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August 1, 1991
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.
JOHNSON’S MAGIC MAY SPELL VICTORY FOR TEAM USA
Bob Johnson doesn’t look at a glass and try to decide whether it’s half-full or half-empty. He just marvels at what a great glass it is and assumes it will be filled to the brim with fluid of the finest vintage. That’s because Johnson is an unflinching optimist, the kind who can find an upbeat perspective on just about anything. Considering that, it wasn’t surprising to hear Johnson, who will coach Team USA in the Canada Cup, describe his lineup as “the best Canada Cup team we’ve ever had” and suggest “our chances for success have never been better.” What’s more, he’s probably right on both counts. Team USA promises to have excellent goaltending and a superb blue line corps and Johnson will have outstanding forwards like Brett Hull, Pat LaFontaine, Kevin Stevens…
BRUINS RESPOND TO BLUES’ MOVES
BRUINS Following St. Louis’ signing of Boston free agents Dave Christian and Ron Hoover, the Bruins signed Blues’ free agents Glen Featherstone and Dave Thomlinson July 26. (For more on the Christian situation, see page 5.) Featherstone is a solid defensive defenseman who had five goals and 19 points in 68 games last season. Thomlinson spent nearly the whole season in the IHL where he had 53 goals and 107 points in 80 games for Peoria…Unresolved in late July was the status of veteran goalie Reggie Lemelin. The club originally offered a contract that called for him to act solely as a goalie coach, but some give-and-take ensued. Lemelin and his representatives were examining a new proposal that would be a playing contract, but include a clause by which Lemelin could…
LOSING HASN’T BEEN PART OF STAVRO’S HISTORY.
Therefore, not only does he believe Fletcher’s salary—$4 million over five years—is excessive, but Stavro has said giving Fletcher full rein over the entire Leaf operation is poor management. His opponents don’t view these objections as sincere, and note improved management under Fletcher would enhance the overall value of the Gardens, and significantly hike the purchase price to any potential buyer. Bill Ballard, meanwhile, complains that while “protecting” his late father’s interests, Stavro has astutely positioned himself to control the Gardens. Ballard says putting up the company for immediate public auction would be the best way to maximize the charities’ return, but Stavro has refused to do that. The entire matter could well eventually end up in the Supreme Court of Canada. Until the legal niceties are resolved, Stavro has served notice…
VETERAN DEFENSEMEN BRING NEEDED STABILITY
Neither Tom Kurvers nor Randy Hillier considered his route to the floundering New York Islanders a downhill ride. Although Kurvers left the appealing scenery and climate of Vancouver and Hillier departed from a Stanley Cup champion to join an unsettled, last-place team, each defenseman views his new job as a step forward. Kurvers, the 28-year-old Minneapolis-native acquired from the Canucks for Craig Ludwig in a three-way trade on draft day, believes he can flourish again in the Patrick Division as he once did with the New Jersey Devils in 1988-89. Hillier, the 31-year-old former Penguin, was a free agent who signed a two-year deal with a team that, he believes, will give him a chance to extend his career. Both Kurvers, a skilled power play point man, and Hillier, a traditional defense-first type player,…