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October 4, 1985
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.


Stars’ Hirsch Has Return Delayed
MINNESOTA NORTH STARS BLOOMINGTON—In past years, the excitement surrounding the Minnesota North Stars’ training camps focused on prize rookies from the most recent draft—players named Bobby Smith, Brian Bellows and Brian Lawton. But the North Stars have changed, and their top draft picks—when they’ve had them—have been left to develop in college. The only rookie sure of starting the season with the Stars is the most vital, coach Lorne Henning. Last year, rookies Bob Rouse and Scott Bjugstad made the team, both somewhat surprisingly. Rouse played steadily and stepped in when injuries hit the defense. Bjugstad, a scorer all his life, made the club with diligent checking and the ability to play any forward spot. This year, it is doubtful if any rookie has made more than temporary residence plans in the Twin Cities. Because of…


Halkidis Seeks Berth On Buffalo Blueline
BUFFALO SABRES BUFFALO—Among the 18 players who progressed from the Buffalo Sabres’ first-ever rookie gathering to the main camp in Lake Placid, two stood out from the rest. One of them was the London Knights’ Bob Halkidis. And the other was Keith Gretzky of the Windsor Spitfires. Between them, they represent the aspira-“tions and expectations of underaged junior players. Halkidis is fighting for a position on defense with the Sabres. Gretzky, in the meantime, wants to show what he is capable of doing, but is likely to spend at least another season in junior hockey. “It is a good experience being invited to rookie camp and all,” said Gretzky, 18. “I’ve been happy with the way I’ve been playing and it’s an honor to be asked to go to the team’s regular training camp.” “Now…


‘Hound Line’ Bares Teeth During Camp’s Dog Days
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS TORONTO—What has long been feared has finally come to pass—Harold (Dr.) Ballard’s boys of autumn have gone to the dogs. Well, at least they did for the first week of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp. The threesome of Russ Courtnall, Gary Leeman and prized-rookie Wendel Clark was the hit of early workouts at Maple Leaf Gardens. Nicknamed the ‘Hound Line’—all three players once played midget hockey for the famed Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox. Sask.—the youngsters demonstrated surprising puck control and scoring talents in intra-squad scrimmages. They were sharp enough to outplay the Leafs’ No. 1 unit of Bill Derlago, captain Rick Vaive and newcomer Steve Thomas part of the week. “We’re doing alright,” understated Clark, first overall choice in the 1985 entry draft. “We work quite well together.” Age is definitely on…


Lafleur Considers A Move To Nordiques
Nothing has changed for Guy Lafleur. Even in retirement, Lafleur is at loggerheads with the Montreal Canadiens’ management team—of which he is now a member. The former superstar is displeased with what the Canadiens are offering to pay him next year for front-office work and is threatening to leave the Mol-son’s-owned club and join the Carling O’Keefe-owned Quebec Nordiques. “I don’t expect to be paid like a player,” said Lafleur, who is in the final year of a contract that pays him $400,000 per season. “But I’m not a simple office employee and I don’t expect to be paid like one.” One alternative is a move to Quebec City, home to Lafleur during his spectacular junior years. “If I move to Quebec City, I could combine two jobs. I could work in the automobile business…