As the N.H.L. opens its 2008-9 season, the league moves further away from its former financial troubles, and by my many measures, it has engineered a turnaround.

The interior of the N.H.L.’s new headquarters in Midtown Manhattan is a montage of materials and wintry colors that reflect the game of hockey.

Canada’s CTV network purchased the exclusive rights to a beloved hockey theme song associated to a program on a rival broadcaster.

Mr. McConnell was a self-made steel magnate and sports enthusiast who borrowed $600 against his car to establish what became a multibillion-dollar company and later brought professional hockey to Columbus, Ohio.