Crippled Mariners Nosedive In West

SAN DIEGO— The San Diego Mariners’ nosedive, from the World Hockey Association Western Division lead, was steep. They dropped seven of nine games, three straight following the All Star break. The reason could be traced to a list in the Mariner office It’s called the injury list and it reads: ’ Gary Veneruzzo, out since December with a separated left shoulder and not expected back for another week or two: John French, reseparation of his left shoulder and lost indefinitely; Joe Noris, broken wrist but he might be back in a few games with a special cast protecting the injury; Randy Legge, missed a half dozen games with a severe Charley horse; Tony Cassolato. out three games after minor surgery to remove a one-inch by six-inch splinter, picked up in his tail section in a brush with…

Canadiens Promise Quick Decision On Mahovlich Blast Over Ice Time

MONTREAL— Sometime within the next 10 days or so, a decision will be made on whether center Pete with the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens or whether he will use his talents elsewhere in the National Hockey League. A problem that obviously has been brewing for sometime behind closed doors suddenly leaked out into the open last week. It deals with Mahovlich’s playing time with the Canadiens this season. Mahovlich told a Montreal sports columnist during lunch one afternoon that he may play out his option next year because he had become unhappy with his reduced amount of action. The Little M, brother of one-time National Hockey League star Frank Mahovlich, did not issue a play-me-or-trade-me ultimatum to the club. He simply let it be known that he wasn’t happy and that he would…

Operation Regroup Dies Early Death As Racers Lose Harris. Three Others

INDIANAPOLIS— With the loss of team captain and leading scorer Hugh Harris for the rest of the season, the Indianapolis Racers began what coach Jacques Demers called “operation regroup.” But no sooner had the Racers called up three minor league players and made Dick Proceviat captain, when three other players were cut down by injuries. “Operation regroup” then became “operation rehabilitate.” Harris, the team’s top scorer with 21 goals and 35 assists, tore ligaments in his right knee in a collision with Quebec’s Paul Baxter. “It looks as if Hugh will be lost for the season.” Demers announced. “He’ll be in a cast for four to six weeks They won’t know if surgery is required until they take the cast off.” Defenseman Ken Block was also feared lost for the season with a severe…

National League Summaries