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January 25, 2010
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.
LEVELLING THE SKATING FIELD
New measures have been introduced to help eliminate questionable draft practices. Teams must now sign a form stating they won’t attempt to influence the selection process. “A team that drafts a player has the right to expect that it is acquiring his services without any interference from other clubs,” said commissioner Gilles Courteau. “The draft system must be based on the principle that every team can select the best player available.” Some QMJHL teams have been accused of encouraging players to lie about their U.S. college intentions and asking players not to attend the league’s scouting tournament, top prospects presentation and draft. Teams found guilty in will face a maximum $100,000 fine and the loss of picks in the next two drafts.…
OUTDOOR ESCAPADES
The Swedish Elitserien’s Frol-unda Indians and Farjestad BK attempted a European attendance record during an outdoor game played at the Ullevi soccer stadium, the same venue the previous Swedish attendance record of 23,192 was set at in November, 1962. The ‘Record Game’ lived up to expectations, even though the announced attendance of 31,144 was disputed when hundreds of frustrated fans turned around at the gates, unable to get in for the start of the game. However, Frolunda did surpass the former European record of 30,076 spectators, set during a 2007 Swiss National League A game between the Langnau Tigers and SC Bern at Berne’s Stade de Suisse. The next European record attempt will be made in Austria, when Klagenfurt takes on Villach at the Sportpark Klagenfurt, another soccer stadium. The capacity there is…
Detroit
MVP When Chris Osgood went down with the flu in early November, Jimmy Howard seized the No. 1 job in goal. After four years in the AHL, Howard, 25, showed he is NHL-ready and that consistency no longer is an issue. Through 42 Detroit games, Howard was sixth in the league in save percentage (.923), eighth in goals-against average (2.23) and a Calder Trophy candidate. MDP Expectations were high for rookie Ville Leino after he won the Finnish League’s MVP award in 2007-08 and showed promise during a brief stint with the Wings last season. But he has lacked competitiveness and produced little offense.…
St. Louis
MVP It’s nearly impossible for a third-line, checking winger to be an MVP candidate, but that’s what Alex Steen has been this season. A broken wrist sidelined him for 14 games, but Steen might still eclipse his career high in goals (18 with Toronto in ’05-06). On a dreadful Blues power play, Steen has added some needed life with a big point shot. Who knew his top-notch defensive work would be overshadowed? MDP Brad Boyes is having a tough time living up to the past two seasons, when he averaged 38 goals per year. Despite leading the Blues in points, he’s on pace for just 18 goals. His improved defense appears to be at the expense of his sorely missed offense.…
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