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October 23, 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.
‘IHL Institution’ Irons Finally Hangs ’Em Up
LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS LOUISVILLE HOCKEY STICKS FORT WAYNE — The International Hockey League teams opened training camp with the normal outlook: Uncertainty and hope. Rosters included the usual sprinkling of veterans and youngsters. But what the coaches are looking for are later cuts from National Hockey League affiliates. One veteran who wasn’t on hand as the seven clubs launched drills for the league’s 37th consecutive season was Fort Wayne’s veteran goalie, Robbie Irons. Irons was the senior in point of service with the league, his career spanning three decades with the Komets. The 35-year-old native of Toronto retired to accept a full-time position with a soft drink company in Fort Wayne. Irons had been working in the off-season for the company but was offered a permanent job with a good future. And it is a…
SLAPSHOTS
Skalbania Out CALGARY — Cliff Fletcher is in as the new president of the Calgary Flames and Nelson Skalbania is out. The millionaire sportsman Skalbania, his once lofty sports empire seemingly dwindling, has officially given up his remaining interest in the NHL Flames. The move by Skalbania left the team ownership in the hands of six prominent Calgary businessmen. The new ownership committee is headed by Fletcher, who will serve as both president and general manager. Other members include Norman Green, Harley Hotchkiss, Normie Kwong, Ralph Scurfield, B.J. Seaman and D.K. Seaman. Tom Sterling of Molson’s Alberta Brewery will act as director of the Flames and Doug Mitchell will serve as legal counsel for the team. Fletcher will also assume the role of active NHL governor for the Calgary club with Mitchell and Green…
Young Surprise Captain Of Stars
BLOOMINGTON — The North Stars opened the season with Tim Young named captain-by-correspondence, with some veterans gone, with an alternate Team Injured in the press box, and with blooming optimism that this would be their year. Falling behind 3-0 to Toronto in the season opener at Met Center was not quite in the plans, but the Stars came back to get a 3-3 tie, then kept up the momentum by blitzing the New York Rangers 7-0 to ruin Herb Brooks’s homecoming. Dino Ciccarelli, who set a Stanley Cup playoff record with 14 goals as a Rookie last spring, is still a rookie this season and plans to keep on scoring. He got two in the opener and another in the Ranger game, when seven different scorers clicked. But the Stars made as much…
BLUELINES
No matter how resilient Punch Imlach may think he is, there no longer is any question but that Toronto owner Harold Ballard would like his GM to get the friendly message and retire at season’s end — at the very latest. Ballard has been more than a pal with Punch but he wouldn’t be terribly upset if Imlach stepped aside by Christmas … The behind-the-scenes race for Imlach’s job already is turning into a delectable derby. Gerry McNamara, the able scout who once played goal for Leafs, is an able contender … Last year Fred Shero of the Rangers was the first coach of the season to get the hook. This year the least secure look like Gary Green (Washington), Parker MacDonald (LA) and Gerry Cheevers (Boston) … The true…
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