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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.
100 POP
1 Gary Bettman NHL commissioner Under his leadership, the league came through the economic slowdown relatively unscathed and won the legal stare-down in Phoenix with Jim Balsillie. Bettman, 57, has a propensity for spinning everything as though it is positive and planned, but the NHL’s image still gets tarnished in the process. LAST YEAR 3 2 Alex Ovechkin Capitals winger Ovechkin, 24, is one of a handful of players who actually puts fans in the seats. He is the total package and understands the meaning of entertainment. He has the skill, charisma and bravado to make bold statements with his play and when he feels strongly about an issue, such as the 2014 Olympics in Russia. LAST YEAR 2 3 Bill Daly NHL deputy commissioner The NHL’s top legal eagle has dealt with issues ranging from ownership battles, player suspensions…
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.…
FALCON FLYING HIGH
The NHL dream is still a long shot at best for Colton Fretter, but the fourth-year right winger is carving out his place in the American League. After scoring 24 goals and 40 points last season with the Portland Pirates, Fretter is on pace for an even more productive season this year for the Springfield Falcons. The 27-year-old native of Harrow, Ont., had 11 goals and 22 points through the first 26 games. Skating, age and size (5-foot-10, 187 pounds) are demerits, which is why the Michigan State product is playing on an AHL contract. “But he does things well at this level that may allow him to forge a good career in the American League,” said Springfield coach Rob Daum. “He isn’t a great skater but from the top of the circles…
Los Angeles
1. KINGS SHOCK WINGS Entering the 2001 playoffs as the No. 7 seed, the Kings were given no chance against Detroit. But Adam Deadmarsh (acquired earlier that year in a trade that saw fan favorite Rob Blake leave) scored the Game 6 equalizer and overtime winner to send the Wings packing. 2. LUC’S LEGACY The 2005-06 season marked Luc Robitaille’s third and final stint with L.A. That year he surpassed Marcel Dionne as the team’s all-time leading goal-scorer and finished with 668 goals, more than any other left winger in NHL history. 3. DOUGHTY DRAFTED After finishing second in draft lottery, the Kings selected Drew Doughty – and the future looks very bright.…
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