Dick at Philosophical Best, Threatens to Bench Foursome

MONTREAL, Que.— Closing day of the National Hockey League’s 1952-53 season is little more than a month away but it may be closer for some of Dick Irvin’s charges unless they show a little more scoring life. This week Mr. Irvin threatened wholesale changes in his lineup, naming four players who might get the axe or a permanent seat on the end of the bench. Last week the ignitible coach axed All-Star Defenseman Doug Harvey for a game and now he speaks of going even further and dipping into the ranks of the Habs’ vast farm system for replacements. The players whom Irvin insists can do better are Paul Mager Johnny McCormack, Billy Reay and Ken Mosdell. They’ve been disappointing but Dick also admits that there are a few others who haven’t…

CAHA Reverses Verdict Of Loop Prexy; Player Remains With Rideaus

OTTAWA, Ont.— There’s nothing like a good protest to keep the hockey pot boiling, and that’s exactly what the Eastern Canada Senior League has on its hands now. The crux of the matter lies in the signing by Smiths Falls of Johnny (Moose) Sheddon as a replacement for either Bobby Copp or Kenny Watson (nobody knows which) after the deadline of December 15. Briefly, the Rideaus lost Copp to Ottawa Senators and Watson to Glace Bay, leaving them short of the full complement of players. When they suddenly came lp with Sheddon, a pretty fair defence man from Owen Sound, all hades broke loose. To give them credit, though, Smiths Falls played it in pretty cagey fashion. They put forward their request at the last ECHL meeting and had it turned down cold by…

Irvin Boils As Coaches Omit Gerry

MONTREAL, Que.— When Coach Dick Irvin, the one dissenter when Marshall Dann applied to the NHL mentors for their all-stars after the first 40 games of the schedule, heard about the choices of the other five he showed neither surprise or ambiguity, in fact he showed a decided ‘I don’t care attitude.’ However, he did make a few comments. Particularly when told that Sawchuk drew three votes, Lumley and Henry one and Gerry McNeil none. “I don’t know what those other coaches think we have on our team,” he said, “imagine anybody picking Henry over Gerry. Lumley is at least the third high goaler in the league.” Irvin showed little resentment in the defense choices and laughed when told that Howe drew four and a half Richard’s a half vote. Lindsay drew Irvin’s vote…

JOHNNIE WALKER