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January 17, 2006
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.
Ice of dreams a slushy sight
You don’t have to pay to play on the best rinks in the world – never have and never will – but the watching and waiting and scanning the long-range weather forecast can exact a high price on an increasingly gloomy psyche. It is the first week of January and, save for a brief December cold snap, winter has yet to make a lasting appearance in the supposed center of the hockey universe. New year, same slush. A look out the kitchen window reveals a backyard rink depressingly similar in appearance to the one laid out more than a month ago: a clear 50-by-30 camping tarp duct-taped to a 30-by-20 footer, bounded by the garage on the west, the plank wood fence to the north and an old chain-link job on the…
Patriot games not always fun
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of where you come from. Indeed, nationalistic pride is a major reason why the World Junior Championship has become such a widely-watched and successful tournament. At its core, watching and participating in any team sport involves more than a little tribalism. We identify ourselves in part by those we identify with; as a result, arbitrary labels such as place of birth take on a greater importance than they otherwise would – or should. The “Us vs. Them” part of sports is what makes fans so passionate and vocal. But if you watched the Russia-United States semifinal game in Vancouver at this year’s WJC, you saw nationalism’s unseemly underbelly on full display. You saw the Canadian crowd jeer the American team mercilessly throughout the game. You heard loud…
Quick fixes for 2006
We knew all along the Rangers would be good this year, we just didn’t want to spoil your surprise. But we’re not holding back anything about 2006: JAN. 19 With more teams trapping at the blueline and goals down to .00376 per game, the NHL announces rule changes. The bluelines and circles are removed, replaced by arrows pointing at the nets. Playoffs are expanded to 29 teams. “Intended to keep us out!” moans St. Louis GM Larry Pleau. FEB. 4 After disclosure by Jacques Demers that he coached more than 1,000 games without being able to read, the NHL announces new literacy initiatives. “Any player ratifying this CBA obviously couldn’t read,” says commissioner Gary Bettman. Edmonton defenseman Igor Ulanov breaks down as he finally admits he can’t read the play. FEB. 25 When,…
COUNTDOWN
THIS WEEK WE ASKED OURSELVES Who has been No. 1 in Future Watch? (The Hockey News’ 2006 ranking of top NHL-affiliated prospects is due on newsstands in early February.) 1995 Ed Jovanovski After topsy-turvy start in Florida, JovoCop has found a home in Vancouver. 1996 Bryan Berard Daring blueliner’s career defined by courageous comeback from eye injury. 1997 Marc Denis From Colorado to Columbus to shellshocked? Not an ideal career progression. 1998 Marian Hossa Sublime scorer learning to love post-Senator life with high-scoring Thrashers. 2000 & 1999 Roberto Luongo Record for most goalie games played with no playoff games (306 and counting). 2001 Rostislav Klesla Hasn’t reached potential with Blue Jackets while hampered by injury troubles. 2002 Tuomo Ruutu Fierce hitter and competitor, he’s a major force for Hawks…when healthy. 2003 & 2004 Kari Lehtonen Conditioning an issue, but greatness still expected for Thrashers goalie. 2005 Alexander Ovechkin Caps rookie…
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