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June 6, 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.
Calling the shots
The role of power play quarterback is equal parts visionary and triggerman. He must look, assess and act, often making it up as he goes along. Tomas Kaberle, the hub of Toronto’s power play, confirmed offensive attacks don’t always unfold the way they’re drawn up. “You have to play off the other team’s defending,” he said. “You have to improvise. It’s not always the way you want it every time and you have to compromise.” One set play that worked wonders for Toronto’s power play – ranked second in the NHL during the regular season at 21.4 per cent – was Kaberle feeding defense partner Bryan McCabe for a lethal one-timer. McCabe’s blasts got most of the attention, but Kaberle’s precision passes lit the wick. “I’m just trying to put (the puck) between (McCabe’s)…
‘You can’t miss this kid’
Doughty looked nothing like a rookie this season. The Guelph Storm defenseman, not eligible for the NHL draft until 2008, has made a big impression on scouts as a 16-year-old in the Ontario League. Doughty led Guelph blueliners with five goals and 33 points in 65 games. The swift-skating puck-rusher is targeted as a top-10 pick when his draft day rolls around in June, 2008. “If he were eligible to be drafted this year, he’d be a first round pick,” said a veteran NHL scout. “You can’t miss this kid. He’s outstanding. You come into the rink and watch one period and you say, ‘Oh boy, what do we have here?’” The London, Ont., native was also considered by many scouts as the best defenseman at January’s World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, held in Regina. The following…
Okposo responds to coach’s challenge
Des Moines right winger Kyle Okposo might have a date for his big day. Okposo, ranked 10th by The Hockey News and 11th by International Scouting Services for the June 24 NHL draft, scored 16 points in 11 post-season games to lead Des Moines to its first USHL title since 1999 with a thrilling five-game Clark Cup series victory over Sioux Falls. However, Des Moines coach Regg Simon had a chat with his star after Okposo turned in two “average” games to start the series. “I pulled him aside and said ‘Kyle, you have to be better, and you can be,’” Simon said. “So what does he do? He goes out and scores the Game 3 OT winner.” Simon doesn’t doubt Okposo’s character. “He’s all class,” he praised. “I’d let…
2 MINUTES IN THE BOX
Chad LaRose Carolina Hurricanes Pos RW Age 24 Birthplace Fraser, Mich. START THE CLOCK… What’s your favorite movie of all-time? “Major League.” What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen? “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Best nickname you’ve heard? “Ray Whitney. He’s ‘The Wizard.’ Not only with the puck, but for his quick wit.” Best practical joke you’ve seen? “Taking a guy’s car, moving it so he thinks it’s been stolen, and then he calls the cops.” What’s the craziest thing you’ve heard a fan scream out at a game? “They were announcing the all-star team during the game, and there would be applause for each name followed by silence. During the silence, some guy yelled out ‘Hey (Mike) Commodore, are you in the (All-Star) Game?’” Best concert you’ve been to? “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.” What’s your ideal vacation? “Sitting on a beach, having a cocktail, staring at the…
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