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January 16, 2012
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.
Anaheim-lich Maneuver
Every year there’s at least one completely competent team that, for whatever reason, goes in the toilet. Take, for example, the Philadelphia Flyers in 2006-07 and last year’s New Jersey Devils. True, there’s usually a crucial injury or two that plays a part in the disaster, but one look at the team’s lineup on paper leaves you shaking your head. Such is the case with the current edition of the Anaheim Ducks, a squad not far removed from a Stanley Cup, but very far from returning to its company right now. “We have almost tried everything,” said right winger Teemu Selanne. “It just seems like we can’t catch any breaks. One mistake and it’s in the back of the net. Obviously confidence is the biggest issue.” The future Hall of Famer knows of…
He Can Hackett In The Wild
Considering Uncle Jeff played 500 games as an NHL goalie, it was only natural for Matt Hackett to follow the family tree to the crease. Except Jeff Hackett didn’t want his nephew to play goal. “He said there was too much pressure,” Matt said. Jeff, now 43, recalls giving that advice, too. “When he’s a young kid, you’re not sure how he’s going to react to everything,” he said. “I know how demanding the position is, especially having the same name being in a city like London (Ont.) where it can add more pressure.” Matt’s parents agreed, but even the most well-meaning adults can only listen to incessant begging for so long. “I just kept bugging them and one year they got me a set of pads,” Matt said. “I was just…
An Apt Pupil In Wisconsin
When the Anaheim Ducks were trying to get Justin Schultz to leave the University of Wisconsin to turn pro last summer, he sought the advice of a former teammate and friend, Jake Gardiner, who had left school after last season to join the Toronto Marlies of the American League. Gardiner told Schultz his skill level was certainly high enough to play at the pro level, but the one thing setting the AHL apart from the college ranks in a big way was the strength of the players. That was enough to convince Schultz to come back for his junior year at Wisconsin, one in which the 21-year-old defenseman is establishing himself as one of the best college players in the nation. There’s actually a little irony here. There was a time when…
Destiny Dealing Some Setbacks
It goes without saying all draft prospects hope their first years of eligibility are magical campaigns filled with copious amounts of points, long playoff runs and maybe even a roster spot on a national junior team. But reality has a way of slapping even the nicest folks in the face and the 2012 draft cohort has learned that the hard way this season. At least four elite prospects have sustained major injuries – Martin Frk of Halifax, Ryan Murray of Everett, Alex Galchenyuk of Sarnia and Morgan Rielly of Moose Jaw. Thanks to knee injuries, Galchenyuk’s and Rielly’s seasons are likely over, while Frk didn’t return to action until mid-December because of concussion woes. Murray’s sprained ankle sidelined him for more than half his team’s games before his December return. That’s four…
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