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February 21, 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.
Nichols shuffled off in preemptive move
In an unusual move, the Richmond RiverDogs owners reassigned coach Robbie Nichols to a team they’ll be fielding next season. Nichols was sent to Hoffman Estates, Ill., Feb. 4 to get the ball rolling for a team whose owners include Richmond’s Jay Acton and Eric Margenau, as well as television analyst Darren Pang. “We’re losing $500,000 (in Richmond and) I don’t see any more business coming in the building,” Acton told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “We need to do what’s best for the organization.” Under Nichols, Richmond was 20-21-4 and averaged 3,632 fans per game. The UHL is calling Hoffman Estates an expansion team, but sources have said the RiverDogs, now coached by Kris Waltze, will relocate there next season.…
Magliarditi’s milestone
One of the most consistent goaltenders in ECHL history, Marc Magliarditi of the Las Vegas Wranglers just wins. Already the league’s career shutout leader with 25, Magliarditi is one of only three netminders with 200 ECHL victories. He tied Daniel Berthiaume for second on the all-time wins list with 201 after a Feb. 4 victory at Bakersfield. “It kind of snuck up on me,” said the Niagara Falls, N.Y., native. “It’s not a goal you aim for or set when you start out. I knew about it going into this year, but I kind of kept it in the back of my mind.” Magliarditi, 29, has 21 wins this season, including three shutouts, a 2.60 goals-against average and .907 save percentage. This is the sixth time in nine seasons the Chicago Blackhawks’ 1995…
Oilers could deal ‘D’ to land new goalie
TRADE TALK It’s easy to see where the Oilers will be making moves. With eight defensemen on the roster, something has to give on the back end. Edmonton isn’t satisfied with its netminding (its .881 team save percentage is second-worst in the NHL), so the team is expected to assemble a package for a proven starter. That would likely mean moving two of its goalies (Ty Conklin and either Jussi Markkanen or Mike Morrison) and at least one rearguard. Aside from Chris Pronger, captain Jason Smith and rookie Matt Greene, any of the remaining five defensemen are available if it means getting a high-end goalie in return. The Oilers don’t have a lot of depth up front, so there’s not a lot of bargaining room there. They do, however, have about $3 million…
Salmelainen soars upon return home
Finnish players sometimes return home to give their careers a shot in the arm. That plan has certainly worked for Tony Salmelainen. After spending three development seasons in the American League with Edmonton farm teams, Salmelainen returned to IFK Helsinki this season and has been tearing up the Finnish Elite League. His 22 goals in 41 games is tops on the circuit and there have been nights Salmelainen looks like he belongs in a superior league. Speed and keen hockey sense is what sets Salmelainen, who plays both left and right wing, apart. A second round pick of the Oilers in 1999, the 24-year old was recently dealt to Chicago. “I understand Chicago is interested in having me and my goal is to return to the NHL,” said the 5-foot-9,…
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