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August 1, 1980
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.


Firebirds’ Relocation Sets Up Maritime Rivalry
SYRACUSE—The Syracuse Firebirds are eagerly awaiting approval from the governors of the American Hockey League to move their franchise to Saint John, New Brunswick for the 1980-81 season. John DenHamer, director of operations for the Firebirds, said all that is lacking is the total approval of the other AHL teams and that is expected when the league meets later this month. DenHamer said he was closing the Syracuse office in preparation for the move to Saint John. The NHL’s Quebec Nordiques will operate the Saint John team—which will get a new name, possibly the Beavers—with former Nordiques’ coach Jacques Demers being installed as general manager and coach of the Saint John club. DenHamer, emphasizing that a move to Saint John could only prove beneficial to the team, revealed that Syracuse fans did not…


Stars’ Ticket Sales Rise-And So Does Mercury
BLOOMINGTON—With the temperature threatening 100 degrees, and a stifling humidity at almost that figure, there was a cool breeze of optimism swirling through Met Center, home of the Minnesota North Stars. Training camp was still a couple of months away and there was not much activity in form of player visits, signings, or transactions. But as hot as mid-July was, the North Stars were acting plenty refreshed about the coming season. Interest in the North Stars is definitely on the rise—even at this time of year. “July is the absolute worst month to sell season tickets,” said marketing director Dick Arneson. “It’s hard to sell hockey when it’s 94 degrees and the humidity seems about the same. But all things considered, we’ve had good traffic. You could say we’re planting the seeds—we plant early…


ON THE CONTRARY
Hooray For Overtime AT LAST, SUDDEN DEATH overtime during the regular season. Can you believe it? I can’t! I remember watching hockey before World War II when every tie game automatically was sent into overtime. Then the war came and the National Hockey League owners told us they had to eliminate the added period because of some lame alibi called “tight wartime train schedules.” When the war ended we all awaited the return of overtime, but it never happened. Clarence Campbell had become NHL president and whenever someone reminded him that the war was over and it was time again for overtime Campbell would snort imperiously and blurt his ritualized propaganda: (“A tie is a perfect result of a game…”) Ugh! For 35 years after war’s end, we tolerated such nonsense. Now we don’t…


MacDonald Leaves Nighthawks; New Rules And Playoff Format Adopted
LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS NEW HAVEN—The dean of American Hockey League coaches has left for the NHL. Parker MacDonald, GM-Coach of the New Haven Nighthawks for most of their eight years in the AHL, has accepted a post with the Los Angeles Kings as assistant coach. He joins Ralph Backstrom on the staff of head coach Bob Berry. MacDonald joined New Haven in 1972 and guided the teams he coached to over 200 wins, seven straight appearances in postseason play, two straight Southern Division titles, two trips to the Calder Cup finals and last season’s AHL regular season title. He was twice named AHL Coach of the Year and in 1976 was named “Executive of the Year” by THE HOCKEY NEWS. “I hate to leave New Haven and so many friends,”…