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October 9, 1981
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.
1981-82: A Rerun Of Islanders’ Cup Triumph
TORONTO—Everyone loves a winner and as far as the hockey media is concerned, the New York Islanders are a team possessed with the unmistakable qualities of a champion. The romance between the Islanders and the press began last season when the New Yorkers won the Stanley Cup for the first time and with the approach of another season, the affair continues unabated. In a special pre-season poll conducted by THE HOCKEY NEWS of 20 of its NHL correspondents, the Islanders were chosen 13 times to repeat their championship performances of 1979-80 and 1980-81. Neither the new NHL divisional realignment nor an unbalanced schedule for 1981-82 could deter the selectors from picking the Islanders as the No. 1 team again. They received 19 of 20 votes to dominate the Patrick Division race and nearly…
The Hockey News
The International Hockey Weekly Founded in 1947 Published by W.C.C. Publishing Ltd. 214 King St. West, Suite 314, Toronto, Ont. M5H 1K4 The Free Agency Sham ALTHOUGH THE BYLAWS OF THE National Hockey League clearly state that when a player’s contract is up with one team, he is free to sign with another, don’t be deceived: In the NHL, there really isn’t such a thing as free agency. Oh, sure, once a player’s contract with a specific team runs out and he elects not to exercise his option and re-sign, he is classified as a free agent and is free to shop himself around to his heart’s content. Only problem is, the way the system is currently structured, very few, if any, of hockey’s free agents have a prayer of signing on with another team for…
Hawerchuk Wows ‘Em In Jets’ Camp
WINNIPEG—Magic. It’s a powerful word, reserved for the truly marvellous. Training camp had barely begun and already someone had used the word to describe Dale Hawerchuk, the 18-year-old whiz kid signed by Winnipeg Jets. “And there he was, coming out of a corner, delaying, setting up his wingers, doing his magic,” said Moe Mantha, a 20-year-old defenseman graced with the rich experiences of a year in the National Hockey League. Admittedly, Mantha has not seen everything. But he believes he’s seeing something special when he watches his new teammate who doesn’t look a day over 15. “He’s so good,” drooled Mantha. “Everybody wants to play with him. He does things with a puck that make your head spin. I’m telling you, he’s going to be great.” The Jets think so too. But calling him the…
Rochester Looking To Regain Winning Ways
LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS ROCHESTER—Americans fans have suffered through three losing seasons in a row and coach Mike Keenan is hoping to turn the franchise around after a successful camp with the parent Buffalo Sabres in Lake Placid. After two straight fourth place finishes in 1978-79 and 1979-80, the Americans skidded to fifth place in the southern division last year with a 30-42-8 record and missed the playoffs once again. Keenan would like to return the New York club to the top of the American Hockey League like when they were a dominant force in the early and middle 1970’s. Rochester strung together six conecutive winning seasons in those years and Keenan would like nothing better than to start another winning tradition with the Americans. The second-year coach figures to have his hands…
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