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July 1, 1978

July 1, 1978

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

Winds Of Change Blow Fresh Faces Onto Flyer Scene

PHILADELPHIA— By the time your summer tan is at its summer peak the Flyers may have made more moves in their rebuilding plan. “I’m not finished yet,” GM Keith Allen after step one cleared out three players from the team that won 45 games but disappointed its followers for a second consecutive Stanley Cup semifinal. First reaction to the deal that sent center Orest Kindrachuk, left winger Ross Lonsberry and defenseman Tom Bladon to Pittsburgh for the Penguins’ first-round amateur draft pick and the familiar “future considerations” was: the Flyers gave away too much. It was thought Kindrachuk would be missed most. The 27-year-old playmaker has been one of the steadiest Flyers through the “ups”of two Stanley Cups and the “downs” of recent years. Fred Shero, the former Flyers’ coach, often said that Kindrachuk…

IN THIS ISSUE

Junior Ace Shocked By Racial Charges

Special To The Hockey News BIRMINGHAM— Tony McKegney has been around junior hockey for a number of years but for the first time in his life, he came face to face with a reality he never t hought existed in t he ice sport. The former Kingston Canadians’ scoring star was informed he could not play for the Birmingham Bulls of the World Hockey Association because he is a black man. Birmingham owner John Bassett said two things contributed to the Bulls rejecting McKegney. One was his asking price was too high and the second was the result of flack the club received from season-ticket holders who complained about McKegney’s color. Now McKegney is expected to play for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League, who drafted him 32nd in the 1978 NHL amateur…

IN THIS ISSUE

Islanders Hoping Lightning Strikes Twice

MONTREAL— When Islanders general manager Bill Torrey was in the fifth grade, his teacher told him that history repeats itself. He remembered it well, and the information was clearly in his mind when he selected center Steve Tambellini of the Lethbridge Broncos as the club’s number one pick in the amateur lottery. Tambellini comes to the Isles from the same junior team that developed Bryan Trottier, this year’s All Star center. In addition, he plays the same position as Trots, and even more coincidental, wore the same number—10—as the former Calder winner. When Bryan moved up to the National Hockey League a few years ago, young Tambellini stepped right into his shoes, er, jersey. Even without a Oiuja Board, Torrey and chief scout Jimmy Devellano feel they selected well. He has good size…

IN THIS ISSUE

Shero Receives Total Authority As Rangers Bid To Build Champion

NEW YORK— In a move predicted earlier in THE HOCKEY NEWS the New York Rangers hired Fred Shero as their general manager-coach. “I took the Ranger job and Mr. (Sonny) Werblin’s offer because it gives me total authority. I have the power to hire and fire, to do what I want with all personnel, even the radio-TV talent,” explained Shero. “I consider myself a lucky man. 1 know of no other general manager in hockey with this type of authority.” For more photos on the Rangers’ Swedish stars, see Hockey People on page 14. John Ferguson, the incumbent Rangers’ general manager had a year on his contract—and will be paid in full. He wasn’t on hand for Shero’s coronation press conference in the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame on June 2—nor was he…