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September 4, 1992
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.
Over 30 and out of work? Thanks, but no thanks
By his own count, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Terry Crisp sent out 31 letters during a 72-hour period in the second-last week of August. All were mailed to NHL players who had called looking for work. All included the same disheartening message: Thanks but no thanks. NHL players made many significant strides following last season’s strike but there was one significant downside. Many marginal, thirtysomething hockey players had suddenly found themselves out of work. Apparently, just about every NHL team made the same decision this summer: Yes, they would reward their star players with salaries in the high six- or low seven-figures. After all, they’re the players who will attract fans. But what of the players at the other end of the spectrum? One NHL general manager estimated 150 termination contracts were handed out…
Garber grabs reigns as Bulls’ inaugural coach
Turnover is a way of life in the East Coast League. Players come and go in large numbers from season to season and the ability to recruit is paramount to a coach’s success, particularly now that cost-conscious NHL teams are signing fewer players. That’s the reason Birmingham president and general manager Bob Polk hired 35-year-old Bruce Garber Aug. 13 as the Bulls’ first head coach. “We felt Bruce’s history of churning out a consistently winning team at the junior-college level, which has a very high turnover every two years, is similar to the results the Birmingham Bulls are looking for in our inaugural season,” Polk said. Garber coached at the Community College of Rhode Island from 1984-91 and his teams went 58-21-10, winning two Northeast Collegiate Association championships. Garber’s teams were runners-up twice in his…
Pivonka, Bondra sign deal as boys of Winter
Michal Pivonka and Peter Bondra were usually packaged on the same line last winter. It happened again this summer thanks to agent Rich Winter and the Washington Capitals. After months of acrimony, legal threats and silence, the trio came to an agreement with the Capitals on new contracts for the two players. Though the Capitals were balanced last season, Pivonka was the leading scorer with 80 points and Bondra was seventh with 28 goals and 56 points. Moreover, part of the team’s rationale behind trading Dino Ciccarelli in June was that Bondra would be able to score more in his third season. Neither was likely to show for training camp had a deal not been struck. Both players signed deals for two seasons and an option year. Sources indicated Pivonka-26 and entering his…
Goaltender sacrificed for Christian
The Chicago Blackhawks think they have filled a glaring hole at center by acquiring Christian Ruuttu from the Winnipeg Jets. This is how it happened. The Hawks traded goalie Dominik Hasek to Buffalo for goalie Stephane Beauregard and future considerations on Aug. 7. The Hawks then Sent Beauregard to Winnipeg for the 28-year-old Ruuttu on Aug. 10. While Ruuttu scored only four goals and 25 points in 70 games for the Sabres last season, the Hawks expect him to bounce back. Ruuttu averaged 17 goals and 54 points a season in six years with Buffalo. “He had a little bit of a down season last year but we expect him to bring us the consistency he has shown in prior seasons,” said Hawks’ general manager Mike Keenan. “He is capable of contributing offensively…
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