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December 26, 1986
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.
‘Brain Froze’—Gord Wood
Quote of the week: “When I left Cornwall, a lot of people in this league figured I was on a soup line. A lot of the goofballs thought I’d work for them for a dozen ears of com…One guy who doesn’t know the difference between a right-hand shot and a left asked me if I’d work for nothing until I proved myself. I told him his brain must have froze from being in so many cold rinks up north.”—Kingston assistant general manager Gord Wood, page 32.…
Ailing Coach Misses Ranger Rally
NEW YORK—Just when the New York Rangers seemed to be adjusting to a style that pleased coach Tom Webster, he was too sick to enjoy it. Although Wesbter expected some confusion during the team’s transition from Ted Sator to himself (via interim coach Phil Esposito), he was clearly upset by what he considered irresponsible, thoughtless hockey in a 6-2 loss at Montreal Dec. 11. “It’s fairly obvious that we didn’t show up to play again,” an uncomfortable, disappointed Webster said in Montreal. “We’re not thinking…we’re not patient…we’re so goal-hungry that we forget we’re on the road and should be trying to keep the score 0-0. We have a defenseman pinching and the high forward isn’t there to back him up. We’re giving goals away.” Three days and two team meetings later, the Rangers sorted…
Well(s) Has Run Dry For Regina Roughneck
CALGARY—Bryan Wells has worn out the welcome mat in the Western League. If fact, you might say the rug has been pulled from under his feet. Wells, a 20-year-old center with Regina Pats, was released by the Eastern Division club Dec. 9—the same time the WHL extended its indefinite suspension of the pugnacious Pat. Wells, whose turbulent WHL career constantly landed him in hot water, was suspended by Regina after a Nov. 29 contest in Moose Jaw against the Warriors. In that meeting, Wells crosschecked Lyle Odelein in the face after the Warriors’ defenseman had scored. The WHL decided to suspend the Fleming, Sask., native until the Jan. 19-20 all-star break, when he will be allowed an appeal. But the Pats added fuel to the fire by releasing the player outright. “Bryan gets too…
Soviets Spread Hockev Gospel
Anatoli Kostriukov was the last Soviet coach to lose an International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship to a Canadian team. That was 25 years ago in 1961, when the Trail Smoke Eaters clobbered the Soviets 5-1 in Geneva, and went on to win what was to be the last IIHF World Championship title for Canada. And while it was Anatoli Tarasov who went on to lead a new era of Soviet hockey after him. Kostriukov hardly fell into disgrace. He is now the executive director of the Soviet Hockey Federation and a member of the powerful Soviet Committee of Sports, which not only sets guidelines for hockey but all sports activities. Kostriukov spent a few days in Switzerland in early December as Viktor Tikhonov’s national squad made a one-game stand against the Swiss national…
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