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April 10, 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.
Bench Brigade Bolsters Whaler Cup Drive
HARTFORD—It is one game that Hartford understands—insurance. And so does Whaler president-general manager Emile Francis, who seems determined not to leave the regular season without it. “If you’re going to contend seriously for the Stanley Cup, you’ve got to have as many as 28 or 29 players,” Francis said. “You can never have enough depth.” With five games left in the regular season, the Whalers had 26 players, six above the number they can play in any one game and the most they’ve had in Hartford all season. “You have to have them,” coach Jack Evans said. “In the case of injuries or if someone’s game goes sour, you have to have them to fill in.” The fill-’er-up squad includes four right wingers (Pat Hughes, Wayne Babych, Gord Sherven and Shane Churla) and two defensemen…
Merkosky MVP Choice Of Division Coaches
GLENS FALLS—Adirondack Red Wings’ sharpshooter Glenn Merkosky is the coaches’ choice. Merkosky was the unanimous choice as most valuable player in the American League’s Northern Division, in a vote of the division’s six coaches for the fifth annual HOCKEY NEWS all-star and awards poll. The Wings’ 26-year-old captain, who scored 54 goals in Adirondack’s first 74 games, edged teammate Mark Laforest for the MVP award. Laforest was named top goaltender and another Red Wing, Doug Houda, was selected best defenseman. All three were chosen to the first all-star team. Joining them were Sherbrooke center Gilles Thibaudeau and Moncton right winger Brett Hull. Moncton’s Wade Campbell and Adirondack’s Barry Melrose tied for the second defenseman spot. Maine goaltender Kirk McLean, named rookie of the year in the division, headed the second team. Adirondack center Geordie…
Lack Of Effort Intolerable For Sabres’ Coach Sator
BUFFALO—As the losses piled up against his injury-plagued team, Buffalo Sabre coach Ted Sator would grin, bear it and then make certain to point out that he could not fault his players’ effort. Until March 24, when the Sabres were host to the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs scored three first-period goals before the Sabres even managed a shot on the net. Buffalo did right itself but eventually lost 6-5, and Sator was furious. “Inexcusable” was one of the words he used in his post-game analysis. “Incomprehensible” was another. Later, he went so far as to offer his condolences to the city and its hockey fans. “I apologize to the fans of Buffalo for this performance,” he said. “People in Buffalo deserve better. It has been going on too long here.” The following day…
Moller Hopes He’s Back In NHL For Keeps
EDMONTON—One game does not a career make…but don’t try telling that to Mike Moller. The 24-year-old right winger, who was picked up by the Edmonton Oilers in a complicated three-way deal involving the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins in October, 1985, played just one game for the Oilers last year. He failed to impress and was dispatched to the farm in Nova Scotia, with no apparent chance of parole. Until he was recalled March 23, Moller was beginning to wonder if the Oilers had pronounced the last rites over his National Hockey League career. A determined Moller made the best of his first NHL game in 17 months, scoring one goal and setting up another as the Oilers downed New Jersey 7-6. Not bad for a guy who wondered if he’d ever make…
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