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DeCoursey is a Sport Entertainment Management major at the University of North Texas G. Brint Ryan College of Business, graduating in December 2026. In addition to his studies for his major, DeCoursey took on a minor in Sports Media with the Mayborn School of Journalism that has given him opportunities to write articles, deliver play-by-play analysis, and work on news style video packages. Having grown up in the Chicagoland area, DeCoursey grew a great appreciation for the Chicago based sports teams. With the Lead, he has an opportunity to write about the Original Six Chicago Blackhawks. In addition to writing for the Lead, DeCoursey also has also spent that last six months as a Writing/Editorial intern for the Northern American Hockey League (NAHL).

26 Articles
Apr 13, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
NHL

The NHL Needs to Reform the No Trade Clause

Dylan Larkin dominated headlines before the 2026-27 NHL season even started. Along with a few American Olympians, Larkin asked to be traded from the...

October 12, 2026
Mar 30, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates during warms ups before the game against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

NHL Pacific Division Preview: How Far Can the Sharks Rise?

In part one of The Lead’s Pacific Division preview, one team rose even more after last year. In a weak division, there was...

September 30, 2026
Apr 16, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings center Scott Laughton (21) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
NHL

NHL Pacific Division Preview: Are the Kings Playoff Bound?

Last year, the Pacific Division featured some intriguing rosters. Regardless, it was largely considered the weakest in the NHL. It had the lowest...

September 25, 2026
May 13, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) celebrates his goal with center Martin Necas (88) and center Brock Nelson (11) and ]center Nazem Kadri (91) and defenseman Brent Burns (84) in the third period against the Minnesota Wild in game five of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

NHL Central Division Preview: Can the Avalanche Repeat?

In part one of The Lead’s division preview, the non-playoff teams were intriguing. Last season’s Central Division playoff teams seem likely to stick...

September 22, 2026
Mar 8, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar (91) and center Ryan Donato (8) celebrate the game tying goal scored by center Connor Bedard (not pictured) against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

NHL Central Division Preview: Are the Blackhawks Prone to Rise?

The NHL’s Central Division was arguably the most competitive in the 2025-26 season. In a season with more competitive rosters than usual, the...

September 19, 2026
Oct 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates his goal against the Ottawa Senators with center Frank Nazar (91) during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
NHL

Connor Bedard Should Captain the Chicago Blackhawks’ Leadership Group

Who’s captaining the Chicago Blackhawks has been a topic of discussion ever since the team traded Nick Foligno at last year’s trade deadline....

September 1, 2026
Nov 7, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
NHL

Expectations for Patrick Kane’s Return to Chicago Are Too High

It’s showtime again in Chicago. Patrick Kane is back where it all began, signing a 2-year contract to likely finish his career as...

August 21, 2026
Mar 3, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (98) during the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
NHL

The Chicago Blackhawks Have Five Years to Win a Stanley Cup

Connor Bedard‘s new five-year contract is so much more than an extension for one individual hockey player. It is symbolic of the Chicago...

August 3, 2026
Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) celebrates after a goal is scored against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
NHL

With Connor Bedard Injured, Who Will Step up for the Blackhawks?

After an unfortunate shoulder injury during offseason training, the Chicago Blackhawks will be without their superstar to start the season. https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/2074932007746842910?s=20 Connor Bedard...

July 22, 2026
Apr 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Louis Crevier (46) celebrates his second goal against the San Jose Sharks with left wing Tyler Bertuzzi (59) during the third period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

The Chicago Blackhawks Nailed the NHL Entry Draft

Even without a first-round selection, the Chicago Blackhawks left the NHL draft smiling. After trading away the fourth overall pick for Bowen Byram,...

July 1, 2026
Dec 11, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) handles the puck against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

Bowen Byram Has a Chance to Reform the Blackhawks’ Blueline

The Chicago Blackhawks made their first big trade of the 2026-27 season. Bowen Byram is now their top defenseman. https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/2069595786367606965?s=20 At first, the...

June 26, 2026
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The draft board is seen following the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
NHLTrending

NHL First-Round Mock Draft: Will Ivar Stenberg Fall Past No. 2?

The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is on the doorstep. For rebuilding teams, this event is an opportunity to draft cornerstone players for years...

June 23, 2026
Unknown Date, 1992; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Steve Larmer (28) in action against the Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
NHL

Who Are the Best Chicago Blackhawks Draft Picks?

As draft season approaches, prospects rise and fall. The Chicago Blackhawks have built through the draft since day one of the Kyle Davidson...

June 10, 2026
Jan 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Members of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Champions being honored before an NHL hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
NHL

What Can the Blackhawks Learn From Their Rise of the 2000’s?

The Blackhawks’ rebuild should be nearing its end. In many ways, the time spent building through the draft mirrors the construction of their...

June 3, 2026