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November 2, 2009
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
HOMETOWN HEROICS
Six years ago, Kuopio KalPa forward Tuomas Kiiskinen won the Jr. B (players under 17) scoring title in Finland. Now, the 23-year-old Kuopio native is tearing up the SM-liiga, leading the scoring race with eight goals and 16 points, while helping his team to a 6-3-3 record. Kiiskinen has clearly taken the next step. He was SM-liiga player of the month in September and been held off the scoresheet just twice in 12 games. The 5-foot-7 Kiiskinen is called ‘Maltsev of Niirala’, a nickname coined by former elite player Hannu Kapanen, the father of former NHLer Sami Kapanen. It’s a reference to former Soviet great Aleksandr Maltsev, who was known for his creative style of play and good skating. Kiiskinen demonstrates both characteristics while playing in Kuopio’s home rink, Niirala. Kiiskinen has improved…
Nashville
GLUE GUY The Preds have plenty of players involved in leading the squad. But one player who seems to make an impact with all his teammates is veteran Steve Sullivan. The 35-year-old winger earned additional respect last season, first for winning the Masterton Trophy and then by choosing to re-sign in Nashville instead of heading elsewhere. Sullivan is a vocal presence in the dressing room and is passionate about the team’s on-ice tactics, as evidenced by the lengthy talks he has with assistant coach Peter Horachek, who is in charge of the power play. Sullivan is one of the Preds’ few elder statesmen, but makes an effort to mingle with youngsters, too.…
BAYDA TO THE MAX
For the first time since he turned pro in 2002, left winger Ryan Bayda spent the entire 2008-09 season in the NHL. The speedy Bayda played 70 games for Carolina and another 15 in the playoffs as the surprising Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference final. Bayda, 28, wasn’t re-signed by the Canes and wound up in camp with the team that ended their season, the defending Stanley Cup-champion Pittsburgh Penguins, on a tryout. A two-way deal ultimately landed him back in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, following previous stops in Albany, Manitoba and Lowell. He had 36 goals and 71 points in 76 games over his past two AHL seasons, with 40 points in 179 career NHL games. “When he comes down here, he doesn’t change his game,” said coach Todd Reirden. “He just has…
Dallas
GLUE GUY Stars goalie Marty Turco is as intertwined within the social fabric of his team as any NHL player. Turco won the 2005-06 NHL Foundation Award for his charity work; he has helped indoctrinate younger players such as Trevor Daley and Steve Ott into the NHL; and, he was behind the prank where players secretly “pimped” Matt Niskanen’s Sunbird in 2007. And yet, Turco has been trying to pull back some in the wake of a 2008-09 campaign that was one of the worst of his career. Still, it is clear he’s still a strong presence in the dressing room. The question Turco still is trying to answer, though, is whether or not goalie glue can hold a team together or just gum it up.…
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