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August 21, 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.
Leetch Hurt, But Not Seriously
The U.S. Olympic hockey team hopes to finish better than it started. Only 40 seconds into the first game of the Olympic Festival, key defenseman Brian Leetch was sidelined with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The injury won’t require surgery but Leetch, who’ll join the New York Rangers following the Calgary Games, won’t be on skates until Sept. 1 and will miss the the Aug. 7-14training camp in Lake Placid, N.Y. The Olympic team begins its 66-game exhibition schedule Aug. 14 in Lake Placid against the American Canada Cup squad. “It’s wait and see with him now,” says coach Dave Peterson. “He’ll probably get off to a slow start, but he’s a premier player.” Leetch, a Boston College star, was among 32 players—including four goalies—chosen from a group of 80…
Rangers Seeking Tough Guys, Not Brawlers
NEW YORK—For the last few years. New York Ranger management turned a deaf ear to fans and media who complained the team wasn’t tough enough. Earlier this summer, it appeared the team had changed its approach. Phil Esposito agreed—something had to be done to improve the Rangers’ muscle. “The one thing you guys have all agreed on is that we’re not tough enough up front,” the Ranger general manager told the media, “and I think, for once, you’re right.” But a few weeks later, after free agent Basil McRae signed with Minnesota and Joey Kocur resigned with Detroit, Esposito wasn’t as bullish on beefy brawlers. “I think the board of governors is going to make it very tough on players who fight,” the GM said. “I don’t want to bring in guys to be…
NEXT WEEK
In our Sept. 11 issue of THE HOCKEY NEWS, which will be coming your way in three weeks, we’ll bring you all the latest news on the Canada Cup tournament. We should have all the last-minute roster changes as the six elite national teams of the world get set to compete for the prestigious Cup title, which was won by Canada in 1984. We’ll also have an assortment of other Canada Cup-related features, including in-depth assessments and profiles on both Team Canada and Team USA. In addition to the wealth of international-oriented material, we’ll also keep you informed on what’s happening in the National Hockey League, the minor pros and junior leagues. Plus, we’ll return with our popular advertising feature, a buyer’s guide to skates. Don’t miss all that, plus more in the Sept. 11…
Gretzky Anticipates Cup And Seven-Day Vacation!
EDMONTON—Using his own mental fatigue as a bargaining chip. Wayne Gretzky proved he can be as effective at the negotiating table as he is on the ice. As almost everyone anticipated, Gretzky agreed to participate in this summer’s Canada Cup. The 26-year-old ended his period of indecision in mid-July with an announcement he’ll perform in his third such global tournament—but not before driving a message across to Canada Cup czar Alan Eagleson. “I was probably the first guy ever to take a stand on the Canada Cup.” Gretzky told the Edmonton Sun in a copyright interview. “I’m glad I took a stand. Mr. Eagleson gave me his word we wouldn’t have another Canada Cup until 1992.” Following February’s Rendez-vous ’87—the highly-successfully two-game series pitting the Soviet Nationals against the NHL all-stars—Gretzky voiced a…
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