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January 5, 1990
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.
FIRST VICTORY WAS WORTH THE WAITE
If you can’t join them, beat them. While growing up in Sherbrooke, Jimmy Waite shared the same dream with almost every other youngster in Quebec. But his childhood dream of playing for the Montreal Canadiens was thwarted when the Chicago Blackhawks chose the goaltender in the first round of the 1987 entry draft. More than two years later, Waite picked up his first NHL victory with a spectacular performance over the Canadiens at the Montreal Forum. Waite kicked out 24 Montreal shots in the Hawks’ 3-1 win Dec. 13. It was a long wait for Waite, who compiled an 0-7-1 record in 11 games with the Blackhawks last season. It was Waite’s first appearance with the team this season after playing with Chicago’s International League farm team in Indianapolis. Waite was recalled from…
BROTHERS IHNACAK
When Miroslav Ihnacak left his native Czechoslovakia four years ago to join the Toronto Maple Leafs, big things were expected of both the player and his new team. It didn’t work out that way. The Leafs finished fourth in the five-team Norris Division, with 57 points. Only the Detroit Red Wings, with 40, were worse. And Ihnacak was no help at all. In 21 games, he had two goals and four assists. Ihnacak’s problems in North America began almost immediately after his defection at 23. He haggled over a contract, angering team owner Harold Ballard, and later was made an example of futility by a media at odds with general manager Gerry McNamara. For Miroslav’s brother Peter, defection resulted in a seven-year career with the Maple Leafs. But for Miroslav, it produced heartache, confusion,…
BROWNIE POINTS
It was a tough choice but, in the end, Greg Brown’s decision was academic. The highly-regarded Boston College junior defenseman received a lucrative contract offer from the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres during the 1989 off-season. After much contemplation, he told the Sabres they’d have to wait at least one more season for his services. It was the second time in two years Brown had decided in favor of college hockey. He also said “no” to the Sabres following the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games. Buffalo picked Brown in the second round, 26th overall, of the 1984 NHL entry draft. “They were tough decisions because I’d love to try my hand at the next level.” says Brown. “But education has always been an important thing in our family. Pro hockey is never a guarantee so I…
THE GOON SCORING RACE
The effectiveness of some NHL players is not measured in goals, but in penalty minutes. Listed below are the 10 players who have accumulated the highest ratio of penalty minutes to points through Dec. 13. Or, if you want to look at it differently, those who have produced the lowest ratio of points to penalty minutes: LET’S TWIST AGAIN POWER PLAYERS They all count in the final stats, but there is little doubt that it is much easier to score goals on the power play. Especially for these players, all of whom had at least six goals on the season through Dec. 13 and who scored at least half of those with the man advantage: TOP 30 With each team having played its first 30 games, let’s take a look at the performance of each…