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September 1, 1977

September 1, 1977

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

Blueline Corps Concerns Barons

CLEVELAND— If there is one area of concern for Barons’ general manager Harry Howell, it’s his defense. No, not the overall defense of his club. That isn’t too bad despite the goals-against record of the last several years. The fault lies behind the blueline and the only thing lacking there is quality. There are some good ones in Bob Stewart, Mike Christie and Greg Smith. The latter, in fact, could become one of the very best before very long if he continues to improve at the rate he did in his freshman campaign last year. Beyond those three are question marks. Jim Neilson and Bjorn Johansson are the incumbents and also the question marks. Neilson will be 36 in November and is coming off an injury-riddled season. His guile is unquestioned. How much longer he can…

IN THIS ISSUE

Wings Stay In Downtown Detroit After Pondering Switch To Pontiac

DETROIT’ The Red Wings launched their season ticket campaign and just as prominent as the winged-wheel crest in the promotional literature was a promise that “the new $16 million Olympia II Stadium across from the Pontiac Silverdome… will open in time for the 1978-79 season.” All that changed abruptly on Wednesday, August 3. when owner Bruce Norris flew into town and, in a joint press conference with Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, announced that the Wings would remain in downtown Detroit and play in the new 20,000-seat riverfront arena. As part of the agreement, the Wings-Norris’ Olympia organization will operate the new arena as well as the adjacent Cobo Arena. Besides managing both those facilities, Olympia will handle a new 2,000-car parking structure to be built by the city near the dual arenas. It will cost…

IN THIS ISSUE

Whalers Face Six NHL Clubs In Pre-season Exhibitions

HARTFORD— New England Whalers have undertaken an ambitious eight-game preseason schedule which features seven games against NHL opposition. Six of the games will be played at Hartford Civic Center, including the opener Sept. 25 against Chicago Black Hawks. Other NHL teams coming to town are Washington Capitals on Sept. 28, New York Rangers on Sept. 30, Boston Bruins on Oct. 1, Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 7, and Atlanta Flames on Oct. 9. On the road the Whalers will play their Springfield Indians affiliate on Oct. 6 in West Springfield after visiting the Flames in Atlanta on Oct. 4. “This is by far the most challenging and entertaining pre-season schedule the Whalers have ever put together.” said the team’s director of hockey operations Jack Kelley. “By playing NHL opposition we are offering our fans an…

IN THIS ISSUE

NHL Signs 16 Of Top 18 Draft Picks

MONTREAL— National Hockey League teams headed for training camps with 16 of their first 18 summer drafts under lock and key. The NHL signed the bulk of its top draft picks and ended up losing only one—defenseman Scott Campbell—to the rival WHA. Campbell chose to sign with Houston Aeros rather than St. Louis Blues when the latter’s franchise was on shaky financial ground. Campbell said he couldn…t wait for the Blues to sort out their problems and jumped to Houston. But the remainder of the NHL first round picks signed contracts, most of which were lucrative multi-year pacts. Only Mark Napier of the Birmingham Bulls, whom Montreal chose as their No. 1 pick, was unsigned among the best 18 amateur players in the country that were drafted. Detroit Red Wings signed the No. 1…