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March 4, 2013

March 4, 2013

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

BETTING ON BATES

Bates Battaglia went to the Stanley Cup final with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2001-02 and has spent the past few seasons playing professionally in Europe and the minors. But his latest challenge proved as tough and worldly as anything he’s done on the ice; he’s competing on the popular reality TV show The Amazing Race. “It’s pretty physical and being an athlete definitely would help anybody competing out there,” said Battaglia. “It’s tougher than it looks on TV, I know that.” The 37-year-old Battaglia, who amassed 198 points in 580 career NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1997 and 2007, pairs with his brother and fellow hockey pro Anthony during the 22nd season of the show, which sees duos from all walks…

IN THIS ISSUE

BIG FAN

Dave Okihiro & Lisa Thomas Toronto, Ontario THINK YOU ARE A BIG FAN? SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS AT THN.COM/BIGFAN…

DEPARTMENTS

BEEN A LONG TIME COMING

WE ALL KNOW THERE ISN’T one single road to the NHL, but there’s also no single time frame any one player has to get there. For example, take a close look at the San Jose roster and you’ll see the Sharks employ a pair of 25-year-old defensemen – Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Matt Irwin – who have drastically different credentials. The former is fast approaching the 500-game mark as an NHLer, while the latter just got his first taste of the world’s best league after slugging it out as an undrafted player in the American League for the past two years. Irwin is one of a slew of more mature pros – at least 25 years old or older – to break into the NHL this year. Also on the list is…

DEPARTMENTS

ROOMIES, WITH A VIEW

EARLIER THIS SEASON, BUFFALO News reporter and THN contributor John Vogl wrote on the NHL’s new roommate rule and how it’s impacting the Sabres. In particular, Patrick Kaleta said he was worried about sleeping in and missing a team event now that he doesn’t have a pal to rouse him. Others ruminated on the loss of camaraderie, a sentiment echoed in various corners of the league. My kneejerk reaction was bewilderment. Are today’s NHLers so coddled they don’t know how to request a wake-up call or set the alarm on their phones? If they want company, do they not understand how to connect with a teammate staying at the same hotel? Then, once the curmudgeon in me dissipated and the memory of my occasionally dissolute early-20s kicked in, I cut them some…