PRE-MOULD MASKS STORM MARKET

Jerry Wright and Jerry Van Velden do more than hide behind a mask all day. They manufacture them. As producers of the one-size-fits-all, or pre-moulded goaltender mask, Wright and Van Velden are part of a new and widespread development in the industry. The cage-combination mask is overtaking the helmet-and-cage mask in recent years and the popularity will only increase, according to the producers. “It’s difficult keeping up to the demand,” Van Velden said. “So many goalies are choosing this mask-cage combination. I know, as a goalie, that as my reflexes slow down I need more protection. I get it from this mask.” Van Velden has been dealing with masks for nine years and made a commitment last February when he quit his job and incorporated his own business (Van Velden Masks Inc.) in Stoney…

MONUMENTAL MISTAKE FACES LEAFS’ GM SMITH

Floyd Smith may not have scored any resounding victories in the flurry of trades he engineered over a recent two-day period, but he would have been well-advised to exercise similar strategy last year. He clearly entered all three trade agreements with limited liability. Had the Toronto Maple Leaf general manager followed a like course of action more than a year ago, he would not be facing the prospect of humiliation next June. That’s when the Leafs could be watching Eric Lindros join the New Jersey Devils. Even if it doesn’t come to pass that Toronto finishes dead last, Smith should not be granted amnesty for the trade that brought Tom Kurvers to the Leafs in return for their 1991 first-round pick. The net result: While other teams will be desperately trying to…

CAPTAIN BEING COUNTED ON TO CLEAN UP MESS

Is this another miracle of medical science? Mark Messier skated with his Edmonton Oiler teammates Nov. 10 for the first time since spraining his left knee Oct. 16 against the St. LouisBlues. A return to the lineup appeared days away. While Messier skated, Craig Mac-Tavish sat in the dressing room with an ice pack on a swollen foot and discussed the uplifting affect No. 11’s presence would have on the sagging Oilers, losers of a team record nine in a row and 11 of their last 12. “Having him in the lineup would mean two goals to our team—maybe even three if he’s playing well,” Mac-Tavish said. “Hey, he always plays well, so I guess I should say if he’s able to play a lot.” Coach John Muckier relishes the thought ot Messier returning…

ELSTON