Search for your favorite player or team
© The Hockey News. All rights reserved. Any and all material on this website cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from Roustan Media Ltd. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
June 1, 2011
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.
Top Of The Table
Canadians call it a “lacrosse-style goal,” Swedes a “Zorro.” But in Finland, the move in which the puck is scooped onto the blade behind the net and then swept into the goal over the goalie’s shoulder, will probably be called a “Granlund.” Forever. Mikael Granlund left one Russian defenseman flat-footed in the corner, went around another as he made his way behind the net, then pulled a “Granlund,” depositing the winner past goaltender Konstantin Barulin to send Finland to the World Championship final. The 19-year-old forward showed he belonged in the tournament, playing on Finland’s best offensive line with Janne Pesonen and Jarkko Immonen, who led the tournament in goals and points (9-3-12). Granlund finished eighth in tournament scoring, netting two goals and seven assists in nine games, including a helper in…
ROAD TO THE CUP
IT CAN BE A LONG and winding road to say the least for those dreaming to make goaltending their living, let alone for those dreaming of winning a Stanley Cup. The final four No. 1s are living proof. Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson and Boston’s Tim Thomas both have criss-crossed the Atlantic Ocean, while San Jose’s Antti Niemi made a single trip west, leaving his home in Vantaa, Finland, to play in Rockford, Ill., before catching on (and winning a Cup) with the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Roberto Luongo? No time in Europe, but a career with a coast-to-coast leap. ROBERTO LUONGO VANCOUVER CANUCKS Age: 32 1. ’94-95: Montreal-Bourassa (QAAA) 2. ’95-99: Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL) 3. ’99: Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) 4. ’99-00: Lowell Lock Monsters (AHL) 5. ’99-00: New York Islanders (NHL) 6. ’00-01: Louisville Panthers (AHL) 7. ’00-06: Florida…
Cashing In Come July
The irony was not lost on Canucks blueliner Kevin Bieksa. After enduring a summer of inquiries about being squeezed out of a crowded Vancouver defense, Bieksa entered the West final answering questions about his new role as their best D-man. “I’m just surprised all you guys didn’t get fired with all these rumors that went around,” he said. “But, no, it’s not something I’m looking back at.” Nor is he looking ahead to similar questions about potentially leaving the team that drafted him 151st in 2001 come July 1. Bieksa is a UFA July 1 and his increasing ice time and importance to the Canucks will make it tough to retain him, as well as Christian Ehrhoff and Sami Salo. Management says it can keep Bieksa and Ehrhoff, but it seems unlikely without…
One Tough Rookie Season
Former Air Force goaltender Mike Polidor will never win the Vezina Trophy, but he did claim the 2011 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship – and it’s a little tougher to earn. Capt. Polidor, as he’s now officially known, won the honor thanks to a nearly eight-hour mission in Afghanistan. He flew an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet into battle against 250 Taliban soldiers, who had surrounded 80 coalition soldiers in what was described as a “well-orchestrated 360-degree attack.” The fighter pilot from Imperial, Pa., refueled three times in mid-air, dropped four bombs and laid down a “perfect 20mm strafe” of gunfire on a target near his troops, helping to save 72 lives in the process. He also did a battle-damage check on his wingman’s plane while in the air. Capt. Polidor…
Made possible with the support of
