from Eetu Luostarinen, who opened the scoring early in the third period. The Panthers also saw contributions from Gustav Forsling and an empty-netter from Carter Verhaeghe. Florida's goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was crucial, making 17 saves to secure the win. For the Maple Leafs, John Tavares netted his 37th goal of the season, but it was not enough to keep their four-game winning streak alive.

The Panthers welcomed back Aleksander Barkov after a brief injury absence, but they also faced challenges with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk sidelined, adding pressure as they aim for playoff positioning. The team is now just four points behind the Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division, intensifying the race for playoff seeding. Toronto, despite the loss, has been strong this season against Florida, although the Panthers have boasted a favorable record against them recently.

As the NHL season winds down, it's crucial for fantasy hockey enthusiasts to capitalize on emerging players in daily fantasy sports (DFS). This April 2, 2025, lineup includes standout picks across all positions. Goalie Logan Thompson is a key choice against the Carolina Hurricanes, while Aatu Raty, a rising center for the Vancouver Canucks, offers excellent value at a low price, having recently scored three goals in his last four games.

On the wing, Jaden Schwartz from the Seattle Kraken boasts impressive recent stats, with a stellar return on investment in his last five outings. Defensively, Sam Malinski of the Colorado Avalanche is making waves by filling in for an injured player and consistently racking up shots and blocks. Utilizing these players can give DFS players a competitive edge amidst a crowded slate.

Joey Larson, a promising forward hailing from Michigan State University, has opted to turn professional, signing a one-year entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. After a heartbreaking loss to Cornell in the NCAA tournament, Larson quickly shifted focus to his childhood dream of playing in the NHL. Despite not being drafted, he impressed during development camps with several NHL teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators. In his final season with MSU, Larson recorded 10 goals and 14 assists in 37 games, contributing to the Spartans' strong performance.

As the first former player from Hartland High School to secure an NHL contract, Larson acknowledges the pivotal role his collegiate career played in his development as a player. He expressed both sadness about leaving MSU, which has re-established itself as a competitive program under coach Adam Nightingale, and excitement for his new opportunity with the Islanders. Currently, he is training with the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate, and is eager to showcase his skills on the professional stage.

The Colorado Avalanche have made a significant move by signing Taylor Makar to a one-year entry-level contract for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Makar, 24, is the younger brother of Avalanche star Cale Makar and was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. With a standout season at Maine, where he netted 18 goals and 30 points after transferring from UMass, Makar is set to join the Colorado Eagles immediately on an amateur tryout contract. This means he can participate in the remaining games this season and is eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Despite Maine's early exit from the NCAA tournament, Makar's performance has been noteworthy, showing promise for a bright future in the NHL. His entry-level contract indicates the Avalanche's trust in his potential to contribute significantly to their lineup in the seasons to come.