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September 9, 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.
THE RISING RED RETREAT
IMAGINE A LEAGUE WITHOUT ANY Russians. No Alex Ovechkin, who won the Hart Trophy this year. No Sergei Bobrovsky, who won the Vezina. No larger-than-life personalities who jump against the glass after scoring a highlight-reel goal or who philosophize about bears and the “humongous big” universe in post-game interviews. That’s where the NHL appears to be heading. Even before Ilya Kovalchuk walked away from $77 million to play in the Kontinental League, the number of Russians in the NHL had dropped from an all-time high of 73 in 2000-01 to 29 last season, which was the lowest since 1991-92. With only eight Russians selected in this year’s NHL draft, expect that number to continue to fall. In other words, the NHL is in danger of becoming the Nyet Hockey League. “The NHL…
In The CARDS
THE CHICAGO Blackhawks had a memorable year, starting with a 24-game streak without a regulation loss and ending with their second Stanley Cup in four seasons. To commemorate their remarkable run, Upper Deck released a special boxed trading card set this summer. The 30-card set features 25 player cards, including captain Jonathan Toews, goalie Corey Crawford and Conn Smythe Trophy-winner Patrick Kane. The last five cards show highlights of the Blackhawks’ 2012-13 season. As a bonus, each has a 3.5-inch by 8-inch card of the celebratory team photo taken after decisive Game 6 in the final. The set costs $20 and is available from online dealers. BY SAL BARRY, WEBMASTER OF THE HOCKEY CARD SITE PUCKJUNK.COM…
NEW FLIGHT PATTERN
THE ANAHEIM DUCKS HAD A MUCH shorter post-season than they would have liked in 2013, falling to the seventh-seeded Red Wings after clinching the Pacific Division title. A lot of change is coming for the team, however, including potential Olympic duty for stars such as Jonas Hiller, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, the latter two already in possession of gold medals from the 2010 Vancouver Games. But Perry isn’t worried about the compressed NHL schedule. He’s putting himself in a position for success whether the Canadian national team calls again or not. “You might start skating a bit earlier, but other than that it’s the same old thing,” he said. “You go about your summer and try to get into the best possible shape.” Either way, the Ducks won’t have Bobby…
BIG SHOT ON AN ISLE
In 1996, the New York Islanders were a long way from the Stanley Cup dynasty of the 1980s. With a leaking Nassau Coliseum roof, boycotts of the redesigned fisherman uniforms and a cellar-dwelling team, fans needed a miracle to save the Isles. Enter John Spano, a 32-year-old businessman who swooped in and bought the team for $165 million. Before long, fans everywhere shouted his name when he entered a room. Months later, they were horrified to learn their rock star didn’t exist. Spano was never worth the millions his falsified documents purported. He was deep in debt and lies and ended up spending four years in prison for the fraud and four more for committing bank fraud a year after his release. Actor Kevin Connolly was one of those devastated fans, having grown…
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