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December 28, 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.
BULLISH BLUELINER
THAT HE REFUSED to accept the premise of the question tells you plenty about the assertiveness of Hamilton Bulldogs rookie defenseman P.K. Subban. Has the swift-skating blueliner lost any sleep over the worry he might just be too much of a rover for any number of NHL coaches? “Nope, never,” said Montreal’s 2007 second round draft pick (43rd overall). “I think a lot of people have underestimated my defensive game, for what reason I don’t know. I played in the world juniors and against other teams’ top lines. “Having a good junior career, I think a lot of (your question) is because my offensive game is good and sometimes it might overshadow my defense.” After a stellar junior career with the Ontario League’s Belleville Bulls and a WJC gold medal with Team Canada last…
TUMULTUOUS TIME PERIOD
THE GRATEFUL DEAD said it best: Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it’s been… The words from the iconic song Truckin’ sum up what has transpired in and around the NHL since the annual People of Power & Influence list last graced the pages of The Hockey News. Hit rewind on the PVR. Wasn’t it a year ago when commissioner Gary Bettman was telling anyone and everyone who would listen the Phoenix Coyotes were on financially stable ground? And Paul Kelly? Wasn’t he firmly in charge of the NHL Players’ Association? Now hit pause. The Coyotes’ bankruptcy saga brought to light the seamier side of the NHL and shows how the commish played with words when he spoke about the economic health of the financially strapped team. Bettman isn’t Pinocchio, but if nothing else, we’ve…
Florida
1. 2000 PLAYOFFS This was the last time the Cats played in the post-season and while the appearance was brief – Florida was swept in Round 1 by New Jersey – fans of this woebegone franchise look at that time with nothing but fondness. And that’s pretty sad. 2. GOODBYE, FRIENDS The Panthers have had some great young players, but most of them are gone now. Roberto Luongo, Pavel Bure, Olli Jokinen, Jay Bouwmeester; all are one-time Cats who were moved out for little or less. 3. DRAFT DAZE When they have the No. 1 pick, they trade it; when they don’t, they make other draft-day deals, be it moving out Luongo or stealing Tomas Vokoun during Nashville’s money purge.…
Austria
PREDICTION: 8th BEST PLAYERS The only player on the Austrian roster with major junior experience is defenseman Stefan Ulmer, who is in his third season with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, with whom he won a Memorial Cup. He almost single-handedly led the Austrians to the championship in Division 1B in 2009, scoring five goals and 11 points and going plus-12 in six games. Fellow defenseman Fabian Scholz had five points last year. OUTLOOK Austria is making just its third appearance in the top division of the world juniors and hasn’t been here since 2004 when Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek was its star player. But one thing the Austrian team has in its favor is that a lot of players are back from last year’s promotion team, so it won’t be fodder.…
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