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February 13, 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.


Ain’t Nothing But A ‘D’ Thing
Thirty-five seconds. That’s all it takes to see the expressive, humorous side of Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, the side that’s seen by teammates, but rarely by fans and the media. The widely available clip of Girardi, wearing eyeblack in the locker room and dramatically announcing the starting lineup for the Winter Classic, including himself, is…well…classic. Girardi, who was mistakenly called “Joe” in meetings by coach John Tortorella when he first arrived in New York, er, YankeeTown, has gone from undrafted to underappreciated to unquestionably one of the top defensemen in the NHL. Instead of Joe, he’s just ‘G.’ Now 27 and living in a Manhattan apartment with his wife Pamela and 18-month-old son Landon (with scenes warmly chronicled on HBO’s 24/7), Girardi has matured. “I’m not one of the young guys anymore,” he…


IN THE WORDS OF DON
After a year on the job as executive director of the NHL Players’ Association, Donald Fehr is as calm as he ever was during his 26 years running Major League Baseball’s players union. He’ll need that calm in the months ahead, as the NHL collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15 and the focus will turn increasingly to the 63-year-old and his efforts to negotiate with what many believe will be an aggressive group of owners. The Hockey News spoke to Fehr regarding issues pertinent to a possible lockout, including what appeared to be the first salvo fired, when the NHLPA and league couldn’t agree to ratify proposed realignment. ON THE REALIGNMENT DISPUTE: There were two significant issues from the players’ standpoint: one was assurances as to what the travel would be. Unfortunately,…


A Star Is Born
Jamie Benn’s quiet exterior hides a rock star. At least that’s how Steve Ott sees it. “He’s doesn’t say much around you guys, but he’s pretty funny around us,” Ott said. “There are times we’ll be sitting on the bench and he’ll look at me and smile and say, ‘Let’s go mess things up out there.’ Give him some time and he’ll be a rock star in this league.” At 22, Benn is the Stars’ top scorer and has a highlight reel of amazing goals. He was invited to his first All-Star Game despite moving to center full-time to fill the hole left by Brad Richards. “When you consider he really never played the position coming up, it’s pretty impressive,” said Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. “He’s a smart player, a talented…


Vinny Not Vanishing
The Blue Jackets have been plagued by scoring woes and a dire string of injuries all season. Somehow, the oldest player on the club – Vinny Prospal, who turns 37 in February – has been the only player immune to them. Prospal has been the leading scorer most of this season. Not Rick Nash. Not Jeff Carter. “I like to give the game everything I’ve got,” Prospal said. “I’m getting up there at the age where it’s getting harder and harder to remain in the league. I’m not going to say the younger players in this league take everything for granted, but I don’t have many seasons left.” Prospal, who signed in the summer only after Kristian Huselius was hurt lifting weights, has been a godsend to the Jackets. With the club…