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December 3, 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.


West Coast Offense
Without the actions of the Patrick brothers, Frank and Lester, the NHL wouldn’t be what it is today. In the early 20th century, the Patricks created and built the Pacific Coast Hockey Association into a viable, thriving counterpoint to the dominant, eastern-based NHL. They also guided hockey’s evolution by creating a fleeter, skillful game in the PCHA – a style that went a long way to revolutionizing the sport in a much-needed way. “The continuation of the league saved the development of professional hockey, says Craig Bowlsby, whose new book, Empire of Ice, chronicles the PCHA. “The Patricks were the key innovators of ice hockey and if they had been forced to retreat from the front lines, it would have taken decades longer to make the game as fast and…


Do The Evolution
Incase you haven’t noticed, the NHL has a rather, um, unique view when it comes to expansion. That is, it goes on binges. Since 1967-68 when it doubled in size, the league has spent sustained periods of either adding cities with Takeru Kobayashi hot dog consumption speed or no growth at all. We are currently in the latter cycle. After adding Columbus and Minnesota for 2000-01, the league has gone 12 years without expanding, which makes it the longest drought since it grew to the Original 12. So after years during which increasing the number of teams has represented the bogeyman, perhaps it’s time to address the NHL’s expanding universe. How can you argue in favor of expansion when the league should contract, you say? Well, the league has made it…


Rallying Point
For most, June 19, 2012, was just another day in the off-season. For Chris Kushneriuk, it was the day he’ll never forget. The 25-year-old Ottawa native was training for the upcoming ECHL season when dull, achy pain in his side and back sent him to the hospital. “I remember I was just sitting there thinking I feel fine,” Kushneriuk said. “The doctor comes in and goes, ‘I don’t know how to tell you this, but you have testicular cancer.’ The next day I was in for surgery and a couple weeks after that, chemotherapy.” The news sent shockwaves through many in the hockey community. “You’re so stunned and bewildered at how this could happen to a young, healthy professional hockey player,” said Zach Hervato, his friend and former teammate at Robert…


JOKES ’N’ JABS, IT’S ALL UP FOR GRABS
If you’re a hockey fan, especially one who favors the fisticuffs, you’ve probably heard the saying “down goes Brown!” In 1992, during a game at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Leafs’ Sylvain Lefebvre and the Blackhawks’ Rob Brown dropped the gloves and traded punches until Lefebvre sent Brown to the ice, prompting broadcaster Joe Bowen to proclaim the memorable three words. Sixteen years later, writer Sean McIndoe decided to start a blog using Bowen’s call as its namesake. This year, on the 20th anniversary of Lefebvre dropping Brown, The Best of Down Goes Brown is out with forewords by TSN’s Bob McKenzie and James Duthie. From the first chapter, the lifelong Leafs fan will have you laughing – and not just at the misfortunes of his favorite team. McIndoe’s collection is vast, topical…