While most Americans took in the first Saturday of college football, there were quite a few hockey related stories, including the Coyotes signing one of their 2012 draft picks. Links today include some love for Mike Smith, some bad news for a certain former Coyotes owner, and a look back at a monumental moment in international hockey history.

Links after the jump...

Coyotes News

Jordan Martinook; three-years entry level contract - Five For Howling
Ed Chavez reports the 58th overall pick in the Entry Draft has Portland in his future.

Countdown to Coyotes Preseason: 23 Days - Five For Howling
Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the feature in yesterday's Countdown to Coyotes Preseason.

Rant Sports Top 100 NHL Players: No. 100 Mike Smith
If Smitty can repeat his performance from last season, I'd expect him to move up a couple spots on this list.

News From Around the Hockey World

It's time to get over who's right and who's wrong in collective bargaining discussions - ESPN
Scott Burnside just wants them to figure it out, as we all do.

Peter Mueller ready to get back on track with Florida Panthers next season - NHL Update | bettor.com
The former Coyote looks to put his concussion issues behind him in Florida.

Labor strife has NHL on edge again - latimes.com
Helene Elliot of the Los Angeles Times on how the bright future of the post-lockout NHL darkened so quickly.

Seattle investor has all the land he needs to build a new arena | ProHockeyTalk
Seattle would be a great place for a hockey team, just not ours.

The Predators and Avalanche need to find a new ride | ProHockeyTalk
Jerry Moyes has found a way to screw over other NHL teams too.

You can kick the puck in now in Sweden | ProHockeyTalk
The much maligned "distinct kicking motion" bites the dust in Sweden.

NHL marketing report card for the 2011-12 season | Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports
See how the NHL's marketing efforts fared as judged by Cheryl Adams.

The Final Howl

In Hockey’s ’72 Summit Series Between Canada and Soviet Union, Cold War Got Colder - NYTimes.com