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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.
Healthy McMeekin ready to rebound
Hayley McMeekin, Canada’s emerging young star, suffered through a disastrous first year at Quinnipiac University. But, she’s on track now. McMeekin got mononucleosis in November, 2005 and it lasted until February. “I went back too early and suffered a relapse,” she said. Making Canada’s under-22 team last summer was a huge step. Canada’s high performance director, Julie Healy, praised the rookie. “She is dedicated and up beat with good energy,” Healy said. McMeekin scored two goals in three games in the U.S.-Canada under-22 tournament in August. She was also invited to Canada’s senior camp in September. “I am 5-foot-5 and that is short in the hockey world,” said McMeekin, noting she must get stronger to excel at the next level.…
Vlasic sinks notion of rookie jitters
ROSTER SURPRISE Marc-Edouard Vlasic not only made the opening night lineup, but coach Ron Wilson called the 19-year-old rookie his best defenseman in the pre-season. “You try to flunk him, throw trick questions at him,” Wilson said. “And, like a smartass, he has an answer.” While Vlasic’s status remains tenuous until he plays a 10th NHL game – ensuring he can’t be returned to junior – there’s nothing tenuous about his play. Paired with veteran Scott Hannan, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Montreal has stepped right in. He has played in back-to-back games on the road in intimidating buildings; killed penalties (including a 5-on-3 on opening night); played the power play; been on the ice in the final minute; and, played extra minutes when the blueline was reduced to five men due to…
JERSEY HOUND
HK Nitra (Slovakia) Technically, this team is now known as HK Dynamax Oil Nitra, continuing the long-standing Eastern European relationship between hockey and heavy industry. Jozef Stumpel’s old squad throws out all kinds of blue on its dark jerseys. It’s a mystery why, up until this season, its main sweater logo was a disembodied arm waving a flag. Nitra finally moved the bison off the shoulder and into the big time, which brings up the question, when you’ve got a good buffalo mascot, why mess with it? As a bonus, Nitra has ‘Let’s Go’ written on the shins of its socks.…
Rochester days over for evolving Novotny
ROSTER SURPRISE From the front office to the fans, those close to the Sabres had to wonder if Jiri Novotny would ever become a regular contributor. The 22nd overall pick in 2001 had sputtered in the AHL with Rochester for most of the past four seasons. Granted, the lanky forward came over from the Czech Republic when he was only 19, but three years into his pro career he had totaled a whopping eight goals in 152 games. Yet Novotny’s slow and steady progression continued. The 6-foot-2, 209-pounder made his NHL debut last season, notching two goals and three points in 14 regular season games and getting into four playoff games. This season, he has centered Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville, and played the wing with Chris Drury and Ales Kotalik. “This is…
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