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January 9, 1987
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.
Gretzky Has Done The Game Disservice
I’ve got a bone to pick with Wayne Gretzky. Matter of fact the bone has been sticking in my craw since last summer. That’s when Gretz came to New York to pick up his annual Seagram’s (Best Hockey Player Bar None) award and gab with the local media. It was a pleasant informative session, as it usually is with the Great One. Pleasant, that is, until he uttered a few words before dessert. He was asked about the deep wound dealt by the Calgary Flames when the never-to-be-dynastic Oilers were quickly evicted from the playoffs. Gretz paid sportsmanlike homage to the Calgary crew but then he added that Edmonton’s demise proved a point, the point being that the NHL’s 80-game schedule was a waste of time. Surely, those of us in the hockey business have…
Smith Class Of The Canadiens’ Class
MONTREAL—The mid-season mark is fast approaching for the Montreal Canadiens. So it’s time for the annual mid-term report card. GOALTENDERS Brian Hayward—A newcomer to the class he has done more than his share to contribute to the success of the group. Grade: B-. Patrick Roy—Last season’s spring hero has had some difficulties which resemble some of the problems he had last year. Spectacular some nights, not so great others. Grade: C+. DEFENSEMEN Chris Chelios—Seems like someone has him on a short leash and won’t let him exploit all of his offensive skills. A potential all-star who can do it all. Strangely absent from the power play early in the season. Grade: B-. Gaston Gingras—Fast start but has faded fast. Poor defensively. Grade: C-. Rick Green—Has been more consistent in the first half than he has been at…
London Knight Life Agreeing With Maxner
LONDON, Ont.—Life on the Knight shift was been a lot more bearable for Wayne Maxner in December, though the London coach and general manager acknowledges a lot more work needs to be done. After winning just two of their first 14 games, the Knights played. 500 hockey over the next 16 and were making a spirited bid for the sixth and last playoff spot in the Ontario League’s Emms Division. “Not bad for a team that you guys picked for last place,” Maxner cracked to reporters. “That’s what I like about you writers. You always think you can coach better than we can. Come to think of it, I’m going to get into sports writing. It sounds like a good job. You guys are never wrong.” Jests aside, Maxner agreed that making the…
Hearing Is Believing
When Leonard Kurzawski watches his son play hockey, he uses his ears, not his eyes. Kurzawski, whose son Mark is a defenseman for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario League, has only been able to see shadows for a few years now. But that hasn’t stopped the 46-year-old Chicago man from following his son’s career closely. He regularly visits the Windsor Arena where he sits directly behind the goal and tunes in the game broadcast on a radio. “I sit there and I know what’s going on more than my wife (Judy) does,” chuckles Kurzawski, who may not have to travel as far to hear his son in the future. Mark, a 6-foot-4, 200-pounder who is strong both offensively and defensively, was drafted in the second round of the 1986 entry draft by his hometown…
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