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October 24, 2006
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.
Hard-nosed Kane proves he’s able
ROSTER SURPRISE Know anyone who captained back-to-back Calder Cup champions…on two different teams? Coach Ken Hitchcock does. That might be why 28-year-old journeyman Boyd Kane was a surprise addition to the Flyers roster. Kane led the Philadelphia Phantoms to the 2004-05 AHL crown and followed that up with a title last season for Hershey. His physical, two-way play was so impressive in training camp, he forced veterans Niko Dimitrakos and Randy Robitaille to take a seat once the regular season opened. Kane entered this season having played only a dozen NHL games over an eight-year pro career. But Hitchcock doesn’t mind the lack of experience. He put Kane on the left wing of the team’s top checking line with Petr Nedved and Sami Kapanen. Kane can take the man during play or drop the gloves after.…
Vigorous Vigier proves his worth
ROSTER SURPRISE When Atlanta waited until August to re-sign right winger J-P Vigier, it seemed the team had other priorities at forward, even if Vigier was the longest-tenured Thrasher. GM Don Waddell signed potential Thrashers Kyle Wanvig, Jason Krog and Darren Haydar before Vigier was eventually inked to a two-way deal. But it was Vigier who made the final cut. A long shot after having reconstructive knee surgery last February, Vigier had to prove he was healthy. Apparently training camp did the trick and Vigier, a favorite of coach Bob Hartley’s for his work ethic, remains on the checking line with Bobby Holik and Brad Larsen, a key penalty-killer as the Thrashers started 3-0-1. Waddell said despite Jason Krog’s four pre-season points (tied for second on the squad), the team wanted a checker…
Reunion with coach buoys Battaglia
ROSTER SURPRISE For Bates Battaglia, it’s great being one of the boys again – one of the NHL boys. The 30-year-old left winger didn’t exactly hit the ground running after the lockout last season and wound up with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. But there is probably nowhere else Battaglia could have thrived as he did. After all, the boss was Paul Maurice, who had coached him with the Carolina Hurricanes. “It has been a good thing,” said the physical depth player and Chicago native. “It was a clean slate with (Maurice) and it really worked out.” Though Battaglia – working off a two-way contract in camp – credited Maurice for helping him find his way again, Maurice pointed back at the 6-foot-2, 205-pound winger. “Bates respected how hard he had to work to play an…
Everyday struggle for Hoggan to stick
ROSTER SURPRISE Jeff Hoggan is one of those NHL players for whom there are no guarantees. “I think every day is going to be a battle for me to stay in the NHL,” Hoggan said. “I don’t want to give them any reason to think I’m replaceable.” Hoggan signed a two-way deal July 21 and fought through a maze of returnees, established free agent imports and promising prospects to win a fourth-line spot. Energetic, defensively responsible and physical, Hoggan is an undrafted 28-year-old who finally broke into the NHL last year with the last-place St. Louis Blues. Bruins coach Dave Lewis pushed the Hope, B.C., native into rookie Phil Kessel’s spot on a line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Boyes late in an Oct. 7 game at Tampa Bay to help protect a…
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