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.

October 14, 1967

The Hockey News October 14, 1967

<div class="byline">By HARVEY POLLACK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-01193/3105762-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="283" height="499"><figcaption class="caption-body">Harry pidhirny</figcaption></div>KNOXVILLE. Tenn.&mdash;The Knoxville Knights, fortified with some help from the hew P hila delphi a Flyers of the National Hockey League, will go with a youth movement this season in an effort to boost their status in the Eastern Hockey League race.New pilot Pat Egan, former skipper of the Jacksonville team in the Southern Division, said eight new faces had been supplied the Knights by the Flyers and there's a possibility they may get additional help during the season. The Flyers evidently are going to split their assistance between the Jersey Devils and the Knights.Egan said the top performers of the sextet are goalie Roland Gilbert a 5-10 175-pounder from Quebec City, and defenseman Claude Rondeau, a175-pounder also from Quebec City. Both men worked out with the Quebec Aces and the Flyers.The other newcomers will include defenseman Larry Palanio, 5-9, 168 from Lady Smith, B.C.; Ken Rodgers, 5-10, 185 from Cutnife, Sask., and Al Sarault, 6-0, 180 from Ottawa. who played with the Pem-brooke Juniors last year. The lone forward is George Anderson, 6-1, 190 pounder from St. Boniface, Man.Egan said Bud Poile, Flyers GM, was impressed with the results that the Devils achieved last year in stressing a youth movement and figured that the Knights could do just as well this year if they concentrated their talent in the same vein. Of course, at the same time, the use of youngsters also could season the tyros for possible eventual use by the Flyers or the Quebec Aces.Later the Flyers supplied some additional talent in John Paris a Negro and Larry Shuker. All these new faces will be welcomed by Egan since many of his veterans from last year are not due back. For instance forward Eddie Burr has a job in Preston, Ontario and plans to quit hockey and remain at home. Winger Jerry Sellers will enter university in Nelson, B.C. Veteran Don Labelle, onetime Knights coach, is expected to return to help the youths with his experience.<h2>New Hockey Knights!&hellip;</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-02139/3105755-1-eng-US/f0021-022.jpg" title="f0021-02" width="602" height="593"><figcaption class="caption-body">AL SARAULT</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-0482/3105748-1-eng-US/f0021-042.jpg" title="f0021-04" width="585" height="629"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROD GILBERT</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-0398/3105741-1-eng-US/f0021-032.jpg" title="f0021-03" width="614" height="599"><figcaption class="caption-body">GEORGE ANDERSON</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-0571/3105734-1-eng-US/f0021-052.jpg" title="f0021-05" width="590" height="630"><figcaption class="caption-body">KEN RODGERS</figcaption></div>Vashvil1e; Lloyd Hinchberger, the veteran defenseman, will pilot the Flyers this year in the spot vacated by John McLellan. Jack Boag will be back as trainer.Johnstown; a 40-game radio schedule including 36 home games and 4 road games will be carried by WJAC. In addition playoff games also will be carried with Frank Dell at the mike. New pilot Dick Roberge looked over talent at Detroit's camp and he's expected to get help. The club is training at Niagara Falls, Ont. Among the candidates are expected to be Len Bazay who was on loan to Jacksonville last year; Pete Loveless on loan to Greensboro and goalie Andy Brown on loan to Long Island. Dan Patrick spent the summer working for Johnstown contractor.Salem Johnstown defenseman Dave Lucas supposedly was allowed to take over as Salem pilot with the proviso that he be a bench pilot. The betting is that Lucas will get permission to play, especially since the Rebels are in a different division from the Jets.Clinton Comets have scheduled two exhibition games with Nashville at Utica and Clinton. Club will train at Kingston, Ontario starting Oct. 12. Pat Kelly is back for third year as pilot. Tim Hook evidently is sticking to his retirement after 9 seasons in the EHL. Comets will split EHL schedule again this year between Clinton and Utica.Syracuse. The new club will be called the Blazers and will be a farm club of the Boston Bruins. Games will be played in the spacious War Memorial with Harry Pidhirny as coach. The Blazers will play two exhibitions with Clinton on a home and home basis.Jersey: Tom Ellis has been named trainer of the Devals as the successor to Frank Lewis who has moved up to be assistant for the Philly Flyers. He's 24 and from Saskatoon and was the trainer of the Saskatoon Blades. Devils received defenseman Rejean Maltais and forwards Ross Hetherington and Jacques Paquin from Philly Flyers. Ted Szydlowski back with team after trial with Flyers. His age, 30, was against him despite his 13 years of experience. &#9632;

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IN THIS ISSUE

Philly Flyers Aid Knoxville To Rebuild With Young Skaters

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0016-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-02515/3105358-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg"></div><h2>EASTERN DIVISION</h2>Hershey Bears Baltimore Clippers Springfield Kings Providence Reds<h2>WESTERN DIVISION</h2>Rochester Americans Buffalo Bisons Cleveland Barons Quebec Aces &#9632;

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American League's 1967-68 Schedule

TOLEDO. O. -Jack Kent Cooke may have outdone himself to a certain extent this time.The controversial California sportsman who owns the Los Angeles Kings of the new National Hockey League expansion division, the L.A. Lakers of the National Basketball Association, the L.A. Wolves of the United Soccer League and the Springfield Kings of the American Hockey League, not to mention part interest in Seattle of the American Hockey League and the Washington Redskins of the National Football League, now has a piece of the action in Toledo.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-03126/3105862-1-eng-US/f0022-032.jpg" title="f0022-03" width="283" height="477"><figcaption class="caption-body">Terry Slater</figcaption></div>Terry Slater's Blades signed a working agreement with the Kings, and when it comes to controversy, Slater can stir up as much as anyone.&ldquo;We chose Toledo because of the way Slater handles himself'', said Kings' general manager Larry Regan. &ldquo;We looked over the rest of the International Hockey League and decided the Toledo operation was head and shoulders above the rest".The agreement, which goes into effect immediately, calls for the Kings to hold professional rights to the Blades' top players while supplying Toledo with their top amateurs.&ldquo;Terry Slater runs the club,&rdquo; Regan said. &ldquo;We just make the players available. He says who he'll keep. That also goes for the players he already has.&rdquo;&ldquo;We were required to turn more players pro than we normally would because this is our first season", Regan added. We will have no players available for Toledo this season. There is no chance of calling up players from Toledo this season.&rdquo;Another stipulation of the agreement is that Los Angeles will handle all scouting and recruiting for the Blades which means a considerable savings to Slater. &#9632;

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Toledo Signs Deal With Kings Of NHL

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0012-03" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-03543/3106024-1-eng-US/f0012-032.jpg"></div>TORONTO, Ont. -Toronto Maple Leafs may be ready to kick the ancient myth that they are perennial slow starters in the National Hockey League.Leafs, who won the cup last season after tail spinning in the early weeks of the schedule&mdash;they lost ten in a row at one stage&mdash;emerged as the 'giants' of the National Hockey League exhibition season.Punch Imlach's time-trodden hockey warriors came through their 11-game pre-season exhibition schedule against NHL teams with seven wins and a tie for 15 points, well ahead of any of the other 11 big league teams. At the same time, Leafs had an overall 10-3-1 record for exhibition play against both minor and major leaguers and this too, was far and away the best of any NHL team.On the eve of the opening of the National League's 1967-68 expansion season, Toronto and two of the six new clubs&mdash;Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota North Stars&mdash;stood out for their proficient camp play.Leafs were particularly hard on the Rangers, they scorched three times and the Bruins, who they defeated twice. The big surprise of the hockey &ldquo;Grapefruit&rdquo; circuit was the inept showing of Montreal Canadiens, who managed only three wins in eight games with NHL teams.Pittsburgh and Minnesota each won five games against the new teams but the Penguins were the most impressive with a 5-1-1 record. North Stars were 5-5-2.<h2>EXHIBITION SCOREBOARD</h2>Fri. Sept. 15Toronto 6, Boston 4Sot. Sept. 16New York 4, Buffalo (AHL) 1Memphis (CPHL) 6, Minnesota 1Sun. Sept. 17Minnesota 3, Californio 1New York 7, Boston 0Quebec (AHL) 6, Philadelphia 1Toronto 5, Rochester-(AHL) 2Mon. Sept. 18Minnesota 7, Los Angeles 3Tues. Sept. 19Los Angeles 6, Minnesota 2Boston 9, New York 3Philadelphia 2, Quebec (AHL) 2Wed. Sept. 20Minnesota! 0, Memphis (CPHL) 4Thu. Sept. 21Los Angeles 3, California 3Toronto 2, Detroit 2Philadelphia 5, Springfield (AHL1 4Fri. Sept. 22Los Angeles 3, Philadelphia 1 Toronto 4, Boston 2Sat. Sept. 23Chicago 5, Toronto 4Pittsburgh 7, Philadelphia 3Montreal 4, New York 1 Minnesota 4, Californio 3 St. Louis 3, Rochester (AHL) 2Sun. Sept. 24Minnesota 3, Los Angeles 0Pittsburgh 3, California 3Detroit 3, Boston 2Toronto 2, Chicago 1New York 3, Buffalo (AHL) 1 St. Louis 6, Rochester (AHL) 2 Montreal 5, Quebec (AHL)IMon. Sept. 25Montreal 11, Sherbrooke (QSHL) 2St. Louis 6, Houston (CPHL) 3Tues. Sept. 26California 3, Minnesota 3Toronto 4, New York 3Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 1Boston 3, Detroit 1Montreal II, Granby (QSHL) 0Wed. Sept. 27St. Louis 2, Los Angeles 2Detroit 4, New York 2 Pittsburgh 5, California 4 Toronto 4, Rochester (AHL) 2Thu. Sept. 28Detroit 5, Canada National Team 1Fri. Sept. 29Pittsburgh 7, Minnesota-2 New York 6, Montreal 4 Chicago 3, Boston 2Sat. Sept. 30Chicago 6, Montreal 4Calkfornio 3, Los Angeles 1Minnesotcr6, Pittsburgh 1Toronto 6, Rochester-(AHL) 3Detroit 2, Canada's National Team 0Sun. Oct. 1California 3, Minnesota-2New York 4, Toronto 2Montreal 3, Chicago IPittsburgh 6, Buffalo (AHL) 1Tues. Oct. 3Philadelphia 4, Minnesota 4Boston 2, New York 1Detroit 4, Montreal 1Buffalo (AHL) 4, California 3Wed. Oct. 4Toronto 6, Montreal 1Pittsburgh 2, Minnesota 0Philadelphia 5, Quebec (AHL) 3Thurs. Oct. 5Pittsburgh 5, Minnesota 2Seattle (WHL) 5, Chicago 4Fri. Oct. 6Toronto 1, New York 0Boston 2, Montreal 1Chicago 2, Portland (WHL) 1Sat. Oct. 7Toronto 3, New York 2Los Angeles 3, St. Louis 3Pittsburgh 3, Oklahoma City (CPHL) 1Chicago 5, Portland (WHL) 0Boston 7, Hershey (AHL) 3Sun. Oct. 8Montreal 5, Toronto 4<h3>STANDINGS</h3>OVERALL EXHIBITION RECORD &#9632;

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Maple Leafs Win Exhibition Title

<div class="byline">By BOB HARRIS</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0001-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0001-01163/3105993-1-eng-US/f0001-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Leafs will be tough with likes of big Frank Mahovlich (27) shown here during exhibition action.</figcaption></div>MONTREAL, Que. &ndash;Chicago Black Hawks, the power team that last season erased a 41-year title drought in the National Hockey League by finishing first, are favored to repeat their 1966-67 performance as the result of a pool conducted by THE HOCKEY NEWS among 24 leading hockey writers, broadcasters and telecasters in Canada and the United States.The poll indicated that Billy Reay's Hawks are the big favorites both in the East and West as they garnered 17 out of a possible 24 first place votes compared to six for runner-up Montreal Canadiens.The hockey experts called the California Seals to pace the NHL's new expansion division but by a slim margin as compared to the Hawks' edge over Montreal. The Seals collected seven first-place votes to barely win out over Philadelphia. California earned 106 points in the poll compared to 104 for Philly, who were chosen for second place, and Minnesota North Stars, who had 102, were designated to end up third.The East1. CHICAGO2. MONTREAL3. TORONTO4. NEWYORK5. DETROIT6. BOSTONWith points awarded on a basis of six for first, five for second, four for third, and so on down the line, the Black Hawks ended up with a commanding total of 135 points. Montreal had 119.Here's how the experts figure the two races will culminate next spring. In the East, it will be 1. Chicago, 2. Montreal, 3. Toronto, 4. New York, 5. Detroit, 6. Boston. In the West, it will be 1. California, 2.Philadelphia, 3. Minnesota, 4. Pittsburgh, 5. St. Louis, 6. Los Angeles.Actually, the Eastern selections produced little or no surprises.Although Toronto won the Stanley Cup last year, they never really rate higher than third in the pre-season polls because they are notoriously slow starters and never hit their stride until the second half of the year and then it is usually too late to grab off first place. Detroit and Boston were again relegated to the roles of 'also rans'.The West1. CALIFORNIA2. PHILADELPHIA3. MINNESOTA4. PITTSBURGH5. ST. LOUIS6. LOS ANGELESIn the West, hockey men figured the expansion division will be at least a three-way 'dogfight' for the top with California, Philly and Minnesota closely involved. Pittsburgh won't be far behind either, they claim. Neither St. Louis nor Los Angeles were accorded too much chance to crash the playoffs in their first year. The Kings actually got 20 out of 24 votes to end up last. &#9632;

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HAWKS, SEALS TEAMS TO BEAT

Following Are The Latest Player Movements In Hockey:<h2>NATIONAL LEAGUE</h2>MINNESOTA&mdash;Chuck 5 Goddard, goalkeeper, and Don Johns, defenseman, purchased from Montreal of NHL. 2DETROIT&mdash;Bob Falken-berg, defenseman, Peter Ma-hovlich and Hank Monteith, forwards, assigned to Fort Worth of CPHL. Nick Libett, forward, optioned to San Die-go of WHL.ST. LOUIS&mdash;Doug Barrie and Larry Billows, forwards secured from Detroit of NHL on loan for season.PHILADELPHIA - Ron Gilbert, goalkeeper, Claude Rondeau, Ken Rodgers, Al Sarault, defensemen, and George Anderson, John Paris and Larry Shuker, forwards, sent to Knoxville of EHL, for seasoning. Bejean Maltais, de-fenseman, Ross Hetherington and Jacques Paquin, forwards sent to Jersey of EHL for seasoning. Al Millar, and Claude Cyr, goalkeepers, Terry Ball, defenseman, Bob Courcy, Jim Johnson and Keith Wright, forwards, sent to Quebec of AHL. Dwight Carruthers, de-fenseman, and Ian Campbell, forward, assigned to Seattle of WHL. Gil Banville, goal-keeper, sent to Phoenix of WHL.LOS ANGELES&mdash;Mike Corbett, forward, and Larry Mavety, defenseman, sent to Vancouver of WHL on loan. Bill Sweeney, forward sold outright to Vancouver. Way-ne Mosdell, defenseman, sent to Memphis of CPHL.CALIFORNIA&mdash;Tracy Pratt, defenseman, and Mike Laughton, forward assigned to Vancouver of WHL on loan. Alain Caron, forward, sent to Buffalo of AHL on option. Jack McCartan, goal-keeper, sent to Omaha of CPHL. Gerry Ehman forward secured from Rochester of AHL in exchange for Jean Paul Parise and Brian Hextail, forwards.CHICAGO&mdash;Tom Reid, defenseman, Roger Bellerive, and Ray McKay, forwards optioned to Dallas of CPHL. NEW YORK&mdash;Bob Jones, forward, sent to Buffalo of AHL. Terry Pembroke, forward, sent to Omaha of CPHL. Gerry Randall, goalkeeper, returned to Fort Wayne of IHL.<h2>AMERICAN LEAGUE</h2>HERSHEY&mdash;Bill Heindl, and John Marcotte, forwards and Bob Heaney, defenseman, transferred from Oklahoma, City of CPHL by Boston Bruins. Myron Stankiewicz, forward, returned by Boston. Ted Snell, Bud Debrody, Bob Leiter and Wayne Maxner, forwards, assigned by Boston.<h2>INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE</h2>DAYTON - Ted Leboda, defenseman, traded to Colum-bus of IHL in return for Gary MacMillan, forward. Barry, Merrell, forward, secured from Des Moines of IHL as payment for trade last season.PORT HURON&mdash;Ron Vermette, forward returned by California of NHL. Ron Bur-man, forward, returned by, St. Louis of NHL. &#9632;

Movements of Players

<div class="byline">By SPENCE CONLEY</div>OAKLAND, Calif. -Jacques Plante back in the National Hockey League? Jacques Plante minding the nets for the California Seals of the expansion Western Division? Hockey's Sandy Koufax making a comeback?<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0002-01752/3104561-1-eng-US/f0002-012.jpg" title="f0002-01" width="261" height="463"></div>Jacques PlanteNo!He came close, but for reasons still not quite clear, Plante gave it up again, to return to his sales promotion job in Quebec.Plante went on a holiday from his job and instead of relaxing, he packed up his gear and headed for Port Huron, Mich, and the California Seals training camp. He was hired to &ldquo;coach goalies".But the more Plante worked out in pratice, the more evident it became that he was thinking more, about the NHL than about the Seal goalies.After all, by that time, the Seals were locked up in a frustrating, unproductive set of contract negotiations with Charlie Hodge, Plante's protege at Montreal.Finally, on Sept. 21 against Los Angeles, the Seals announced that Plante would go into the nets. The name was placed atop the roster which was circulated to program printers in rinks the Seals were to visit during the exhibition season.Plante was on the way back. Or was he?When the Kings and Seals lined up that night in Port Huron glaring at each other from net to net was the unlikely pair of Plante vs Terry Sawchuk.The Seals lost the game, 3-1, and two of the goals, by Lowell McDonald and Eddie Joyal, were scored against Plante. But they were hardly his fault.Plante played well and after the game he commented:&ldquo;I feel like I never left. My reflexes haven't changed a bit and my eyesight is as good as ever.&ldquo;But wait until next week,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and you will have a better story.&rdquo;The next day, though, Plante was unexpectedly packed up and gone and Hodge had agreed to terms. The fantastic Frenchman's apparent comeback bid was over.Some have said that Plante gave up on his own because of a serious illness in his family, but it isn't quite clear whether he left because he wanted to, or because his usefulness to the Seals was over.The Seals don't have much to say about it, but one thing appears certain, Plante would have come back and money was not a problem.Barry Van Gerbig, the Seal owner, explained that the Seals had an arrangement with the New York Rangers to pay them so much of Plante's appearance in training camp, so much if he made the team, and so much per year for every year he played in the NHL.At 38, Plante was in the prime time of his life. Sawchuk Is 38, Hall, 37, Worsley, 38.Plante, himself, had a quick evaluation for expansion:&ldquo;In expansion each team has one player who has a good shot and you have to look for it. In the old division there are seven or eight players with good shots.&ldquo;Everything here is done a split-second slower and that gives the goalkeeper more time to get set.&ldquo;Before, I had a book on every player I faced and I could play against certain teams blindfolded. But, of course, that didn't mean I wasn't going to give up any goals, just that I knew what to expect.&ldquo;I played the game for a long time and I didn't play the percentages, I played the man individually and I think that's the big difference in being good or great,&rdquo; Plante explained.As for his first game, 30-minutes of duty without a familiar defense and familiar faces coming at him, Plante observed:&ldquo;I proved to myself that I could still play in the NHL. The two goals scored were well played by the other team. But I wasn't weak and I think to myself that if I had played those shots another way, I might have stopped them.&rdquo;Interestingly enough, Plante reported to the Seal camp in better shape than he's been in years. His weight was 174, 12 pounds lighter than when he was in Montreal.But if comeback was in his mind&mdash;and everything pointed to it&mdash;he didn't admit it.&ldquo;I want to play but I can't because of my family,&rdquo; answered Plante. &ldquo;The Seals wanted me to come here to help coach; that's why I came. There were others who did want me back as a player, though.&rdquo;As for the Seals as a team, Plante has high hopes for them.&ldquo;Baun and Douglas are an established defense and they have others that is why they should have one of the best defenses in the division. If they can keep a 2.50 goals against average this year, they won't be far from the top.&rdquo;Plante noted, however, that clearing the puck&mdash;one of the big problems the Seals have experienced in nine exhibition games&mdash;will be significant.&ldquo;With Montreal, we had a good defense and the forwards were coming back to help get the rebounds, not allowing the second shot. Goalies can usually get the first shot, but for the second he may be off balance or out of position, then's when he needs the help from his defense and if there isn't anyone in front of the net to clear those rebounds then there's nothing a goalie can do.<h2>Plante Impresses In Brief Comeback</h2>On other Seal fronts, the club traded Brian Hextail and Jean Paul Parise to Rochester-Toronto for Gerry Ehman, a 35-year-old left wing.Ehman should give the club some fire-power it has lacked so far.Gerry Odrowski remains a contract holdout and the Seals reportedly have given him permission to make his own deal with someone if he can. Such was the case with Ehman.The Seals folded their training camp and headed for California with 17 players, one below the NHL limit.The current roster reads this way: Hodge and Smith in goal; Baun, Douglas, Cahan, Erickson, Lemieux, on defense; Ron Harris, Hicke, Swarbrick, right wings; Bill Harris, Burns, Szura, at center; Ehman, Boehm, Boyer at left wing, and Terry Clancy as utility man. &#9632;

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Plante Impresses In Comeback But Sudden Exit Puzzles Seals

<div class="byline">By JIM PROUDFOOT</div>TORONTO, Ont. -<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-01758/3104606-1-eng-US/f0003-012.jpg" title="f0003-01" width="394" height="485"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-02634/3104599-1-eng-US/f0003-022.jpg" title="f0003-02" width="306" height="519"><figcaption class="caption-body">Tim Horton</figcaption></div>Ever hear of Macnutt, Saskatchewan? Probably not, but some day It i might be famous, because It's the birthplace of Duane Rupp, Toronto Mai pie Leafs' new defenseman.Rupp is a typical Punch Im-lach acquisition. He's 29. But that means he's experienced. He's been playing minor-league professional hockey since 1960.Leafs' defence reserves were seriously depleted in the National Hockey League's expansion draft. Bobby Baun, Kent Douglas and Aut Erickson were taken by California Seals, Bill Flett by Los Angeles Kings and Al Arbour, Darryl Edestrand and Fred Hucul by St. Louis Blues. Rupp's feelings were hurt, as a matter of fact, because nobody grabbed him.Imlach, however, was happy. He was able to retain his starting four from last year's Stanley Cup playoffs&mdash;Larry Hillman, Marcel Pronovost Allan Stanley and Tim Horton&mdash;plus Rupp, who he'd always rated highly.And young Jim McKenny was also available, following his first season in professional hockey.Halfway through the exhibition schedule, Imlach announced that Rupp had made the grade as his fifth rearguard. It might have been a gimmick to stir McKenny up, but it could have been a fact, too. Leafs always have liked Rupp.He moved to the Toronto organization during the 1964 season, when Leafs dealt Bob Nevin and Dick Duff to New York Rangers and received Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney in return. Rangers also got minor-leaguer Bill Collins in that deal, as well as the rights to Rod Seiling, then a junior. And they received, in addition, defenceman Arnie Brown, now a first-stringer. He was with Leafs' Rochester farm club when the trade was made and he was shifted to Baltimore, a Ranger affiliate. Rupp was transferred from Baltimore to Rochester, where he's been a standout ever since.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-03426/3104592-1-eng-US/f0003-032.jpg" title="f0003-03" width="1282" height="2705"><figcaption class="caption-body">DUANE RUPP Ready For Big Time</figcaption></div>Rupp is a deliberate type, slightly on the slow side. However, Leafs are well-equipped with rushing defensemen in Horton, Pronovost and Hillman. Stanley, 41, is the cautions sort, too. Now starting his 21st season, he needs to be.In his way, Stanley is almost as remarkable as Johnny Bower. He was one of the training camp standouts, perhaps because he'd spent most of the summer on skates as a hockey school instructor. That gave him an edge in conditioning over his colleagues.Stanley wasn't Included on Leafs' protected list of 11 men at the expansion meeting but he was the second man Imlach added when he had an opportunity to fill a spot vacated by a man who'd been claimed. Murray Oliver was the first. Then came Stanley. Then Captain George Armstrong. Then Rupp.Rupp won't electrify crowds with dynamic work. But he will make Leaf fans feel comfortable with his precision. And it has to be considered a bonus when you realize he was only a throw-in back in 1964 when that original deal was made.Horton, of course, is the key man after his all-star season. He may be away to a slow start, however, because he got involved in a contract dispute and was late reporting to training camp. Hillman arrived as a big-leaguer only last season and Pronovost, something of a disappointment since his arrival from Detroit, was a standout in Leafs' Stanley Cup drive last spring. &#9632;

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NHL Latecomer Rupp Clinches 'Fifth' Rearguard Spot With Leafs

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0004-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-01817/3104637-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

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Chicago Picked To Top East, California Choice For West

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0005-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-02651/3104699-1-eng-US/f0005-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROGER CROZIER &hellip; Back On The Beam</figcaption></div>DETROIT, Mich. -An impressive defense which limited the opposition to just 11 goals in seven games was singled out by General Manager Sid Abel as the high point of the Red Wings' pre-season campaign.The Wings finished their exhibition play by whipping Montreal, 4-1, at Olympia. The victory gave the team a 5-1-1 won-lost-tied record.Goalies Roger Crozier and George Gardner, who shared net-minding duties, impressed Abel with their performances. Crozier, who played in every contest and went the distance in Detroit's shutout win, 2-0, over the Canadian Nationals, posted a 1.20 goals-against average. Gardner played parts of six games and registered a 2.11 average.Overall, the Wings goals-against average in seven games was 1.57. The team scored 21 goals over the same span, a three-goal average.Abel said he is pleased with the work of two rookie defense-men, Bart Crashley and Jim Watson.&ldquo;Other teams have been able to work rookies into their defense with pretty good success,&rdquo; Abel said, &ldquo;and I think this is the year we're going to do the same thing.&rdquo; Crashely, 21, teamed with Gary Bergman during most of the exhibition schedule and Watson, 24, was paired with Bob McCord. Abel also used a third set of defensemen, Howie Young with Bert Marshall.Gordie Howe, starting his 22d season, led the Wings in preseason scoring with eight points on two goals and six assists. His linemates Gary Jarrett and Alex Delvecchio, scored seven points apiece (3-4). &#9632;

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Wings Sparkle In Camp Play With Crozier Net Standout

DETROIT, Mich.&mdash;Sid Abel will not be behind the Red Wing bench when his team opens the 1967-68 hockey season.The general manager of the Wings said that Baz Bastien, assistant general manager of the club, will run the team from the bench. Abel will watch the game from the stands and consult with Bastien on game strategy.Abel plans to keep Bastien behind the bench for a good portion of the season, but said no change in titles is being made.&ldquo;I'm still the general manager and coach and Baz is the assistant general manager,&rdquo; Abel said. &ldquo;After a time, I may go back behind the bench and Baz will watch from the stands. We probably will alternate during the season.&rdquo;Bastien, 47, coached the Red Wings from the bench during the exhibition season and'led the team to a 5-1-1 won-lost-tied record. Last season he coached and managed the Wings' Pittsburgh farm club in the<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-03481/3104730-1-eng-US/f0005-032.jpg" title="f0005-03" width="606" height="1013"><figcaption class="caption-body">BAZ BASTIEN&hellip; Steps Up To NHL</figcaption></div>American Hockey League to regular-season and playoff championships.The Wings' opening game at Boston will mark the first time in 10 years Abel is not behind the bench for a season-opener. &#9632;

f0005-03

Bastien, Abel To Share Red Wings' Coaching Role

<div class="byline">By JACK BERRY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-01758/3104668-1-eng-US/f0005-012.jpg" title="f0005-01" width="276" height="492"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bart Crashley</figcaption></div>DETROIT, Mich.&mdash;No one can say that Sid Abel isn't doing his darndest to plug up the Detroit Red Wing defense. The Red Wing manager-coach is taking six defense-men, count em, six, into the new season, one more than the normal complement for most clubs and one more than Detroit has carried in a long, long time.Defense, as you'll recall, was not a Red Wing virtue in 1966-67. So Abel looked long and looked hard at rearguards during training camp and even instituted some special workouts strictly for the defensemen.Out of it has come the six man backline team:Gary Bergman is working with rookie Bart Crashley, veterans Bert Marshall and Howie Young are together and the third pair is Bob McCord, top defenseman in the minors last season, and big Jim Watson who was on loan to San Diego last season.The pairings likely will be switched as the occasion demands but for the time being, at least, there WILL be six defensemen.Most impressive of the half dozen in the exhibition season were Crashley and Watson.Crashley, second-year pro from Toronto who starred for the Hamilton Juniors, is a thinking defenseman, a playmaker. He showed fine poise in the preseason games.Crashley started with the Wings last season when he was only 20 years old and hadn't played a pro game before. It was obvious he needed seasoning and he came on strong in the final half at Memphis.Watson, a 6-foot-2, 200-pounder from Malartic, Que., got the job done defensively in camp, blocking shots and clearing out the territory in front of the net. And he did it without picking up an unreasonable number of penalties.The four other defensemen had good and bad moments in the toning up for the season but one defender who was sharp from the start was goalie Roger Crozier.Crozier is attempting to rebound from an off-season when his goals against average jumped to 3.35.&ldquo;Funny thing is, I felt fine physically all season,&rdquo; said the little man who was beset by injuries and ailments but starred in goal his first two years winning All-Star, rookie and playoff honors.Abel tried to persuade Crozier to wear a mask this season but every time the boss turned his head, Crozier had the mask off.&ldquo;I just can't find one that's comfortable enough,&rdquo; said Crozier. &ldquo;They're just too hot and the sweat streams down and I can't see.&rdquo;Roger's been seeing just fine without a mask and had an exceptionally fine camp.Up front the Wings will open with lines like this from left to right; Gary Jarrett&mdash;Alex Delvecchio&mdash;Gordie Howe, Paul Henderson&mdash;Norm Ullman&mdash;Bruce Mac-Gregor and Dean Prentice&mdash;Ted Hampson&mdash;Floyd Smith with Doug Roberts the spare.All but Jarrett and Hampson opened last season with the Wings although Hampson was called up after just five games and tied Johnny Bucyk for 14th in NHL scoring. &#9632;

f0005-01

Wings' Defense Rises Again To Win Plaudits From Abel; Crashley, Watson Eye-catching

MONTREAL, Que. -The National Hockey League released its 1967-68 regular-season schedule and, because of the expansion from six to 12 teams, it is the most extensive in the 51-year history of the League.The schedule comprises 444 games, compared to the 210-game schedule of the last 10 seasons when the six teams played 70 games each. This season the 12 clubs play 74 games each; 37 on the road. The League will operate as two divisions&mdash;the East Division, comprising the six old teams and the West Division, the six new clubs. Each team will play each of the other five teams in its division a total 10 times&mdash;five at home and five away&mdash;and will play each team in the other division four times&mdash;twice at home and twice away.The schedule is four games more than double the previous largest schedules, which were those played during the NHL's 10 team era from 1926-67 through 1930-31 when each team played 44 games a season, making a 220-game composite schedule. From 1932-33 through 1934-35, the NHL had nine teams playing 48 games each, or a 216 game composite schedule.The 1967-68 campaign opens October 11 with five games scheduled, including an interlocking game in which Montreal Canadiens visit Pittsburgh Penguins. Also that night, New York Rangers visit the defending NHL champion Chicago Black Hawks; Detroit Red Wings are at Boston Bruins; Philadelphia Flyers at California Seals and Minnesota North Stars at St. Louis Blues.The Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs open their schedule at home, Oct. 14, against Chicago while the other team, Los Angeles Kings, also has a home game as its opener that same night, against Philadelphia.The Canadiens play their first home game Oct. 14 against Detroit. Other home openers are: Detroit, Oct. 15, against New York;, Oct. 18, against Montreal; Philadelphia, Oct. 19, against. Pittsburgh, and Minnesota, Oct. 21, against California.The schedule, which includes 25 weekends compared to 24 last season, finishes Sunday, March 31, with five games.Because of the increase in the number of games, there are games scheduled each night of the week, but generally, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are the most frequent nights used by the teams. In addition, there are a total 23 matinees of which 12 are on Sunday and 11 Saturday.Of the seven Monday games, six will be played Christmas Night when all 12 teams will be in action. The other Monday game is Feb. 12 when Toronto is at Los Angeles.The 444 games are broken down in the following manner; 150 involving only teams In the East Division; 150 involving West Division teams; and 144 Interlocking games.The 21st annual NHL All-Star Game will be played Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Toronto. It will see the defending Stanley Cup champion Maple Leafs opposing a team comprising players from the other 11 clubs, including those selected to the 1966-67 All-Star teams. &#9632;

NHL's New Schedule Seen Most Extensive In History

<div class="byline">By Ken McKenzie</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-01847/3104806-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg" title="f0006-01" width="492" height="501"></div>&bull; HOCKEY PLAYERS who toil for the Minnesota North Stars have learned J that you don't trifle with manager-coach Wren Blair. It seems veteran defenseman Pete Goegan was dogging it in training camp, a move that incurred Blair s wrath. After the first period of a recent exhibition game, Blair told Goegan to take off his uniform. He wasn't doing justice A to it. Now Blair has suspended Goegan and threatened him with a $500 fine for every game he misses for refusing his latest and final contract offer. Goegan is Minnesota's only holdout &hellip; Bud poile the GM of the Philadelphia Flyers, thinks his team will finish no worse than second in expansion. Poile said if the team doesn't get the job done with the 19 players he picked after training camp, then h'll bring in others who will produce results &hellip; The NHL's extensive 444-game schedule, largest in league history because of expansion, has several interesting features. For example, for the first time there will be league games schedule for every night of the week, including Mondays and Fridays, two days the NHL usually remained idle in the past. Another oddity is that some of the old clubs, like Montreal Canadiens, have something like 21 less Sunday dates. It will mean more time with the wife and kids, so there won't be too many complaints. The NHL has six games Christmas night, which is a Monday. All teams are in action &hellip; Toledo Blades of the International League are drumming up considerable hockey interest among the city's small fry by staging a &ldquo;stick boy&rdquo; contest for youngsters from 12 to 16. The lucky youngster will help his ice heroes with equipment, sticks, sit with the team i at all times and make one out-of-town trip.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-02690/3104799-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="289" height="481"><figcaption class="caption-body">Pete Goegan</figcaption></div>&bull; TORONTO LEAFS should have as many as four rookies in their lineup this season Jim McKenny, Duane Rupp, ; Ed Dorey and Wayne Carleton are all newcomers who have been impressive. Rupp appears to have the edge over McKenny for the &ldquo;fifth&rdquo; defenseman spot which means McKenny would either go to Rochester or stay with the club in the event of injuries. Carleton will be the only new face among the forwards. Dorey, a defenseman like Rupp and McKenney will probably be sent out for seasoning &hellip; Larry Jeffrey of the Rangers has to be the hard luck guy of the NHL at the moment. He was recently hit in the eye during a game and had to see a New York specialist. Rangers getting rash of eye injuries. Al Hamilton also visited medics to have his eye looked at &hellip; From St. Louis comes word that Jack Buck, who does the Cardinals' baseball play-by-play on radio, will team up with ex-NHL player Gus Kyle to broadcast the St. Louis Blues' hockey games over Radio Station KMOX. The Blues also disclosed that a total of 12 color telecasts of their games will be carried on KPLT-TV (Channel 11). Jay Randolph, who airs the NFL' Cardinals' football games, will be at the mike for the hockey play-by-play &hellip; The NHL's publicity director, Ron Andrews, reminds that anyone wishing to secure a copy of the NHL schedule for 1967-68, may obtain one free by writing the Publicity Department, 922 Sun Life Bldg., Montreal 2, Que &hellip; Grant (Knobby) Warwick, former NHL star and coach of the famed PENTICTON Vees, is anxious to get back into hockey in a coaching capacity. Grant has had a rough time of it because of his health but he reports he has improved tremendously. Interested parties might contact him at 3363 West 15th Ave., Vancouver, B.C.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-03504/3104792-1-eng-US/f0006-032.jpg" title="f0006-03" width="295" height="485"><figcaption class="caption-body">Larry Jeffrey</figcaption></div>&bull; JOHN HALLIGAN of the Rangers passes along the word that the Blues could conceivably employ a line of &ldquo;spinal fusion&rdquo; veterans this year. Jean Ratelie, Rod Gilbert and Camille Henry have all had spinal surgery done by the club doctor, Dr. Kazuo Yanagisawa. Halligan also points out that New York fans have never seen the Rangers win the Stanley Cup. The three times they won the cup, the final series ended on the road &hellip; Hockey fans are reminded that the new season is about to start and we encourage our readers to send in their Fan Forum letters. If you have an opinion on hockey, why not sit down and i put it in letter form &hellip; The Oklahoma City Blazers, one of pro hockey's most enterprising organizations, are publishing a 60-page magazine called &ldquo;The Parade Of Hockey". It is available for a dollar and contains the history of every pro city with photos of all arenas. Bill Levins, the Blazers' GM, reports it is an informative book all hockey fans should have in their library. Write to the Oklahoma City Hockey Glub, 333 Gordon Cooper Blvd., Oklahoma City, Okla, for a copy &hellip; Ed Johnston, the amazing Boston veteran, has managed to survive all the challenges to his job at Beantown. He'll probably start the year in goal with Gerry Cheevers as back-up. It seems Johnston is always beating out someone for the No. 1 spot. Last year it was Bernie Parent, who went to Philly in the expansion draft.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-04351/3104785-1-eng-US/f0006-042.jpg" title="f0006-04" width="285" height="497"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ed Johnston</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0006-01

PASSING THE BUCK

LOS ANGELES, Calif. &ndash;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-01791/3104837-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg" title="f0007-01" width="281" height="483"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bill Sweeny</figcaption></div>As Los Angeles entered its first season as a member of hockey's major leagues, owner Jack Kent Cooke was reported winging his way to darkest Africa, tracking down a rumor that deep in the jungle there was a witch-doctor who picked the Kings to win the pennant in the Western expansion, Division of the National Hockey League. Found, the man would be certain to be knighted by Cooke, who purchased the rights to knight people from a man on the Brooklyn bridge a few weeks ago.Aside from the witch doctor, no living, breathing, seeing, feeling mortal has been fround who thinks the Kings will win as many as half their games during the coming campaign. That is, aside from Cooke, Larry Regan and Leonard Patrick Kelly, the Kings' rookie owner, manager and coach, respectively, of course. In the face of dire predictions of disaster, they have been optimistic about the season all along. As the training camp and exhibition schedule closed, they were more optimistic than ever.Generally, the Kings conducted themselves surprisingly well in the ghost town known as Guelph, from which they operated during the camp period. Observers from other clubs admitted some surprise with the look of the team and suggested they might do quite a bit better than had at first been believed possible. If Terry Sawchuk, the 38-year-old goalie, holds up, the team should be pretty tough. The defense is deep and physically strong. The offense is not so deep, but looms tough and seems promising. Aside from Sawchuk, the key men are under 30 and, if inexperienced in the NHL, they are experienced in hockey.If the Kings' can get through the first part of the season without suffering in the standings too much, things should pick up for them as they go along. They have much the roughest schedule of any team in hockey. For one thing, they must play in three different home arenas. They play 11 games in the Los Angeles Sports Arena and six games in the Long Beach Arena before their new Forum in suburban Inglewood is ready Dec. 30.After they open the season &ldquo;at home,&rdquo; with Saturday and Sunday night games, Oct. 14 and 15, in Long Beach against Philadelphia and Minnesota, they take to the road for two weeks before returning &ldquo;home&rdquo; tuesday night, Oct. 31, to L.A., this time, to tackle New York. They have no standard home nights. Home games will be played every night of the week except Monday.Cooke, who has been flying around so much he thinks home has wings on it, is expected back from Africa or wherever he's been, for the gala opening night. He is a man who does things in high style, so the inaugural should be a dandy. Among other things, Jack should skate on the rink. Aside from his lovely wife, Jean, he will be surrounded by such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Lome Greene and Jack Lemmon.Sinatra should feel at home with hockey players. He's missing some teeth, too.KINGS THINGS - Johnny Wilson, the Springfield coach, assisted Red Kelly, the Kings coach, with the training camp chores until the players were divided among the two teams and the clubs went their own ways. Wilson coached the Princeton University hockey team last season. Cooke also got his new coach of his National Basketball Association Lakers, Bill van Breda Kolff from Princeton. If Woodrow Wilson wasn't dead, the former president of Princeton &hellip; and the U.S&hellip;. probably would be on Cooke's Board of Directors.Ed Fitkin, who was hired for hockey, but assigned to be general manager of Cooke's L.A. Wolves of the United Soccer Assn., has been returned to hockey as public relations director and color-man assistant to radio-TV broadcaster &ldquo;Jiggs&rdquo; Campbell. Fitkin, of course, is one of the best. Alan Michaels, who has done a fine job filling in, will be reassigned in the organization, which is vast.Although the Kings own and operate Springfield of the AHL as their No. 1 farm, they are also doing business with Vancouver of the Western League. In their first moves, they sold hard-to-handle veteran Bill Sweeney, loaned Mike Corbett and optioned Larry Mavety on 24-hour recall to the Canucks. They also signed a working agreement with the Toledo, Ohio, team of the amateur International League.The new Kings Fan Club, which is the old Blades fan club, both presided over by Kathy Kay, now numbers 400 persons, none of whom is Dan Reeves. With Reeves' football Rams flying high, he is not expected to attend as many hockey games as usual this season. That means none &hellip; However, the Kings may average close to 10,000 fans per game for this, the first bigtime season for the ice sport in sunny Souther California.<h2>Goegan Suspended From North Stars</h2>TWIN CITIES, Minn.&mdash;Wren Blair, coach and general manager of the Minnesota North Stars, suspended Pete Goegan and threatened to fine him after he refused Blair's &ldquo;final&rdquo; contract offer. Goegan has been in Blair's &ldquo;Doghouse&rdquo; for not trying in training camp.&ldquo;I told him to go home to Fort William, Ont., Blair said, &ldquo;and think about fines of $50 a day and $500 a game until he decides to sign.&rdquo; The stars broke camp and headed for home without Goegan.Goegan, a defenseman obtained from Detroit in the expansion draft, was the last holdout on the Minnesota club as the NHL opener approached.Blair said Goegan would be fined $550 if he misses the opening game at St. Louis.Goegan, 32, has played professional hockey for 11 years, most of it in the NHL with the Red Wings. &#9632;

f0007-01

Kings' Tough Camp Play Triggers Hope

<div class="byline">By GIL SMITH</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-01833/3104868-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="288" height="483"><figcaption class="caption-body">Yvan Cournoyer</figcaption></div>MONTREAL, Que.&mdash;Montreal Canadiens pointed toward their season opener against the Penguins in Pittsburgh this. week, secure in the knowledge that they will ; have to show better form than they played in most of their exhibitions.The Habs were spotty in preseason play, particularly when the competition Involved other NHL clubs. After beating New York Rangers in their exhibition opener, and trouncing minor opposition such as Sherbrooke and Granby, Canadiens ran into problems against competition from their own league. They split with Chicago, lost a return engagement to New York and were whipped successively by Detroit and Toronto before the exhibition schedule ground to an end.It's always difficult to assess performances in exhibition games, of course. A team is usually not in top condition, too-many players and line formations are used, and there is general confusion among men who have not played together as a regular unit. And, as always, injuries have to be contended with; in Montreal's case, John Ferguson, Dick Duff and Claude Provost, as well as others, were forced to miss games while nursing various hurts. But, all teams go through this, including the ones that beat Canadiens on the exhibition swing.Sam pollock, Montreal's general manager, was cautions when queried about the Habs' performance in pre-season play.&ldquo;I'm not going to comment on the team's performance, for publication,&rdquo; said Pollock. &ldquo;All I'm going to say is that these exhibitions are important for getting the players into playing condition for a season. In that sense, they're very important.&rdquo;One of the surprise of the exhibition skirmishing was the fact that the rookies, after a heads-up start, seemed to tail off considerably as the pre-season games progressed. Mickey Redmond, for instance, was a ball of fire in training camp and in the first meeting against the Rangers, but from that point onward he seemed less effective. It may be coincidence, but Redmond's slump coincided with an injury to centre Gary Monahan, who had pivoted Redmond's line in impressive fashion. With Monahan out, Redmond spittered. However, other rookies who'd shown a lot of early foot,&mdash;players like Danny Grant, Jacques Lemaire and defenceman Serge Savard,&mdash;also suffered let downs after the first few exhibition games. The goaling, too, was something less than spectacular through much of the exhibition swing.There were, however, some bright spots. Yvan Cournoyer, last season's top goal-getter on Canadiens, showed that he'd lost none of his accuracy around the net and was one of Habs'most consistent producer with seven goals. Before he was injured, Dick Duff had been going well as had Gilles Tremblay, Ralph Backstrom and Claude Larose. Big Jean Beliveau made some fine plays in some of the early contests, and Bobby Rousseau was drilling the puck with plenty of authority from the right point on the powerplays. Defensively, Terry Harper and Jacques Laperriere were generally the best of a not overly impressive lot.Toe Blake, as is usually the case in pre-season games, used many different combinations of players in order to assess the talent from all angles. His lines were further scrambled by the afore-mentioned injuries to leftwingers Duff and Ferguson, so a certain amount of improvising had to be done. For those reasons, it's difficult to figure just who may line up with whom when the regular schedule gets underway, but it could look something like this:Beliveau will probably centre a line with Ferguson and Rousseau on the wings; Richard will likely wind up between Duff and Provost with Redmond and Cournoyer available as right-wing replacements and Bryan Watson, if he stays around. Backstroin-Larose-Gilles Tremblay looked like a good combination in exhibitions and could wind up a starting unit. Only Blake knows what will happen to other rookie forwards like Monahan, Grant and Lemaire.Defensively, the combinations should be Harper and Laperriere, J.C. Tremblay and Harris, and Carol Vadnais, though not always impressive in pre-season play, a likely fifth defenceman. Serge Savard is a question mark, though he could be kept around for spot duty, for a while. In goal, Habs will probably start with Worsley and Vachon. &#9632;

f0008-01

Habs Brace For Opener After Cool Camp Play

<div class="byline">SMITH</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-02742/3104906-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="592" height="805"><figcaption class="caption-body">CLAUDE PROVOST</figcaption></div>MONTREAL, Que. &ndash;A pair of right-wingers have been combining to kill penalties for the Montreal Canadiens, during much of their exhibition schedule, and may possibly hold down those jobs when the season gets underway.Veteran Claude Provost and the widely-known &ldquo;Superpest&rdquo; Bryan Watson, both of whom normally play the starboard side, have been working as an &ldquo;up front''unit in Habs'penalty-killing setup. Provost has been working the left side, and that means that the wheel has come full circle for the craggy-faced veteran. When he first joined Canadiens the team was loaded with right-wing talent of the calibre of Maurice Richard and Bernard Geoffrion, and, in order to grab a berth with the club, Provost told &ldquo;a little white lie&rdquo; about his ability to play left wing. He may now have his chance to do that.As for Watson, he's been working like a trojan to earn a spot with the club this season. Bryan has changed his style since returning to the team with which he broke in to the NHL. He appears to be laying off the hooking, slashing and sweater-pulling which featured his penalty-killing efforts on behalf of Detroit. Even while working against Bobby Hull, his nemesis of last season, Watson plays it straight.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-03614/3104899-1-eng-US/f0008-032.jpg" title="f0008-03" width="601" height="807"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRYAN WATSON</figcaption></div>Canadiens, of course, have to find a replacement for Jim Roberts, whom they lost in the draft and who worked regularly on their penalty-killing setup. There are plenty of candidates, however, not the least of whom is Gilles Tremblay, who can kill penalties in addition to playing a regular shift. &#9632;

f0008-02

Provost, Watson Probably Habs' Penalty-killing Duo

<div class="byline">By GLENN REDMANN</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-01811/3104951-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg" title="f0009-01" width="624" height="1053"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE McMAHON&hellip; solid defender</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-02728/3104944-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="620" height="1029"><figcaption class="caption-body">BOB WOYTOWICH&hellip; won't Miss Opener</figcaption></div>TWIN CITIES, Minn. -When training camp opened for the fledgling Minnesota North Stars, defense was believed to be the one position at which the club was pretty well set. Mind you there wasn't a lot of depth, but general manager-coach. Wren Blair had every right to believe that five men plucked in the National Hockey League expansion draft gave him better than average protection at the blue line.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-03591/3104937-1-eng-US/f0009-032.jpg" title="f0009-03" width="292" height="484"><figcaption class="caption-body">Moose Vasko</figcaption></div>The five Included a quartet which had seen considerable action in the NHL&mdash;Jean Guy Talbot, Elmer (Moose) Vasko, Bob Woytowich and Pete Goegan&mdash;and a fellow named Mike McMahon, who'd had brief trials with the Rangers and Canadiens.Less than two weeks before the start of the regular season, however, Blair's blue line corps looked more like wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam. At one stage of camp, only McMahon was 100 per cent physically.First of all, Vasko injured his knee and missed nearly two weeks of practice time.Then Talbot, a veteran of 13 seasons in the NHL, sustained a painful cut on his ankle.The absence of these two gave Blair a chance to look at several young prospects including Bill Plager, who also joined the injury list when he ran into the net. &ldquo;But while some of our younger boys looked good,&rdquo; said Blair, &ldquo;none appeared to be ready for the NHL.&rdquo;Woytowich, who has played the last three seasons for Boston, was a sparkplug during the first three weeks in camp when he went on the shelf with an elbow injury that necessitated minor surgery. Thankfully, it wasn't expected to keep him from missing the opener in St. Louis Oct. 11.That leaves Goegan and McMahon as the only two defensemen free of injury and unfortunately Goegan's lack-lustre play has just about forced Blair to give up all hope that the 33-year-old former Detroit player will be of any help.&ldquo;I expected quite a bit from Pete,&rdquo; said Blair, &ldquo;but he's a big disappointment. At his size (6-1 and 200 pounds), he was being counted on to take care of some of the rough stuff.&rdquo;Blair has had no such problems with McMahon, however.The man they called &ldquo;Iron Mike&rdquo; when he performed spectacularly for St. Paul of the Central League in the 1964-65 season has been everything and then some that Blair had hoped he'd be in camp.&ldquo;To be truthful,&rdquo; said Wren, &ldquo;I was counting on Mike to be my swing man when camp started.&ldquo;My original plans were to pair Goegan with Woytowich and put Vasko and Talbot together, with Mike spelling both pairs. But it didn't take me long to realize that McMahon had to be in there on a regular shift.&rdquo;During that year in St. Paul where McMahon claimed to &ldquo;have learned a lot under Freddie Shero,&rdquo; Mike was one of the most popular players ever to pull on a sweater in the Minnesota Capital City.Naturally disappointed at first, because he had hope to make it with the Canadiens as his father Mike Sr. had in 1941, McMahon finally got untracked and was again named the Central Loop's top defenseman.Mike's best night scoring-wise of camp came when he scored two goals in a 3-1 victory over the California Seals on Sept. 25.Oddly enough, McMahon was one of several North Stars who had mild salary disputes with Blair before putting his name to a contract on Sept. 23.But when it got down to the actual signing with the two men a reported $500 apart, Blair wouldn't budge one iota. &ldquo;I told him,&rdquo; said Wren, &ldquo;that if he had the kind of season I thought he was capable of having, he'd get the extra money later.Named most valuable player in Central League for 1964-65, Mike was rewarded with a spot on the Rangers and took part in 70 games for the Broadway Blues the following year.Then came his draft by the Canadiens, who sent him back to the Central League at Houston.&ldquo;To be very frank, if he keeps playing the way he has in camp, he's a cinch to get the money and I'll be happy to pay it.&rdquo;ICE CHIPS: Dave Balon, the Stars No. 1 pick in the draft, finally signed his contract on Sept. 28 &hellip; The hard-skating left wing was the first member of his team to score a hat trick &hellip; He did it in a 10-4 victory over the Memphis farm club team &hellip;The North Stars sent a telegram from camp to Boston on Sept. 30 wishing the Minnesota Twins luck in the red hot American League pennant race &hellip; Larry Jagoe was named to the radio broadcasting team which will air North Stars games &hellip; He'll do color and Al Shaver the play-by-play. &#9632;

f0009-01

McMahon Iron Man Of Defense As Injuries Hit 4 Rearguards

<div class="byline">Redmann</div>TWIN CITIES, Minn. -Hockey fans in the Twin Cities area will have a chance to meet the North Stars in person at a &ldquo;Welcome Home&rdquo; luncheon on Oct. 19 that is unique in two respects:1&mdash;It will be the first such gathering to be jointly sponsored by the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Bloomington Chambers of Commerce.2&mdash;It will be held not at a hotel, but instead at Stars' new home&mdash;Metropolitan Sports Center which is rapidly being finished in time for the Oct. 21 home opener. Dick Meredith, former University of Minnesota and U.S. Olympic team hockey player, has joined the Minnesota North Stars front office staff.&ldquo;With Dick's varied background in hockey and business,&rdquo; said Bob Reid, special assistant to president Walter Bush, &ldquo;we feel that we've added a man who will be able to make a big contribution to the success of our operation.&rdquo;Reid explained that Meredith's duties will deal mainly with group promotions and ticket sales. &#9632;

Unique ' Welcome Home' Awaiting North Stars

<div class="byline">By DAN MOULTON</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-01825/3105013-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg" title="f0010-01" width="273" height="479"><figcaption class="caption-body">Paul Terbenche</figcaption></div>CHICAGO, Ill. &ndash;Tommy Ivan and Billy Reay probably will get the Black Hawks into something resembling defending champion ship form before the : regular NHL season is too many weeks along.But everytime they appeared to be making strides toward that end during the closing days of training camp, some new crisis would crop up to throw all of their good works back into chaos.Through most of the early exhibitions, Reay had only one line at his disposal that looked as though it might be intact when the season started. That would have been a trio of Jerry Goyer as Red Hay's replacement between Eric Nesterenko and Dennis Hull.Kenny Wharram's refusal to workout without a contract and Doug Mohns' persistent leg injury left Stan Mikita as the only representative of the Scooter line in camp. And with Pit Martin joining Wharram amoung the-reluctant warriors for better than three weeks kept the identity of Phil Esposito's replacement as middle man for Bobby Hull and Chico Maki from being determined.The shortage of qualified manpower enabled the 10 or so rookies in camp to put in more ice time that they perhaps would have been given under normal conditions.But it didn't do much for Reay's peace of mind.'Particularly vexing has been the center situation, where, with the exceptions of Mikita, the Hawks have been almost destitute for several years.Martin, when he finally gets into shape, could do an acceptable job between Hull and Maki and Goyer won't hurt Nesterenko and Dennis Hull, particularly in a season when all of the teams are feeling the pinch of the expansion talent drain.But there is a pretty remarkable drop off behind Mikita.A ray of hope may be presenting itself for Reay, though.If willingness and courage are of any account at all, the Black Hawks should have another third of their center problem solved.And the solution could come in a couple of months &hellip;next year at the latest.Right now, young Paul Terbenche a defense man through most of his amateur career and during his first year as a pro last season at St. Louis, admits that he's having a terrible time making the transition to center that Coach Billy Reay decreed at the start of the training camp.But the youngster from Port Hope, Ont., realizes the Hawks' needs and he's willing to do whatever is required to make the switch.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-02709/3105006-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="2669" height="1180"><figcaption class="caption-body">The NHL expansion draft left the Black Hawks thin down the middle. After STAN MIKITA, shown here wheeling up the ice with puck, the Hawks are straining. It is one of the problems facing Coach Billy Reay and he may find it tough to solve unless some of his rookies come through.</figcaption></div>&ldquo;At the moment, though, I feel mighty sorry for whichever set of wings I work with,&rdquo; Terbenche said, smiling. ''I really have no idea of what I'm doing out there and they're supposed to be trying to work with me.&rdquo;Reay concedes that Terbenche is lacking several of the qualities of the bonafide center, but insists that Paul will overcome the problems.&ldquo;He lacks finesse, of course,&rdquo; said Billy. &ldquo;But he skates well enough, he certainly tries hard enough, and I'm sure he's brave enough.&rdquo;Terbenche's willingness to expend effort is what impresses Reay most.&ldquo;He's coachable. He works at what he's told to do, and he recognizes it when he makes a mistake,&rdquo; said Billy. &ldquo;For the first couple of days in practice, after he'd done something wrong, I'd skate along side him and point it out.&ldquo;After a while, he made less mistakes and I wouldn't have to tell when he did make one.&ldquo;That's why I'm certain he'll make it. It may be this year, or he may need another year in the minors. I'm not really sure yet, but he's going to make it.&rdquo;One of the factors working in favor of Paul's making the team this year is the fact that he can play defense. As Reay said:&ldquo;The more a kid can do, the better his chances of making the team are.&rdquo;Paul worked between Maki and Bobby Hull during several exhibition games and although he fears he may have hampered the play of the two great veterans because of his inexperience, he feels that he gained.&ldquo;The change in skating style from defense to center is the toughest part as far as I'm concerned,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;As a defense-man you're more erect, while as a center you have to stay lower and move from side to side much more often.&ldquo;So that's what I have to work hardest to do. And you couldn't ask for two better guys to make you skate than Bobby and Chico.&rdquo;Terbenche also considers himself fortunate to have the benefit of daily object lessons on the fine art of playing center ice given by the master of them all, Stan Mikita.&ldquo;He shows me something every-time he steps on the ice,&rdquo; marveled Terbenche. &ldquo;He's just the best and you can't ask for a better teacher than that.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0010-01

After Mikita - Hawks Thin As Rookie Bids To Switch From Defense To Center

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.&mdash;Philadelphia Flyers may have had the most pathetic record in NHL exhibition play, but it hasn't deterred general manager Bud Poile from predicting his team will finish either first or second in the expansion section.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-01816/3105044-1-eng-US/f0011-012.jpg" title="f0011-01" width="289" height="493"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bud Poile</figcaption></div>&ldquo;I'll be very disappointed if we don't finish first or second,&rdquo; Poile said as he announced his 19 player team that will carry Philadelphia's hopes in the enlarged NHL this season.Poile said he may not finish-on top or even second with his present team but if the club doesn't get away to a fast start then you can expect changes.Poile said he feared none of the. new teams and singled out Pittsburgh and Minnesota as the two teams likely to give his Flyers the most trouble.Selected by Poile to make the Flyers were netminders Bernie Parent and Doug Favell; defensemen Ed Van Impe, Joe Watson, John Hanna, Jean Gauthier, Jim Morrison and John Miszuk; centres Lou Angotti, Forbes Kennedy, Garry Peters and Ed Hoekstra; and wingers Wayne Hicks, GaryDornhoefer, Pat Hannigan, Leon Rochefort, Brit Selby, Bill Sutherland and Don Blackburn.Of these 19 players, 14 were drafted by the Flyers in the expansion draft last June and five others played for Quebec Aces of the American Hockey League last year. &#9632;

f0011-01

Poile Picks His Flyers In Top Two

<div class="byline">By ED CONRAD</div>PHILADELPHIA, Pa.&mdash;The expansion-bred Flyers feel they have acquired the &ldquo;sleeper&rdquo; in the recent NHL draft and even Brit Selby&mdash;the man on that hot seat&mdash;tends to agree.Selby, of course, was rookie of the year with the Toronto Maple Leafs two years ago but the 22-year-old left-wing became a true-life victim of that proverbial sophomore jinx last season.&ldquo;I had that real great year with the Leafs,&rdquo; explained Brit. &ldquo;Then I must have thought 1 was too good. I thought I had everything sewed up when I reported to training camp. I was badly mistaken.&rdquo;Selby, whose playing weight is 175, feels that his biggest mistake was reporting to the Leafs' camp last season 15 pounds overweight.&ldquo;I reported at 190 because I thought maybe the extra weight would help me,&rdquo; recalled Brit, who now weighs 173. &ldquo;By the time I left camp, I was down to 180 but I found that I wasn't that strong.&rdquo;To make a long story short, Selby was sent off to Vancouver of the Western League. The Leafs ' decided he needed more work and he was getting it when&mdash;bingo!&mdash;he suffered a broken right leg.&ldquo;The sad part about it is that I had been told by the Leafs that I'd be rejoining them in the very near future,&rdquo; lamented Brit. &ldquo;It taught me a real good lesson.The mishap occurred in Vancouver against San Diego on Dec. 7 and Selby did not participate in another hockey game for the remainder of the season.&ldquo;It was really tough on me because it wiped out an entire year,&rdquo; said Brit. &ldquo;But now that's all behind me. Right now I'm just concerned about one thing: getting into the best shape possible for the new season.Despite Selby's optimistic outlook, the Leafs failed to protect him when time came for expansion draft. So he was grabbed by the Flyers as their No. 3 selection among skaters.&ldquo;We were very impressed with Brit early last season and had him ranked very high as a potential draft choice if he was available,&rdquo; explained Bud Poile, the Flyers' general manager.&ldquo;Naturally, after he broke his leg we were very skeptical. But we checked him out thoroughly and everyone gave us the OK to go ahead and pick him if we had a chance to get him.&ldquo;I know he's been working very hard trying to return to the form he displayed two years ago,&rdquo; continued Poile. &ldquo;I sincerely believe he can turn out to be the big draft pick. I personally believe he's going to be a big one for us.&rdquo;Selby says the Leafs' decision not to protect him shocked him a bit because of the fact that the Toronto club protected other left wings a lot older than him.&ldquo;For example, they protected Allan Stanley and he's 42 years old,&rdquo; said Brit. &ldquo;I'm only 22.&ldquo;To be very truthful, I'm glad to get out of the Maple Leafs' organization,&rdquo; he continued. &ldquo;I certainly feel I'm better off playing for a younger club.&ldquo;Another thing, it would be pretty hard for a guy like myself to make the club after a team wins the Stanley Cup championship. &ldquo;As far as joining the Flyers&mdash;one of six new expansion teams&mdash;Selby maintains that it's really a step up in his hockey career because he feels there's a lot more responsibility thrust on his shoulders in his new environment.&ldquo;There has to be more responsibility because more demands will be put on me than if I was in Toronto,&rdquo; he explained.&ldquo;How could it ever be a step down?,&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;Heck, two things are most important in hockey. One is money and the other is ice time. I feel in Philadelphia I'll be getting the same money I'd be getting if I played with the Leafs and I'm sure I'll be getting more ice time. Those are the two things that are most important.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-02743/3105075-1-eng-US/f0011-022.jpg" title="f0011-02" width="601" height="667"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRIT SELBY &hellip; learned lesson hard way</figcaption></div>As far as his new team is concerned, Selby predicts that the Flyers will win their share of games this season&mdash;in fact, probably a bigger share than anyone envisions.&ldquo;The lineup that Philadelphia has, it would have to do real well, &ldquo; said Brit. &ldquo;Why, I think they're going to be more-or-less on par with the (Boston) Bruins and the (New York) Rangers. The Bruins' lineup doesn't appear too much stronger than an expansion team.&ldquo;I think (Bernard) Parent, whom the Flyers got from Boston, as their No. 1 choice in the goalie draft, is the best goalie picked up during the expansion,&rdquo; noted Selby. &ldquo;And defenseman Joe Watson, another pick from Boston, is only 23 years old. I couldn't understand the Bruins at all.&rdquo;At this stage of his career, however, Brit isn't concerning himself with understanding the moves and counter-moves of a hockey organization. He knows he's got his own situation to take care of.&ldquo;They've (the Flyers) showed they have a lot of confidence in me,&rdquo; concluded Selby. &ldquo;And I'm going to put out every minute to repay that confidence. &ldquo; &#9632;

f0011-02

Flyers Feel Selby 'Sleeper' In Draft

NEW YORK, N.Y. &ndash;The New York&mdash;Montreal game of Friday, September 29 was only an exhibition but it would have been hard to prove this to the 10,616 fans who greeted the Blues triumphant (6-4) return to Broadway.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-01799/3105113-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg" title="f0012-01" width="341" height="495"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bobby Orr</figcaption></div>The frenzied denizens of Madison Square Garden picked up the tempo of last season's Stanley Cup semi-final series and the teams responded with a wild penalty filled performance which reminded one of a mid season game.Referee Bill Friday called 26 penalties including eight majors for a total of 96 minutes. Rugged Reg Fleming was charged with 37 minutes including a game misconduct. Fleming tangled with Carol Vadnais in the first period, was soundly thrashed by Ted Harris in the second and outpointed Serge Savard in the third. Other minor altercations included a cross checking setto between Harry Howell and Jean Beliveau and a. pushing match between Vadnais and Jim Neilson.Emile Francis, the Blues GM-Coach said later, &ldquo;The enthusiasm of the crowd made this like a Cup game. I was afraid that somebody would get hurt out there. We very definitely were up for the game and the crowd was a big part of this.&rdquo;New York won on two goals from Phil Goyette and one each from Camille Henry, Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle and Arnie Brown.It's hard to explain but why NHL teams place such emphasis on winning exhibitions with so much high-priced talent on the ice remains one of hockey's perplexing questions. Invariably someone is going to get racked up In the early - season play as evidenced in the Boston-Montreal pre-season exhibition Oct. 6 in Boston.Montreal and Boston went at each other hammer and tong in the exhibition game but in the wake of the donnybrook, both sides may have paid dearly for their rowdiness.The Canadiens, who dropped a 2-1 decision to the Bruins, loast ace defenseman Terry Harper with a separated left shoulder as the result of being dammed into the boards.Bruins' starry young rearguard Bobby Orr, attempting to prove his prowess as a fighter, was forced to leave the rough-house game with an injured hand after engaging in his second brawl of the night.The penalty-strewn game was the wildest of the NHL exhibition season as the contest was interrupted time and again by wild melees on the Boston Garden ice. Officials called a total of 34 penalties, including nine for fighting, two misconducts and one game misconduct.When the teams weren't flexing their muscles there was some time for hockey. Ken Hodge-and Phil Espositio, the Bruins' two offseason acquisitions from the Black Hawks, combined to score once each and propel Boston to its fourth exhibition win in nine games against NHL competition. Yvan Cournoyer, with his eighth goal, tallied the lone Montreal score.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-02687/3105106-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="1294" height="1290"><figcaption class="caption-body">TERRY HARPER &hellip;Thrown Into Boards</figcaption></div>Canadiens' loss was their fifth in 10 pre-season games and left them with a poor 2-5 record with NHL teams as their opposition in exhibition play.It was obvious from the outset of the Boston game that fighting was the name of the game as far as the Bruins and Canadiens were concerned.Defencemen Ted Harris of Montreal and Orr proved to be the chief antagonists, staging on? donnybrook of their own and each also getting mixed up in another fracas. &#9632;

f0012-01

Harper, Orr Casualties Of Camp Action

<div class="byline">By GEOFFREY FISHER</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-01779/3105144-1-eng-US/f0013-012.jpg" title="f0013-01" width="290" height="483"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bill McCreary</figcaption></div>ST.LOUIS, Mo.&mdash;Maybe they should have been named the St. Louis 'Black and Blues' because black and blue they were as they strapped on their battle gear for their opening bout with the Minnesota North Stars at the St. Louis Arena. Wednesday, October 11.There was Don McKenney with a damaged knee, Ron Schock with a Charley horse, Wayne Rivers with a broken toe, John Brennaman with a groin problem, Billy McCreary with a broken bone in g a foot, the late-reporting Glenn Hall with a hand Infection, and Doug Harvey, the old war horse, rushed to the hospital with a bad slash across the eye. Harvey was clipped by a stick during the closing moments of a hockey clinic at the Arena last Saturday. Hall was expected to miss the NHL opener with Seth Martin slated to get the call.Most of the injuries did not appear to be serious enough to keep these players, except Hall, from an early return to the battle zone but they did seem to reflect the results of a handicapped training camp which gave the Blues' coaching staff nervous indigestion. The drills were hampered by the frantic construction work going on in order to have the revamped St. Louis Arena completed in time for the opening of the season.If the Blues desired to set up an alibi for whatever lies ahead in the opening phase of this 1967-68 campaign, they had no shortage of material. There was the sparkling new ice surface, untested following the installation of a totally new ice making apparatus, there were days when the condensation created by the fresh ice in the humid interior of a building being overhauled caused a fog bank to hover over a large segment of the ice, making the goaltenders feel like they were playing hide and seek with the puck. On one occasion the players reported for practice to find a labor dispute boiling up into a club swinging affair outside the building. Two unions were at war over who was going to put the new seats in.But the Blues are not alibing about anything. General Manager and Coach Lynn Patrick and his staff have put together a hockey squad that confidently awaits the opening bell.Jim Roberts, the 27-year-old hard-rock, who was the first draft choice of the Blues, puts it this way.&ldquo;I think the management of the Blues is first class. They have done everything to get us settled here, they have given us a building that ranks with the best in the league, they have done everything they could to get us started in a race for the top. Now it's up to the players.&rdquo;Roberts, who comes to the Blues after three and a half seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, is a classic example of what the expanded National Hockey League has meant to hockey players.With Montreal, Roberts served mainly as an all-around utility player.&ldquo;They had established men at every position in the Montreal organization, many of them stars, and that is not the kind of arrangement that a fellow has much chance of busting into,&rdquo; states Roberts. &ldquo;Now in this expansion league, a lot of players will have a real good chance to show just what they can do. It's going to give the entire National Hockey League a lot more depth in player talent and don't be surprised to see some new stars shooting out of this new division.&rdquo;His versatility and hard-nosed style of play unquestionably were the major considerations that placed him first on the list drafted by the Blues and Roberts confesses to a certain added pressure on himself to prove his worth.&ldquo;I expect to show the Blues management and everyone else that I justify their confidence in me,&rdquo; Roberts says.As a veteran of the old established circuit, Roberts knows well the treacherons and challenging path leading to the top in the National Hockey League. He is a member of a rather exclusive fraternity that has twice sipped champagne from the coveted Stanley Cup, the crown jewel of the sport awarded to the winning team in the post season playoffs.Asked his opinion of how he thought the expansion league championship campaign would go, Roberts confidently predicted that the Blues would be on top at the end.&ldquo;All six of the teams are freshly put together. It's going to be a big question mark for everyone until we have had a chance to play each other at least once. It's not like the usual start of a season where all you have to do is look over the roster of the opposing club and have a pretty fair idea of what to expect from each and also what you have to do to prepare for each game. But after once around the circuit, we'll all have a pretty good notion of what it shapes up like.&rdquo;Roberts says the team that comes out strongest will be the team that makes the most of two ingredients&mdash;hard work and spirit.He sees the Blues as getting away to a slower start than some clubs because &ldquo;we have more veterans who need time to get into shape and we are a heavier team than some of the others.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0013-01

Battered Blues Await Bow As Injuries Plague Squad; Hall To Miss NHL Opener

<div class="byline">By TOM MONAHAN</div>BOSTON, Mass.&mdash;Potential power play improvement and scoring ability have prompted Bruins coach Harry Sinden to paraphrase the classic prediction of Red Sox Manager Dick Williams, &ldquo;We'll win more than we lose".&ldquo;The way I see it, ' said Sinden with a grin,' we'll lose less than we win this season.&rdquo;Sinden still is cautious in his evaluation of the Bruins as a playoff candidate for the first time since 1959.&ldquo;Naturally we've made changes we think have helped us&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But I've learned that things can be relative. I still don't know just what to expect from the other teams in the league.&ldquo;They have been changed too, you know.&ldquo;We should have more balance in all positions this year. But I'm still not completely satisfied. Let me just say I feel we have good possibilities of being stronger&rdquo;One of these is the power play, a noticeable deficiency in the Bruins attack last year.&ldquo;Deficiency,&rdquo; moted Sinden &ldquo;it was non-existent. &ldquo;But this year I do feel we have some potential there.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-02714/3105175-1-eng-US/f0013-022.jpg" title="f0013-02" width="615" height="652"><figcaption class="caption-body">PHIL ESPOSITO &hellip; value under-estimated</figcaption></div>&ldquo;We have either Fred Stanfield or Phil Esposito to play center. Whichever one is at center the other will be on the left point. On the right point we have Teddy Green, and Bobby Orr. and for wings we have Ross Lonsberry, Johnny McKenzie, Tom Williams and Ken Hodge. We also have Ron Murphy to play the left point.&ldquo;The improvement really hasn't shown up as yet. But that's because the guys haven't been playing together long enough as a unit to get it clicking. I feel sure it will develop, though.&rdquo;Scoring still is a question in Sinden's mind, especially since the Bruins scored only four goals in their last two exhibition games, 3 - 2 to Chicago and beating New York 2-1.&ldquo;But here too I think we have guys who can score,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Esposito has scored in the past, Lonsberry looks like he can score, Stanfield is the same. Then we have Bucyk, whom we haven't used much ' in exhibition games, Williams and Eddie Shack. Shack scored well for Toronto two years ago and there's no reason to think he won't do it for us.&rdquo;Sinden lists four pleasant surprises during the three weeks of training camp at London, Ont.&ldquo;First there was Esposito,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I thought he was a good hockey player but I think I underestimated him. At least he made me think that way from his work in camp.&ldquo;Then there is Green. Teddy seems to have finally recovered from his knee troubles. The way he played in exhibition games, he's a definite plus.&ldquo;Derek Sanderson is just out of Junior hockey and I really didn't expect him to be ready for the jump to the NHL. But he has played his way on to the team right now and that is a surprise.&ldquo;Lonsberry, too. He's still just a year out of Junior hockey but he seems to have matured rapidly. He's far better now than he was at this time last year. It looks as if he can help us on that left side.&rdquo;&ldquo;At least it seems we won't have to be patching here and patching there as we did last year.&ldquo;And I really mean it when I say we will lose less than we win this year.&rdquo;ICE CHIPS&mdash;the Bruins lined up for the opening game with Detroit with Esposito centering for Bucyk and Hodge &hellip; The other lines have Stanfield at center for Lonsberry and McKenzie and Sanderson at center for Murphy and Shack &hellip; Williams is tabbled as spare wing and Skip Krake as spare center &hellip; Rookie wing Glen Sather and veteran Eddie Westfall are presently assigned to penalty killing with Sather as a spare left wing and Westfall as a spare defenseman &hellip; The defensive pairs will have Green with Don Awrey, Bobby Orr with Dallas Smith and GaryDoak with Westfall. &#9632;

f0013-02

Sinden Lauds Esposito, Gives Power Play 'Lift'

<div class="byline">&#x2013; By Bill Libby</div><h2>NHL May Be Embarrassed</h2>Last season, the National Hockey League celebrated its Golden Anniversary. This season, entering a new era, it has given birth to a six-team sister circuit, the expansion loophen-ceforth to be known as the Western Division, which the people in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh think is pretty funny. Since each of the &ldquo;Western&rdquo; teams must play 24 games with &ldquo;Eastern&rdquo; teams as well as 50 with its nearer relatives, it is not impossible that the pennant-winner will finish under.500. How far would one go to celebrate capturing a flag with more defeats than victories Perhaps the over joyed hometown would hold a parade&hellip; marching backwards. The delighted players would drink and squirt one another with soft drink, instead of champagne. And then the happy owner would throw them in the shower. In any event, the NHL has rejected the sensible scheme of scrambling the survivors of both circuits in the, post-season playoffs so that the best two teams, presumably both members of the established division, would reach the final. Instead, the two, divisions will hold separate playoffs with the two winners meeting for the Stanley Cup. Eventually, of course, this is the way it has to be. For a few years, however, it may be embarrassing. Like your kid sister trying to take a man away from Liz Taylor. If she does it, you know something is screwy.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-01781/3105220-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg" title="f0014-01" width="286" height="491"><figcaption class="caption-body">Lynn Patrick</figcaption></div>In the meantime, we have reached that time of year, just before the beginning of each season, when everyone is undefeated, when everyone is predicting their team will be in the thick of their pennant race. Or almost everyone. And while, inevitably, some clubs will finish at the bottom, no one can imagine it now. Or almost no one. An exception is Lynn Patrick, whom we find to be more pessimistic, or possibly simply more honest than most. Not that Lynn expects to finish in the cellar with his St. Louis Blues. But Lynn has been in the basement so many consecutive seasons with Boston and Los Angeles that he no longer laughs at last place. He went to commit suicide one season but he couldn't jump up high enough.<h2>Blues Disappoint Lynn</h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-02668/3105213-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="297" height="484"><figcaption class="caption-body">Al Arbour</figcaption></div>Now. as new boss of the new Blues, Patrick says he'll be happy just to be in the thick of things. &ldquo;I'm hungry, sure, but I'm not going to kid myself,&rdquo; he told us. &ldquo;I'm disappointed in the way our club has performed in camp and in the exhibition games. After the draft, I said I wouldn't trade our personnel for that of any other club. Now, I'm not so sure' We seem to have a very slow defense. The other clubs may wheel around us like hoops around a barrel. Still, we have a long way to go. And we're working very hard. I do think it will be a tossup for honors among all six teams in the new league and very little will seperate the top club from the bottom club, so we could do better than I expect.&rdquo;Lynn, who has a quality assistant In Scotty Bowman, has decided to coach as well as manage the Blues. He says his best player so far has been Al Arbour, the 35-year-old defenseman who has been a professional approximately 100 years. &ldquo;I don't care how old a man is, I only care how good he can play. I drafted Arbour because I knew he would do the sort of job he Is doing for us. And I signed him to a three-year contract, too,&rdquo; laughs Lynn. The backbone of the team is Glenn Hall, the 36-year-old goal-tender, who cost Patrick $50,000 to sign. &ldquo;His spirit is excellent. I have been pleased with the spirit of most of our older players, even those that may feel they have been demoted. Those that have been buried in the minors seem happy to be getting a break,&rdquo; Patrick commented. And a few of the younger players have done well, notably Terry Crisp, a talented forward, who has been the hardest worker in camp. But, all in all, Lynn admits, &ldquo;I'm worried right now. We haven't found the g right combinations yet. These fellows are strangers. Putting together brand new teams is the most difficult possible task and I suppose everyone has his problems, which is some consolation,&rdquo; Patrick concludes. The Blues will operate In the only old arena in the new circuit. However, there isn't a post In the building, and an expensive renovation has been completed. &ldquo;It g was run-down, but its a beautiful place now and g I think we'll do very well there,&rdquo; Patrick adds, &ldquo;Our advance sale is moving along nicely and I think St. Louis will support major league hockey in fine style.&rdquo;<h2>Crosby Buys Into Seals</h2>Jack Cooke, who moves into his new $16,000,000 Forum in suburban L.A. the end of the year, expects to draw 2,000,000 persons to the building his first year, which translates into around $5,000,000 gross gate receipts. He now figures he will fill 200 dates, including 75 or more with his hockey Kings and basketball Lakers. He has booked an 18-day run of the Ice Follies, the Los Angeles Times Track Meet, a Frank Sinatra concert and midget auto racing add is lining up some major boxing promotions, all of which figures to give the L.A. Sports Arena nightmares. Cooke calculates that he will have a $1,300,000 advance sale to the Lakers games, which is more than any NBA team drew all last season, and a $1,000,000 advance to the Kings' games.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-03523/3105206-1-eng-US/f0014-032.jpg" title="f0014-03" width="289" height="490"><figcaption class="caption-body">Annis Stukus</figcaption></div>Barry Van Gerblg has permitted many who were involved in the original bidding for the San Francisco-Oakland area NHL franchise to purchase a minority interest In his California Seals. The group includes a singer named Bing Crosby, yachtsman Cornelius Shields, Chris-Craft executive H. Virgil Sherrill, Pete Bostwick and George Coleman &hellip; Annis Stukus, a name to be remembered, has signed a four-year contract as general manager of the Vancouver Canucks of the Western League &hellip; Traded from Portland, Don Head has decided to report to Seattle of the Western circuit. But we do not think Seattle can repeat as playoff champions. We like Portland to repeat as pennant-winner and follow It up by regaining the post-season laurels. Nor do we expect Phoenix to follow In San Diego's footsteps, as a first-year box-office smash. An old Phoenix fellow tells us the Arizona town is not one of the swinging cities of the Western Hemisphere. &ldquo;They'll have to schedule their games at 4 in the afternoon,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Everyone Is in bed asleep by 8. &ldquo; &hellip;As for our prediction for the NHL's new division, forget It, We like Chicago to sweep in the old division, but it would be an insult to the intelligence of the bosses of the six new clubs to select standouts in that loop at this point &hellip; Most observers to whom we have talked think Minnesota has looked the best in preseason play. Some like Pittsburgh, which has the most experienced club. Seal scout Bob Wilson says, &ldquo;Going Into the season, Wren Blair's Minnesota team seems in better condition and faster than the others.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0014-01

Hockey Ad Lib

<div class="byline">BY LOU PRATO</div>PITTSBURGH, PaBy the time the Pittsburgh Penguins have played their first National Hockey League game, Coach Red Sullivan is almost certain he will have the exact type of team he had been planning since the expansion draft.&ldquo;Things have worked out just about the way we anticipated,&rdquo; Sullivan said. &ldquo;That doesn't mean I've been completely happy with everything.&ldquo;But most of the players have been doing just about what I'd thought they'd do. I'd say my lineup is just about set with one or two exceptions. From now on, anyone who Is cut will be guys who have played themselves off the team by poor performances during exhibition games.&rdquo;Perhaps Sullivan's main worry is complacency. The Penguins have been big winners in exhibition games, losing just one of their first six encounters. And although they didn't face any of the older NHL teams, they have slowly emerged as the team to beat in the new Western Division.&ldquo;We're still taking things for granted in many cases,&rdquo; Sullivan said after the Penguins had bombed the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL for their fourth win. He should have been happy by the whopping victory over an acknowledged inferior foe. But he felt the team should have played better.&ldquo;It's the same old story,&rdquo; Sullivan said, &ldquo;Some guys are working and some are taking the easy way out. They'll all work before I'm through or they won't be playing for Pittsburgh.&rdquo;The goaltending spot continues to be the one position where the Indefatigable efforts and hard work of all the candidates Is impressive. Hank Bassen, the only goalie with NHL experience, is being pressured by minor leaguers Joe Daley and Les Binkley and amateur Marv Edwards.Bassen, because of his experience, Is almost certain to start out as the Penguins' top goaltender, though Sullivan says he won't make up his mind until after the season is underway. But since the Penguins will only dress one other goalie, two of the aspirants will have to go. It will be a reluctant decision by Sullivan and General Manager Jack Riley.&ldquo;I wish we could keep all of them,&rdquo; Sullivan said. &ldquo;The problem of which ones to choose has been a pleasure for me and right now the competition is so close that I don't know which ones will stay and which will go.&rdquo;As the initial NHL season approached, however, Sullivan had still not settled on a definite line-up. He was still looking around for a center to back up Earl Ingarfield and a defenseman or two to go with NHL veterans Leo Boivin, Al MacNeil and Noel Price.&ldquo;I really don't think I'll have that big of a problem at center,&rdquo; Sullivan said. &ldquo;(Jeannot) Gilbert and Paul Andrea have been looking good lately and I think both of them will come around.&ldquo;As for defense, (Dick) Matti-ussi and (Duncan) McCallum look like they're what I want although I'm still not completely satisfied with everything they do. But, of course, I'm a hard man to satisfy.&rdquo;As if to emphasize his last point, Sullivan noted a minor complaint about wingman Andy Bathgate, the erstwhile NHL superstar who is making a comeback with the Penguins. Most training camp observers have been impressed by Bathgate's performance. But Sullivan, Bathgate's close friend, continues needling the Penguin forward.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-04378/3105251-1-eng-US/f0014-042.jpg" title="f0014-04" width="599" height="662"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL ANDREA&hellip; Working Out Well</figcaption></div>&ldquo;He's still not up to par,&rdquo; Sullivan says of Bathgate. &ldquo;He can skate and check a lot better than he has been.&rdquo;Bathgate is aware of the extra pressure on him from Sullivan.&ldquo;He's given me a little more work,&rdquo; Bathgate says. &ldquo;But I don't mind. I need it.&rdquo;At least, Sullivan can count on one guy who won't get complacent. &#9632;

f0014-04

Goaling Bright Spot With Bassen Likely Penguins' No.1 Men

<div class="byline">BY NORMAN MacLEAN</div>NEW YORK, N.Y. -Two days after Christmas last season the New York Rangers met the Chicago Black Hawks at Madison Square Garden before the usual standing room only sellout of 15,925 howling fans. This was standard procedure, but what was unusual was the fact that they were playing for first place.Tire Broadway Blues lost this game and eventually sagged all the way from second to fourth in late March, but not before they had given the long suffering Ranger fan his first taste of regular season glory since the 1941-42 squad finished first. Those religous zealots, General Manager-Coach Emile Francis and President Bill Jennings, who worship at the altar of the New York sextet, had done the impossible. They had restored the rag tag Rangers to hockey respectability.Francis was adjudged Coach of the Year by THE HOCKEY NEWS, and not even the four straight losses to the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup semifinals dimmed the rosy glow from the year that was. Some New York fans looked forward to the NHL expansion draft with trepidation, but the Francis&mdash;Jennings combo skillfully steered Rangers past the shoals posed by the loss of twenty professionals&mdash;and into port with a virtually unchanged squad.The temptation for the experts, therefore, is to assign New York to fourth place and the last spot in the playoffs, again. This may very well be an erroneous evaluation&mdash;as New York seems poised and ready to continue its ascent in the standings. There are a few ifs in the situation which could reverse this procedure&mdash;and which will again make Francis the key figure in the jigsaw puzzle that is the Ranger personnel.An in depth look at the Rangers reveals some strengths, some weaknesses, some new faces and a somewhat changed front office setup from the one that started last season.The main gain Rangers made in 1966-67 was the reduction in the goals against department from a horrendous 261 in 1965-66 to a very respectable 189. This was good enough for third place, only one goal more than the total posted by the Canadiens. Very definitely, the defense and the goalkeeping were vastly improved. Sophomore netminder Eddie &ldquo;Go Go&rdquo; Giaco-min stayed in his cage and became the 'HHL's first team all star. He had help from assistant coach Harry Howell, another first team all star and the winner of the Norris Trophy. Howell, who will be 35 in December does not figure to repeat his 12-goal performance of last season, but he will still be the Blues' Old Reliable on the Blue Line.The other Ranger defenders, Arnie Brown, Wayne Hillman and Jim Neilson improved their play considerably and should do as well this campaign.Francis says, &ldquo;Both Giacomin and Brown should be better because of the maturity and confidence that winning has given them. There is nothing like experience&mdash;and these fellows got it the hard way, under fire. This should pay off now.&rdquo;Tills fine defense is bulwarked by perhaps the finest batch of penalty killers in the league. Francis can throw Bob Nevin and Donnie Marshall over in one wave and than follow up with Orland Kurtenbach and Reg Fleming. If these are tiring, he still has Red Berenson, who used to do nothing but kill penalties for Montreal a couple of season ago. This penalty killing crew was the second best in the loop last season witli an effectiveness percent of 84.9. They allowed only 30 goals against while shorthanded, just one more than Montreal.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-01755/3105296-1-eng-US/f0015-012.jpg" title="f0015-01" width="610" height="652"><figcaption class="caption-body">ED GIACOMIN&hellip; Strength in Goal</figcaption></div>At center New York has five big time pivots. They are Phil Goyette, Jean Ratelie, Kurtenbach, Berenson and Larry Jeffrey. Jeffrey was obtained from Pittsburgh after the draft. In an emergency, Marshall can also play center. Jeffrey replaces the valued Earl Ingarfield who slipped away to Pittsburgh in the draft.At the wing posts the Rangers are equally supplied with bodies. The right side has Nevin, Rod Gilbert and Boom Boom Geoffrion. Geoffrion's caddy this year will be Fleming. The left wingers list hard rock Vic Hadfield, Marshall and Jeffrey as well as Fleming whose versatility is important in Francis' juggling. Then there is little Camille Henry.A strong point in the Broadway makeup which the statistics belie is the persistent fact that the 196667 Rangers had plenty of sock. The old patsies of the NHL went out there with sluggers like Kurtenbach, Hadfield, Al McNeil, Fleming and Hillman. On some nights they literally beat up their opponents&mdash;and then beat them on the scoreboard. Nonetheless, they finished last in the loop in PIM, which means that with the possible exception of Fleming they made their penalties count. Since only McNeil will be gone, more of same can be expected in 1967-68.The Rangers hopes for 1967-68 and probably 1968-69 still lie in the answer to the questions hovering around Gilbert and Ratelle and their collective bad backs. Both are 26, and should have their best years ahead of them. Ratelie, who did not play until December a year ago, took a long time to get into shape but finally was straightened out at the end. He logged a meager 6 goals and 5 assists. He could be one of the best, perhaps even as good as Jean Beliveau, but his physical situation and willingness to give and take body contact are suspect. The answers to these questions will determine the future of this fine young man who has all the tools.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-02677/3105289-1-eng-US/f0015-022.jpg" title="f0015-02" width="589" height="644"><figcaption class="caption-body">LARRY JEFFREY&hellip; Good Pick Up</figcaption></div>Gilbert, on the other hand, rebounded from his second back operation and got off to a fast start. He was six goals ahead of Bobby Hull at All Star game time and was the almost unanimous choice as the all star right wing for the first half. The second half is better left forgotten.Will the defense be as good as last year? Can Eddie Giacomin in goal have as fine a campaign or will his bad playoff series effect his future play? Will Howell roll along like old man river or will he suddenly get old?Can Boomer Geoffrion do it again? Bernie, who is now 36 was the heart, blood and guts of the main Ranger attack last season&mdash;the power play. He got 17 goals and 25 assists and most were important. The classic Gallic warrior was a big hit on Broadway, but he did have some physical problems in the second half of the season.Francis says, ''Without a doubt, Boomer should have it easier this year. He will be in better shape after having played last season. Also, he will play 24 games against the expansion clubs which should be a bit easier than a full schedule against the old NHL.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0015-03561/3105282-1-eng-US/f0015-032.jpg" title="f0015-03" width="600" height="646"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROD GILBERT&hellip; He Can Be Leader</figcaption></div>Francis himself is a question. He is superb and it was his finesse and manoeuvring which carried the Blueshirts so far. Can he do it again? What will the makeup of the lines be? Can he continue the fantastic job that he and Geoffrion did on the New York esprit de corps or will the collapse in the playoffs have long range effects? Will New York somewhere find the man who can help Geoffrion and take a little pressure off the defense, which now is called upon to persevere through an awful lot of 2-1 and 1-0 contests?With the expansion draft, New York basically stood pat and was glad to be able to do so. They lost Ingarfield and McNeil and later traded occasional Ranger blue liner Bob Plager to St. Louis in order to reclaim Rod Seiling. The piece de resistance of the session came when New York picked up Jeffrey from Pittsburgh in return for minor leaguers Paul Andrea, George Konik and Dune McCallum.Jeffrey is a 27-year-old center and left winger who has played with Detroit and Toronto and their minor affiliates since 1961-62. He popped home 11 goals and notched 17 assists in 56 games with Toronto last season. Francis is counting upon him to fill the slack left by the loss of Ingarfield. Jeffrey, who stands six feet tall and weighs 180 pounds is a tough two way player who should fit into the New York scheme of things.Other newcomers will be defenseman Allan Hamilton and goaltender Gilles Villemure who has won the number two spot behind Giacomin. He will replace Cesare Maniago who was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars. Villemure, 27, had a good year with Baltimore of the American League and should be an adequate back up man. &#9632;

f0015-01

Rangers May Climb Higher Than Fourth

<div class="byline">By JOHN TRAVERS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-01593/3105327-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="620" height="967"><figcaption class="caption-body">BUD DEBRODY&hellip; Early Sensation</figcaption></div>HERSHEY, Pa. &ndash;The Hershey Bears, readying for defense of their Eastern Division crown, gained a split in two exhibition games with rookie winger Bud Debrody turning in some standout play. Hershey turned back the Baltimore Clippers in the opening exhibition game by a 6-4 count with Debrody nailing a pair of goals.However, the next time out, Hershey fell a 5-1 victim to the Philadelphia Flyers, one of the National League's new expansion teams. The two matches drew a combined crowd of some 5,000, proof that Central Pennsylvania ice fans are anxious for the season to get underway.The Bears open the 1967-68 campaign here Oct. 14, facing the Providence Reds.Coach Frank Mathers, with four forward lines in training camp, continues to juggle the personnel in an effort to ice the strongest team possible.The line of Debrody, Michel Harvey and Roger Dejordy looked sharp against the Clippers, while the forward group of Bob Leiter, Wayne Maxner and Chuck Hamilton also turned in a strong effort.Team captain Mike Nykoluk, the league's MVP winner last season, is slowly rounding into shape after being slowed down with a back injury.Ted Snell put the Bears in front 1-0 against the Flyers, but the Philly team charged back to hammer home three final period goals for the victory.Bob Courcy, ex-Quebec Aces hand, led the flyers' attack, notching two markers, including the game winner. Don Blackburn, Jean Gauthier and Gary Dornhoefer, a former Bears' performer, scored Philly's other goals.Goalies John Henderson and Andre Gill alternated in the nets in both games.Boston Bruins returned veteran forward Myron Stankiewicz to the Bears after giving him a tryout.A number of familiar faces are missing from the Bears ranks.Five skaters off coach Mathers' Bears of last season were snagged in the National League expansion draft.They included Gil Gilbert (Pittsburgh), Wayne Rivers (St. Louis), Dornhoefer (Philadelphia), Paul Riopel (Los Angeles) and Don Awrey (Boston).Mathers and general manager Lloyd Blinco spent five days closeted with Bruins general manager Milt Schmidt regarding reassignment of players to Hershey.In the interim, veterans Bruce Cline and Howie Yanosik announced their retirements. Cline, one of the AHL'S top all-time scoring forwards, hopes to land a coaching job, while Yanosik, a standout defenseman, will enter the real estate field. &#9632;

f0016-01

Debrody Early Camp Standout For Bears

ROCHESTER, N.Y.-American Hockey League players will be shooting for a playoff pool totaling a record $128,000 when the 1967-68 season opens October 11th.Based on regular season finish and success in the Calder Cup playdowns, the $128,000 is the 'highest ever Established in the AHL's history. Players of the six competing clubs split $114,000 a year ago.The playoff format utilized the past six seasons will be retained in the '67-68 campaign, but, in line with merger plans between the American and Western leagues, an AHL-WHL playoff proposal is being submitted to the respective circuits for final approval.Tentative plans would see the playoff champion in each league meeting in a best of seven series to determine an overall victor. If such a series is adopted an additional pool will be created further boosting the players possible post-season bonus.With the establishment of the $128,000 pool a first place team going on to win the Calder Cup would receive $40,000, or $2,000 per man based on 20 shares; a second place finisher winning the &ldquo;Cup&rdquo; would receive $1,900 per man while a third place member would receive $1,750 for winning the playoffs. &#9632;

AHL Sets Up Record Pool For Playoffs

<div class="byline">By CHARLEY BARTON</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-01505/3105420-1-eng-US/f0017-012.jpg" title="f0017-01" width="289" height="482"><figcaption class="caption-body">Larry Wilson</figcaption></div>BUFFALO, N.Y.&mdash;A year ago a salary squabble kept Larry Wilson out of the Buffalo Bisons' regular-season opener, and the 37-year-old Herd's elder states-man was having contract problems again this fall.Wilson, heading into his 13th season here, refused to play in a pre-season game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and indicated he wouldn't take part in any more exhibitions until he is signed.&ldquo;I won't play until I'm signed,&rdquo; Wilson said. &ldquo;I'm too old to play without a contract, so I better sit out.&rdquo;General Manager Fred Hunt of the Bisons indicated club's top offer.''The next move is up to him,&rdquo; Hunt said. ''He has always been treated well and the contract we offered was an excellent one. It was his idea to sit out, so we'll let him sit.&rdquo;Hunt indicated Wilson might be traded.&ldquo;He won't be a holdout and miss the opener again,&rdquo; Hunt said. &ldquo;And you can interpret that any way you wish.&rdquo;Wilson continued working out between pre-season games with the Bisons, and was also skating at Ft. Erie, where he lives the year around.Meanwhile, the Bisons were shoving up their forward lines, with Alain (Boom Boom) Caron and Bobby J ones the latest acquisitions.Caron, a 47-goal shooter here two years ago, was sent down on option by the California Seals, who took him in the expansion draft, and Jones was shipped out by the New York Rangers.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-02450/3105413-1-eng-US/f0017-022.jpg" title="f0017-02" width="276" height="490"><figcaption class="caption-body">Alain Caron</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0017-01

Hunt Claims Star Rejected Top Offer

ROCHESTER, N. Y. -Rhode Island's Providence Reds, a charter member of the American Hockey League, had the priviledge of hosting the opening match of the AHL's 1967-68 season.Providence entertained Buffalo Bisons in the first of 328-game schedule that league president Jack Butterfield feels will be the most successful ever in the circuit's 32 year history.Butterfield's optimism, shared by all league executives, stems from the novel renovation the AHL has undergone in preparation for this year. Highlighting the new slate is an interlocking schedule against Western League opposition representing Phoenix, San Diego, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver.Adoption of the interlocking draft is the initial step in the execution of an AHL-WHL merger that would produce the world's largest professional hockey association. In addition, the &ldquo;continental&rdquo; hockey interlocking play produces is certain to stimulate further interest in the enjoyment and entertainment AHL-WHL hockey brings to countless fans throughout the United States and Canada.The 1967-68 schedule, concluding March 31st, shows each team playing 72 matches (36 home, 36 away), the same number as last season. However an innovation devised by the AHL Governors adds a great deal of emphasis to divisional competition.Along with 10 games in the interlocking portion, the schedule will see each division member playing every other member in his own group 10 times, five games at home and five away. Against the opposite division they will play eight games, four home and four on the road.In the Interlocking, slate every club will make one trek into Western League territory for a set of five games and, in return, will host each WHL squad once during the campaign. &#9632;

East - West Play Seen Major Step

PROVIDENCE, R.L-Optimism is oozing out of Providence where general manager Buster Clegg and coach Dave Creighton see dawn breaking through following three straight seasons of darkness in the American Hockey League.The Reds managed just 13 victories last season, but Creighton was enthused over the club's improvement the final half of the schedule. Providence dropped only five of their final 24 games on home ice. However they will have to improve on their road record of nary a win against 31 losses and five ties to take any giant steps up the Eastern Division ladder.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-03372/3105475-1-eng-US/f0017-032.jpg" title="f0017-03" width="283" height="487"><figcaption class="caption-body">Pete Conacher</figcaption></div>While most of the American League clubs are trying to plug holes created by the expansion of the National League, the Reds welcomed 17 players S back from last season and have lost only two who were with the squad most of the year.Missing are defenseman Ken Stephanson, who has retired to attend the University of Manitoba, and Gerry Kell, who netted 11 goals in 63 games. Kell was returned to Montreal by the Reds.There may be as many as three new faces in the Rhode Island lineup when they pry the lid off the 1967-68 schedule at home against Buffalo October 11. Jerry Lafond, an All-America defenseman with North Dakota University, has been especially sharp in early pre-season drills. Another ex-collegian, Dennis Macks from Brown University, has impressed Creighton in a trial at center and could help bolster the Reds at this important position.Clegg is trying to lure Pete Conacher, purchased, from the Boston Bruins, out of retirement and feels now the veteran left winger will be in the lineup come opening game. Conacher is a proven goal scorer (221 in 11 AHL seasons) who didn't play anywhere in '66-67.The goaltending situation is no problem with Marcel Paille (42 games) and Ross Brooks (32 games) back in the nets.Returning on defense are Adam Keller, Ray Clearwater, Wayne Muloin and Jules Bouchard. All played more than 56 games for the Reds last season. They will miss Stephanson, however, unless Lafond can fill the bill.One problem facing Creighton is his own position, center. Lack of scoring punch was missing last season outside of the coach himself. Venerable Dave, who is 37, tallied 22 goals and assisted on 42 others to pace his club in scoring. John Sleaver knocked in only 13 goals, but did add 42 assists, while Eddie Lawson was 11-22-33. Macks could ease the situation if he makes the grade.Presently right wing is a happy story. Pierre Brilliant (25 goals) could return to the 35-goal plateau. Eddie Kachur (22 goals) was going well last season until he was injured and missed 17 games and Jim Mikol, out nearly the whole season with a broken wrist and injured back, is healthy and raring to go.Mikol, who broke into pro hockey as a defense man, could also see some action on the Reds' blueline this season if the occasion demands it.On the left side are impressive Brian Perry (23 goals, 30 assists In his rookie season), Pierre Gagne, another rookie last season, totaled 20 goals, Bob LeDuc, 16 goals despite injuries, Tony Goegan (15 goals) and Serge Boudreault.Goegan, like Mikol, also can play defense.The Reds have an added incentive to do well this season. They would like to dedicate the year to the memory of Lou Pieri, longtime club president, who passed away June 16 at the age of 70. New president is Louis A. Pieri, son of the deceased Mr. Pieri.This is the year Providence could start the climb back to Eastern Division prominence. Buster Clegg and Dave Creighton know so. &#9632;

f0017-03

Reds Hope For Big Year With 17 Men Returning

<div class="byline">By JOHN WHITE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-01509/3105541-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg" title="f0018-01" width="635" height="657"><figcaption class="caption-body">DICK MEISSNER&hellip; New Buckaroo</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-02413/3105534-1-eng-US/f0018-022.jpg" title="f0018-02" width="623" height="629"><figcaption class="caption-body">NORM JOHNSON&hellip; Portland Pivot</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-03310/3105527-1-eng-US/f0018-032.jpg" title="f0018-03" width="615" height="652"><figcaption class="caption-body">TOMMY McVIE&hellip; Grabbed by Phoenix</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-04240/3105520-1-eng-US/f0018-042.jpg" title="f0018-04" width="617" height="656"><figcaption class="caption-body">GARY KILPATRICK&hellip; Vancouver blocker</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-05184/3105513-1-eng-US/f0018-052.jpg" title="f0018-05" width="281" height="480"><figcaption class="caption-body">Lou Jankowski</figcaption></div>PORTLAND, Ore.&mdash;As the Western hockey League's 20th professional season was about to begin, there were more question marks than in the transcript of a congressional investigation.Would Detroit decide to make San Diego a power? Would Philadelphia beef up Seattle's riddled defense? Would the California Seals make Vancouver a contender?Only Portland seemed reasonably set for the season.The Buckaroos of Hal Laycoe wrote history last spring by taking the WHL's regular-season championship for an unprecedented third straight time.On paper there seemed no reason to believe the Bucks wouldn't make it four in a row.Portland, which started battling to be independent seven years ago, could count, in training camp, only three losses from last season's forward lines&mdash;Len Lunde, Alain (Boom Boom) Caron and Jerry Goyer.And Goyer's loss could prove only temporary. He was In the camp of the Chicago Black Hawks. If he didn't make the NHL, he was due back in Portland.Meanwhile, replacing Lunde and Caron were Dick Meissner and Norm Johnson.Meissner was first All Star last year with Los Angeles and ranked fourth in the WHL in scoring with 81 points that included 39 goals. Johnson, also with LA last season, was sixth in the WHL in scoring with 77 points that included 31 goals.Lunde and Caron were replaced! On defense, the Bucks lost only Tracy Pratt and Jack Bionda, who both saw limited duty. The regulars&mdash;Connie Madigan, Mike Donaldson, Doug Messier and Jim (red Eye) Hay&mdash;all were back.And in goal, the Buckaroos had replaced Don Head and Rick Charron with Jim McLeod and Dave Kelly.McLeod had the lowest goals&mdash;against average in the league last season at 2.44. Kelly had been rookie of the year with the Buckaroos in '64.There was no way to rank Portland as anything but the favorite in the regular-season race.Seattle, defending Lester Patrick Cup champions, had gaping holes at defense. But help was expected from Philadelphia.Up front, the Totems had perennial scoring champion Guyle Fielder plus their two top goal scorers, Larry Lund and Bill Dineen, back, along with rugged hitter Earl Heiskala, top checkers Chuck Holmes and Gerry Leonard and two potentially-strong new comers in Marc Boileau and Cleland Mortson.Don Head and Jim Armstrong should make the Totems strong in the nets.Rank Seattle No. 2 behind Portland, depending on the quality and meanness of help from Philadelphia.San Diego was perhaps the biggest question mark.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-06150/3105506-1-eng-US/f0018-062.jpg" title="f0018-06" width="1288" height="1976"><figcaption class="caption-body">FRED HILTS &hellip; Top WHL Goal Sniper Back</figcaption></div>The Gulls, cellar-dwellers in their first season in the Western League, started camp with plenty of firepower up front.Returning forwards included Fred Hilts (45 goals, most in the league last season), Len Ronson (32 goals and eight of them game-winners with a last-place team), Al Nicholson (25), Warren Hynes (25) and John MacMillan (20).From Los Angeles, the Gulls had obtained Willie O'Ree, who scored 34 goals last year for Los Angeles.But the Gulls' problems last season were defensive. Gordon Sinclair and Jim Wilcox were back on defense and steady and Bob Champoux was a possibility in the nets.If Detroit was to come through with a couple of solid defensemen, plus a top-ranking center, the Gulls could surprise the clubs that tormented them last season.The brand-new Phoenix Roadrunners, meanwhile, could shock some of the so-called experts.Rick Charron, 3.11 in 28 games with Portland last season, could prove a real bargain in goal.The defense certainly was experienced. Bill Shvetz, Sandy Hucul and Claude LaBrosse could look, back on a combined 40 years in professional hockey. There obviously wouldn't be too many rookie mistakes.Major question marks, perhaps, were in the front lines.Tommy McVie, obtained from Portland, scored an average of 39 goals a season for the Buckaroos from '62 through '65.Brian Smith sniped 35 for Los Angeles in '65.Veteran Lou Jankowski is the third highest goal scorer in Western League history.A few repeat performances and the Roadrunners might give their new Phoenix fans something to cheer about.In Vancouver, meanwhile, new Coach Jim Gregory was putting together a lineup that at least shouldn't be pushed around.Already on the blue line were rugged Larry McNabb and two tough youngsters in Gary Kilpatrick and Jim McCloskey expected to join them from California was either Tracy Pratt or Bob Lemieux, both solid kids.Scoring punch up front was something else again. But a supply of forwards from California could change this situation quickly.From north to south, except in Portland, there were question marks as the final week of fall training got under way.It would take a couple of more weeks to put together any solid assessment of championship chances. &#9632;

f0018-01

New Faces Make Portland Bucks Favorites To Top League Again

PORTLAND, Ore. -An all-time Western Hockey League record could topple in the early going this season.Jim (Red Eye) Hay, defenseman of the Portland Buckaroos, needs only 22 minutes in penalties to become the most penalized-player in the 20-year history of the circuit.Hay finished the last campaign with a WHL career record of 1,197 minutes off the ice.He ranked third on the all-time list behind Frank Arnett, 1,218 minutes, and Bill Burega, 1,207.Arnett and Burega both have left professional hockey. Arnett is now a hockey coach while Burega is a member of the Kingston Aces of the Ontario Senior Hockey League.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-07130/3105572-1-eng-US/f0018-072.jpg" title="f0018-07" width="587" height="1315"><figcaption class="caption-body">JIM HAY&hellip; All-Time 'Bad man'</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0018-07

Hay Near Penalty Record

SEATTLE, Wash.&mdash;By January of 1968, when opening of a new Forum in Vancouver is expected, the five teams of the Western Hockey League will be operating in five of the finest arenas in North America.The new Vancouver building is expected to seat 16,000.Other seating capacities are 13,600 in the San Diego International Sports Arena, 12,300 in Seattle's Center Coliseum, 11,553 in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix and 10,500 in Memorial Coliseum in Portland.The Portland rink, regarded as one of the wonders of the WHL when it opened in the fall of 1960, is now the oldest and smallest arena in the entire league. &#9632;

WHL Arenas Finest In Pro Hockey

SEATTLE, Wash.&mdash;Bill MacFarland, the second-year skipper of the Seattle Totems, suffered some heavy losses from last season's club that swept to the Lester Patrick Cup in the Western Hockey League.But MacFarland didn't lose one thing&mdash;his dry sense of humor.At a training camp exhibition game, he gazed thoughtfully at some of his rookies and mused aloud, &ldquo;We may have a couple of real sleepers out there.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-01489/3105634-1-eng-US/f0019-012.jpg" title="f0019-01" width="621" height="993"><figcaption class="caption-body">GUYLE FIELDER&hellip; He'll Play Big Role</figcaption></div>Was he serious?&ldquo;You bet, &ldquo;MacFarland said with a shrug, &ldquo;A couple of them almost went to sleep in the third period last night.&rdquo;Actually, it wasn't that bad as MacFarland, one of the top goal scorers of Western League history in his playing days, prepared to shoot for a second straight Cup.But Seattle was jolted by the expansion draft as badly, perhaps, as any club in the minor leagues. Gone were four rugged defensemen&mdash;Noel Picard, Jean Gauthier, Bob Lemieux and Pat Quinn&mdash;who had terrorized some Western League forwards in the last half of the season.And gone from the forward lines was winger Howie Hughes, top scorer in the playoffs.MacFarland made no bones about where he needed the most help.&ldquo;Defense,&rdquo; he said as the regular season approached. &ldquo;We need help on defense.&rdquo;&ldquo;I'm hoping to get some beef,&rdquo; said the coach. &ldquo;That formula paid off for us last year.&rdquo;Indeed it did. The Totems played it so rough that they became the first club in four years to take the Western League's penalty leadership away from Hal Laycoe's Portland Buckaroos.MacFarland was hoping for help at the blue line from Bud Poile's Philadelphia club. Poile, however, was having his own problems, with a couple of blueliners on the suspended list for failure to report to camp. So help might not arrive as quickly as originally expected.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-02418/3105627-1-eng-US/f0019-022.jpg" title="f0019-02" width="1305" height="1308"><figcaption class="caption-body">EARL HEISKALA &hellip; First To Be Called</figcaption></div>MacFarland's only proven professionals at defense midway through training camp were steady Larry Hale and huge Don Ward, a one-time $20,000 draft choice whose chief fault is that he isn't nearly as mean as he is big.In goal, MacFarland was well satisfied with Don Head, obtained in a trade that sent Jimmy McLeod to Portland, and Jim Armstrong, playing his second pro season and second with Seattle.&ldquo;I think we're strong in goal,&rdquo; MacFarland said. &ldquo;I look for Armstrong to be better than last year, and I think Head is the best goalie in the Western League.&rdquo;Armstrong, as a rookie, was 2.93 for 30-plus games. Head was 2.73 in 44 games with Portland.&ldquo;We'll split duties just about that way,&rdquo; said MacFarland. &ldquo;About 40 games for Head and 32 for Armstrong. The only change may be that I won't let one goalie sit out for too long a stretch this season.&rdquo;Up front, the Totems shouldn't be hurting a bit. Gone are Hughes, rookie Jim Paterson who joined the club for only the last 11 games of the regular season and the playoffs and the veteran Jim Powers, who retired.The returnees are headed, of course, by Golden Guyle Fielder, who has scored an astounding 1,421 points in 1,022 Western Hockey League games and who has been a first All Star eight times, more than any other player in league history.Fielder won the scoring championship last season with 91 points, yet MacFarland said, &ldquo;I look for even more from Fielder this season.&rdquo;Also returning on the 1967 champions' top two goal scorers, Larry Lund, who collected 34, and Bill Dineen, who sniped 32.Seattle also can count on heavy duty from a pair of 18-goal scorers, Earl Heiskala and Don Chiz, plus two of the best defensive forwards in the league in veterans Chuck Holmes and Gerry Leonard.Heiskala might be a question make for only one reason.If one of the expansion clubs cracks and starts making firm offers for players who were home-owned and not eligible for the draft, Heiskala will rank at or near the top of the list.He's one of the hardest hitters in the league and a battler on skates who last season took on with considerable success such rugged opponents as Sandy Hucul, Larry McNabb, Tracy Pratt and Bryan Hextali.On the forward lines, the Totems have added Marc Boileau, who came out of retirement, and Cleland Mortson, a veteran of some brilliant American League seasons.Boileau, who played his best hockey in Seattle (42 goals in '61) before moving East and then south, could prove a real sleeper. (And not the kind MacFarland referred to earlier.)He's aggressive, a tenacious checker and any goals he produces will be strictly a plus.The Totems suffered a training&mdash;camp blow when young right winger Bobby Schmautz was plucked right out of their camp by the Chicago Black Hawks.Schmautz had been purchased by Seattle from the now-defunct Los Angeles Blades. But Chicago exercised a right of first shot at any LA players that was contained in a working agreement with the WHL team. ''' He was here, &ldquo; said MacFarland, &ldquo;and then, boom, he was gone.''&ldquo;He was just about ready to come into his own, too,'' said the coach. &ldquo;I think he would have done well, especially with his great shot, playing right wing with Fielder.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0019-01

Champion Totems Show Weak Spot On Defense

<div class="byline">By MATT DENNIS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-01335/3105672-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="325" height="524"><figcaption class="caption-body">Russ Gillow</figcaption></div>OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -As they prepared for their opening game, Oklahoma City Blazers were fully conscious of their position as defending Adams Cup and League champions.&ldquo;Everyone wants to knock off the champs and I don't see us having an easy game over the entire CPHL 70-game schedule. But I guarantee we'll be in it,&rdquo; said their rugged playing coach Murray Davison.The Blazers lost three goalies in the month of June when Gerry Cheevers was called to the parent Boston Bruins and Bern Parent and Doug Favell were drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers.But Russ Gillow, the &ldquo;iron man&rdquo; goaltender who played in all 72 games with Des Moines Oak Leafs in the International League last winter compiling a 3.65 goals-against average, shone at the Blazers camp and should nail down the No. 1 job.Bob Heaney has gone to Her-shey of the American League but Davison looks to have stalwart replacements with Nick Beverly and Barry Wilkins working to move into the pro ranks after spending last winter with the Ontario Hockey Association Os - hawa Generals. Davison still had Dave Woodley and John Arbour back from last season.Bill Knibbs a centreman who counted 65 points with Minneapolis of the CPHL in the 196364 campaign, was working with the Blazers. Up front were Wayne Cashman, Ron Buchanan, Jean Pronovost, Ted Hodgson and Brian Bradley, all strong men on last spring's championship drive.Dallas Smith, Glen Sather and Ross Lonsberry were with the parent Bruins but anyone could be returned to the Blazers before the season opened.But when rookie for wards Jim Lorentz, Bill Lesuk and Garn Bailey, all Canadian junior stars last season, showed their talent at camp, Davison didn't have too much to worry about&mdash;for the moment at least.OMAHA As &ldquo;Jake&rdquo; Milford kept working out his Knights, he was impressed with defenseman Randy Legge, a defenseman who spent last season in the amateur ranks with Fort Wayne of the International League. Bill Fair burn and Yuha Widding, a pair of top scorers in Western Canada junior ranks showed strong at the workouts.TULSA Mike Byers signed a Tulsa contract and team mate Gerry Meehan was expected to turn pro as the Oilers prepared to break camp. Jim Dorey, Gord Nelson and Andre Hinse sparkled in pre-season workouts.HOUSTON Ernie Wakely, still remembered as a brilliant performer with Omaha Knights in the 1963-64 season when they won the CPHL championship, has returned as the No. 1 net-minder for the Houston Apollos. Rocky Farr, a talented grad of London Nationals in the O.H.A. Junior ranks will be the backup man.Coach Ray Kinasewich was pleased with his club's pair of victories over Cleveland of the American Hockey League and although they were upset by the St. Louis Blues, 6-3 was not overly disappointed as the Blues are a major league club.With 38 players to choose from, Kinasewich was working right to the breaking of campto make his final decision re personnel but he was impressed with the work of John Vander-burg, Jude Drouin, Paul Curtis and Chris Bordeleau of the rookie crop.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-02248/3105665-1-eng-US/f0020-022.jpg" title="f0020-02" width="1310" height="2382"><figcaption class="caption-body">RON BUCHANAN &hellip; Top Goal Sniper Returns</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0020-01

"We'll Be In The Race” Says Blazers' Davison

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0020-03" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-03206/3105703-1-eng-US/f0020-032.jpg"></div><h2>NORTHERN DIVISION</h2>Kansas City Blues Memphis South Stars Omaha Knights Tulsa Oilers<h2>SOUTHERN DIVISION</h2>Dallas Black Hawks Fort Worth Wings Houston Apollos Oklahoma City Blazers &#9632;

f0020-03

Central Hockey Leagues 1967-68 Schedule

<div class="byline">By MALCOLM JOHNSON</div>HALIFAX. N.S. &ndash;There'll be no junior &ldquo;A&rdquo; Hockey League in the Maritimes, not this year anyway. That was the decision handed down, concerning such a venture, at the Maritime Amateur Hockey Association's annual meeting in Halifax.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-0663/3105793-1-eng-US/f0021-062.jpg" title="f0021-06" width="298" height="492"><figcaption class="caption-body">Leo Bossy</figcaption></div>The high cost of travelling was cited as the main stumbling block in the path of junior league advocates.Now that it's been settled, the Maritimes 'three registered junior &ldquo;A&rdquo; squads can be a little more specific about their plans for the coming season until Canadian Amateur Hockey playoffs get underway in 1968.The two New Brunswick teams, defending N.B. champions Moncton Seals and Fredericton have indicated they'll compete in the Southern New Brunswick Intermediate League.The Red Wings from Fredericton competed in the circuit last season but did not participate in the playoffs even though they finished in first place.Both teams intend to play a series of exhibition games with junior teams from Ontario and Quebec in addition to their league games.The Halifax junior Canadiens, Maritime champions for the past two seasons, and with former coach Leo Bossy back at the helm will play exhibition games against junior clubs from Quebec and Ontario along with several university teams from eastern Canada.Hockey made one of its earliest debuts in the past decade this fall. Ice has been in most areans for a few weeks now and a number of teams have been hard at practice.Fredericton Red Wings were the first to play a game this season. They met the Memorial Clip champions Toronto Malboros in Fredericton. Halifax Canadiens played the Marlies in.Truro, N.S. and-Strait Pirates of the Cape Breton Junior League opened against Hamilton Red Wings.The Cape Breton junior league has been renamed the Eastern Junior League &hellip; A new junior &ldquo;B&rdquo; loop has been formed in the province with Truro. New Glasgow and Antigonish having teams. A number of other areas in Nova Scotia will be icing junior &ldquo;B&rdquo; teams this season &hellip; Former NHLer Howie Meeker called it quits as coach of the St.John's entry in the Newfoundland Senior League. Ex-Boston Bruins Star, Fleming MacKell was rumored to be taking over where Meeker left off. A successful hockey clinic was held in Newfoundland. It attracted 45 coaches from three provinces for six days &hellip; Scott Harvey, who played with Fredericton Red Wings the past two seasons, spent the summer with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization with the Odgen, Utah team. Harvey is just as good a ballplayer as he is a hockey man &hellip; Kevin Smith, out with the California Seals, spent his summer working as a photographer with the Charlottetown Guardian. Smith studied photography at Vocational school while playing with the Halifax Canadiens &hellip; Moncton Seals' defenseman Dwight Lewis spent his summer winning golf titles. Lewis won the New Brunswick-Prince-Edward Island junior golf championship &hellip;Steve MacDonald of Sydney was re-elected president of the Maritime Amateur Hockey Association. &#9632;

f0021-06

Maritimes Without Junior ‘A’ League

<div class="byline">By BOB REED</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-01212/3105831-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg" title="f0022-01" width="647" height="661"><figcaption class="caption-body">GUY TROTTIER&hellip; Spurns AHL Offer</figcaption></div>FORT WAYNE, Ind. &ndash;International Hockey League clubs opened their training camps Oct. 9 in preparation for the start of the season on Oct. 20 and some of the stars of the past season were scheduled to be performing in higher leagues this season.Hardest hit by the expansion call-ups appeared to be the Fort Wayne Komets, second place finishers over the season and finalists in Turner Cup competition.It looked as if the Komets would lose four of the five defensemen who operated for them at the blueline last season. Terry Pembroke had signed a contract with Omaha of the Central Professional League. Randy Legge was in a New York Ranger camp and was expected to be retained by them for service with one of their professional affiliates. Cal Puritan, four-year veteran of the Komets and Paul Shmyr, a rookie last year, were also at pro camps.Coach Ken Ullyot was hopeful that one or more of the players would somehow revert back to the Komets to join Lionel Repka, only one of five definitely returning. He had promises of defensive help from the Rangers.The Port Huron Flags were losing two veterans, defenseman Larry Mavety a nd right wing Frank St. Marseille. Mavety, All-Star defenseman, was signed by the Los Angeles Kings. He was the IHL top scoring defenseman last season with 25 goals and 48 assists. St. Marseille, who topped the Flags in scoring last season with 41 goals and 77 assists, was signed by the St. Louis Blues.The Dayton Gems, season champions, were Jolted by the loss of goalie Pat Rupp, who announced he was joining the United States Olympic team for the coming season but they immediately lined up four candidates for the job, namely Rick Best, All-American goalie last year for Michigan Tech; Mi' e Derridge, with Tulsa in the Central League last season; John Adams, junior last year with Port Arthur and George Mohr, from the St. Thomas juniors.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-02148/3105824-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="608" height="689"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAT RUPP&hellip; Eyeing Olympic Games</figcaption></div>The Gems, however, rejoiced at the return of winger Guy Trottier, who turned down a contract with Buffalo In the American League. He scored 71 goals last season.Muskegon's Mohawks and Port Huron's Flags furnished the big early hockey news as clubs prepared to open training camps.Muskegon surprised the hockey world by signing Carl Brewer, who quit the Toronto Maple Leafs at the height of his career at the close of the 1964-65 season. Brewer was signed as a player and co-coach with Mohawk coach Moose Lallo.Port Huron announced the signing of Jerry Toppazzinl, 12-yearveteran of the National Hockey League to succeed Lloyd Maxfield, who had been recently named administrative assistant to owner John Wismer.Brewer, a three-time National Hockey League All-Star defenseman, became available to the Mohawks when he was reinstated as an amateur, thereby being barred from returning to professional ranks for two years. He quit the Maple Leafs to complete his university degree and last season played with the Canadian National team.Brewer played seven years with Toronto during which the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup three times. He was named on the AllStar team the year he unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NHL, with many clubs in the league seeking his services. He is 28 years of age.The Muskegon club refused to announce the salary to be paid Brewer but stated that he came high, in proportion to his ability.Toppazzini, the new Port Huron coach, comes to the Flags from the Los Angeles Blades of the Western League, where he has played for the past two seasons. He played 10 years with Boston in the National League, one with Chicago and one with Detroit. He compiled a total of 163 goals and 244 assists for 407 points. He can play either center or defense.In other executive moves, the Columbus Checkers announced the appointment of Leo Gasparini as director of player personnel and chief scout and the naming of Coach Moe Bartoli as acting general manager. Gasparini has been associated with hockey for many years, including three as general manager of the old Louisville club in the IHL. He recently sold his interest in the Sudbury Wolves.Columbus also announced it had secured defenseman Ted Leboda from Dayton in exchange for right wing Garry McMillan. In addition to Leboda veteran of eights years in the IHL, the Checkers will receive another player from Dayton before the start of the season, October 20. &#9632;

f0022-01

Rupp Quits Gems-Trottier Returns

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0022-04" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-04103/3105893-1-eng-US/f0022-042.jpg"></div><h2>GAMES STARTING TIMES</h2>HAMILTON: Thursdays. 7.30 p.m, Sundays. 2.00 p.m.ST. CATHARINES: Weekdays, 8.00 p.m.. Sundays, 7.15 p.m.TORONTO: Weekdays. 8.00 p.m., Sundays, 2.00 p.m.KITCHENER: Fridays, 8.30 p.m., Sundays. 2.00 p.mNIAGARA FALLS: Weekdays, 8.00 p.m.MONTREAL: 8.00 p.m.PETERBORO: Weekdays. 8.00 p.m., Sundays, 7.00 p.m.LONDON: 8.00 p.m.OTTAWA: Weekdays. 8 00 p.m., Sundays. 7.30 p.m.OSHAWA: Weekdays, 8.00 p.m., Saturdays, 7.15 p.m Sundays. 7.30 p.m. &#9632;

f0022-04

Ontario Junior Hockey League's 1967-68 Schedule

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0023-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-01190/3105931-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg"></div>SOLUTION IN OCTOBER 21 ISSUE<h2>ACROSS</h2>1&mdash;Pictured player.5&mdash;Initials of one of the Penguins.7&mdash;First name of McDonald a former member of the scooter line.9&mdash;To make mistakes.11&mdash;Skating requisite.12&mdash;A former Black Hawk defenseman.13&mdash;Period of time.15&mdash;Pictured player won the N. H. L. Rookie award with this team, (abbr.)16&mdash;Initials of Boyer of California.18&mdash;An N.H.L. General Manager answers to this.19&mdash;Initials of an N.H.L. coach.20&mdash;11th and 21 st letters of the alphabet.23&mdash;An N.H.L. coach.27&mdash;3rd and 21st letters of the alphabet.28&mdash;Top prize for Senior Hockey in Canada.30&mdash;Initials of a Ranger defenseman.31&mdash;Initials of Thiffault of Houston.32&mdash;Former Ranger Guido-lin answers to this.<h2>DOWN</h2>1&mdash;One of the Leafs..2&mdash;Los Angeles General - Manager answers to - this.,3&mdash;Initials of Leiter of - Boston..4&mdash;First name of Tessier &ldquo; an N.H.L. referee. -6&mdash;A member of the St.. Louis Blues.8&mdash;Number worn by Paul Henderson..10&mdash;18th and 15 letters of ' the alphabet.14&mdash;Same as 10 across.17&mdash;One of the Minnesota North Stars.21&mdash;Plays defense for Los Angeles.22&mdash;A Maple Leaf farm hand.24&mdash;Initials of ex-Bruin Labine.25&mdash;Nickname of 19 across.26&mdash;Hockey News. (Init.)27&mdash;Snooker requisite.29&mdash;Initials of a former N.H.L. allstar defenseman.<h2>LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS</h2><h3>ACROSS</h3>l&mdash;MONTREAL.7&mdash;ALLAN.9&mdash;SAN.10&mdash;P.I.11&mdash;OTT.13&mdash;G.A.14&mdash;E.N.15&mdash;TOE.16&mdash;ARE.17&mdash;TOR.18&mdash;B.R.19&mdash;I.G.21&mdash;N.N.22&mdash;TEE.23&mdash;MIKITA.27&mdash;R.O.28&mdash;CONACHER30&mdash;D.K.31&mdash;EA.32&mdash;HUSTLE.<h3>DOWN</h3>1&mdash;MAROTTE.2&mdash;NESTERENKO3&mdash;RANG.4&mdash;E.L.5&mdash;AL.6&mdash;LA PERRIERE.8&mdash;NINE.12&mdash;TOO.16&mdash;AB.20&mdash;GEORGE.21&mdash;NICK.24&mdash;INCH.25&mdash;T.A.26&mdash;ACES.29&mdash;HAT.30&mdash;D.R.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-02150/3105924-1-eng-US/f0023-022.jpg" title="f0023-02" width="1965" height="1465"><figcaption class="caption-body">Author JIM HUNT, left, talks with former NHL goal ing great BILL DURNAN, as they go over Hunt's newest book, &ldquo;The Men In The Nets", in which Durnan and such other big time goalers as Glenn Hall, Terry Sawchuk and Johnny Bower reveal their experiences as 'Hockey's Tortured Heroes.' Hunt, who penned the novel for Ryerson Press of Toronto, also has a top reading piece on Bobby Hull, which has required another printing to meet the demand of bookstores across the nation.</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0023-01

Hotkey Cross word

<div class="byline">By PAT HICKEY</div>MONTREAL, Que. -At 24 years of age, Bob Berry Is concerned about his future.He has a college degree, Is J working on a second sheepskin, and Is wondering whether he can make It In professional hockey.Berry Is currently tolling as a forward for Canada's National 'B' team but the Montreal Canadiens still have their eye on the muscular, all around athlete who has escaped their grasp once already.Berry scored 37 goals In half a season when he played junior hockey with the Verdun Maple Leafs in Montreal's Metro Junior A circuit. His scoring ability, combined with his rugged forechecking, earned him a spot with the Peterborough Petes In the OHA Junior ranks.After a month at Peter borough, Berry packed his bags and left.&ldquo;I had started university In Montreal, Berry explains when asked about his aborted career. &ldquo;I found myself doing nothing at all In Peterborough. When I was on the Ice, no one seemed to care If I scored goals, they just wanted me to hit someone".Berry almost gave up hockey after his tour of duty In Peterborough. He played pro football with the Quebec Rifles in the now defunct United League and waited until after New Year's to join the varsity team at Sir George Williams University.By the time Berry graduated from Sir George Williams with a Bachelor of arts degree last spring, he had rewritten the Ottawa&mdash;St. Lawrence Intercollegiate Athletic Association record book.He scored six goals In one game and 32 In an 18 game schedule. He also shares the record of 61 points in a 16-game season.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0004-0181/3105962-1-eng-US/c0004-012.jpg" title="C0004-01" width="580" height="1165"><figcaption class="caption-body">BOB BERRY&hellip; Wanted by Canadiens</figcaption></div>Last March, Berry topped off his college career by leading Sir George to a 5-4 win over arch-rival Loyola College in the OSL playoffs.The game went Into double overtime before 5,000 spectators at the Montreal Forum. Berry ended all the action by scooping up a rebound, overpowering two defensemen and then backhanding the puck past a startled Loyola goalie.''He's the hardest working player I've ever coached, ''said Sir George coach Paul Arsenault. ''He has all the equipment to make It In the pros.&rdquo;Berry's play came in for criticism from rival coaches in the OSL, but a quick survey would show that most coaches would echo Arsenault's comments. His play attracted large crowds to the Montreal Forum as the Georgians met and conquered such teams as Loyola and Royal Military College.Berry went to Winnipeg to join Canada's National team earlier this fall but his pro football experience disqualified him iron participation In the Olympic Games. Coach Jackie McLeod said he wanted Berry back for the 1969 World championships but Berry may succumb to the lure of pro hockey.''I've got my degree,&rdquo; Berry explains. ''I've been thinking about pro hockey and I'd like to give it a try before I get too old or too far out of shape.&rdquo;The Canadiens still want Berry to join their Cleveland franchise in the American Hockey League, where it's only a step to the big time.The challenge is there and Bob Berry likes to be challenged. &#9632;

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October 14, 1967

Philly Flyers Aid Knoxville To Rebuild With Young Skaters

American League's 1967-68 Schedule

Toledo Signs Deal With Kings Of NHL

Maple Leafs Win Exhibition Title