BC-Sports Showcase Digest

A look ahead to top enterprise and feature stories planned globally by AP Sports. New digests will go out each Thursday and Monday and will be repeated on other weekdays. Please note that story plans may change depending on news and other issues.

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As with all our operations, we welcome and want your feedback. If you have thoughts or questions about the Sports Showcase Digest or the material listed, please reach out to Oskar Garcia, deputy sports editor for presentation and storytelling, at 215-446-6632 or at ogarcia@ap.org.

All times are Eastern.

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WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5

HKN_AROUND THE NHL

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — USA Hockey has developed the nation's top players for more than two-plus decades, producing a quartet of No. 1 overall picks in the NHL draft, including Auston Matthews and Patrick Kane. The next one, Jack Hughes, may be the best one. The dynamic, smooth-skating center is the most talented player the National Team Development Program has ever had, according to one of its original staff members. By Hockey Writer Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos by 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5.

MONDAY, Dec. 10

SOC--REAL MADRID-WOMEN'S TEAM

MADRID — In a speech during Real Madrid's most recent general assembly, president Florentino Perez spoke proudly about how eSports will be part of the club's future. Perez also talked about a possible Real Madrid theme park in the Spanish capital. But when asked about when the club was going to create a women's team, Perez didn't answer the question. The club that calls itself the best in the world remains far behind other top European teams when it comes to women in soccer. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos by 3 a.m. Monday.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12

LITTLE LEAGUE FOR ESPORTS

NEW YORK — The esports industry is expected to soon eclipse $1 billion, yet the U.S. amateur system is almost entirely unorganized. Super League Gaming is hoping to fill that void, with CEO Ann Hand envisioning it as "Little League for esports." The national organization welcomes gamers as young as 6 and provides uniforms, instruction and a supervised space for boys and girls to competitively play games like Minecraft and League of Legends. Pro-level executives are hopeful about Super League's potential, hoping it can help close the gap between the U.S and countries like South Korea, where players are being tabbed for esports stardom before they're even teenagers. By Jake Seiner. UPCOMING: 1,000 words, photos, video by 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12.

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Again, if you have questions about the Sports Showcase Digest or the material listed, please reach out to Oskar Garcia at 215-446-6632 or ogarcia@ap.org.

Thanks,

AP Sports