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October 8, 1976
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.
Stoughton, Marsh Raise Stingers’ Hopes
CINCINNATI— The night before the opening of training camp. Cincinati Stingers coach Terry Slater was wishing he was already out on the ice whipping his team into shape. “It’s always hectic about this time,” he was saying. Slater was bemoaning the fact the Canadian players had a tough time obtaining visas this year. Dave Inkpen waited seven days at the border before U.S. officials let him come across. “I’m sitting here worrying about my players not showing up. Barry Melrose is in Toronto. He can’t get across the border,” Slater groaned. “I’d sooner be on the ice,” hi said. No wonder Slater was so eager to start training camp. He has several reasons to be enthused about the new season. For one, he’s not starting from scartch trying to build a first-year team Last year training camp…
Cracking Canadiens’ Lineup Monumental Task
MONTREAL— The toughest job facing any rookie and professional prospect attending the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp this year was trying to crack through what amounts to a set lineup. How does a player who even was a top draft choice make it with the defending Stanley Cup champions? How does he beat out such names as Ken Dryden, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard, Larry Robinson, Pete Mahovlich, Steve Shutt and Guy Lafleur? It amounts to a monumental struggle. Nevertheless, the hopefuls showed up at training camp under the guidance of Claude Ruel, one-time coach of the Canadiens who was pressed into duty while Scotty Bowman handled the coaching chores with Team Canada. Many of the youngsters haven’t got a hope of making the Canadiens, but a scant few may have a good shot at the…
Barons’ GM Sees Shift To East Improving Club
CLEVELAND— An old team in a new town spawns optimism in the eyes of that team’s general manager, who believes that club has a genuine shot at a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The team is the Cleveland Barons, who had been the California Golden Seals for the first nine years of their existence. And the GM is Bill McCreary, who thinks the change in environment could be all his club needs to see post-season action. “Just by our new geographic location,” said McCreary. “We should be anywhere from eight to 12 points better than last season. Everybody’s job will be that much easier. “The coach’s job will be easier because he won’t have a tired hockey club to work with,” continued McCreary, referring to the exhausting schedule the Seals were saddled with…
Fast NHL Start Must For Detroit To Be Contender
DETROIT— For the Detroit Red Wings, training camp revolved around a rigid conditioning program. It is imperative that the Wings, seeking their first playoff berth in seven seasons, get off to a flying start. It won’t be easy not with the murderous early-season schedule they must cope with, but General Manager (and coach?) Alex Delvecchio says with conviction that they can do it. “It will be a matter of perseverance and the will to win.” Delvecchio said. “We need good seasons from everybody but we can do it". While Montreal is the class of the Norris Division, Delvecchio thinks his club can catch either Pittsburgh or Los Angeles. He bases his decision largely on three veterans who joined the club well into last season and a flock of youngsters battling for jobs in a…