Plugging holes in goal of upmost importance

Finding a reliable goaltender remained a top priority for five schools as the 1992-93 season began. Defending Central Collegiate Hockey Association champion Lake Superior State, Michigan State, Bowling Green, Miami and Ohio State were all searching for a No. 1 goalies. Of the five teams, the Spartans were in the best shape. Sophomores Mike Buzak and Eric Kruse, who backed up Mike Gilmore a year ago, returned to share netminding duties. “I’m not concerned about our goaltending situation at all,” said MSU coach Ron Mason. “It’s not like we’re breaking in a pair of freshmen. I at least have a feeling for what they can do.” Buzak and Kruse appeared in seven and eight games respectively a year ago. At Bowling Green, sophomore Will Clarke is the best of a group that includes senior Angelo…

Can’t Beat the Real Thing

West coast transfer not in works

Minnesota North Stars’ owner Norman Green wants to move his team. But he wants to move it across town, not across the country. Green was responsible for letting out word he was listening to proposals, one of which came from Anaheim, Calif. He was also trying to get a better deal from his landlord at Met Center and trying to coax downtowns Minneapolis and St. Paul into a bidding contest for the Stars. “Minnesota belongs in the NHL and we are determined to find a local solution,” Stars’ senior vice-president Pat Forciea said. “Any decision about relocation within the (Twin Cities) market will be made after the season. “We have had sincere discussions with a variety of local interests and are hopeful that once the season is over, we will make a decision…

Hard hits and feelings good for the NHL

Let’s be clear on something: The Hockey News wants the NFL, not the NHL. That’s right, we think the No Fighting League is infinitely superior to the No Hitting League. There is a substantial difference, despite what some might have you believe. The National Hockey League has acted to minimize fighting, a long overdue concesssion to rational thought. What the NHL hasn’t done is legislate physical play out of the game. Nor should it. Hard feelings and hard checks are at the core of professional hockey and must remain so to keep the sport an entertaining spectacle. Yet, there have been suggestions an onslaught of new rules and new players-most notably an influx of Europeans-have combined to soften the game’s rough edge. Let’s hope that is not a long-term effect. “In the first two weeks…