Blacks have place in the game, too

With regard to Michael Ulmer’s March 5 article “Why Are no U.S.- born Blacks in the Big Leagues?”, I would like to commend him for having the creative insight to attempt to address a topic of this kind. It seems the concept of Blacks organizing Blacks has always propagated a vision of radical assembly. Historically speaking, it was not until such movements were endorsed by non-Blacks that any positive awareness became possible. Second, while many inner-city residents may lack the finances to afford their children the opportunity to play hockey, there does exist a multitude of well-educated Afro-Americans who, in light of their own struggles to achieve success, have come to the realization their child’s education is of utmost importance. These people simple don’t want to invite a tidal wave of racial cynicism…

Searching for ways to win

Brian Propp’s search for the Holy Grail has spanned 13 years with three teams and included almost two full seasons of hockey without success. Propp has played 160 playoff games without gaining the right to carry the Stanley Cup. Here are the active leaders in this category prior to this season. Cup has no home in N.Y. The New York Rangers will have to wait another year to try to put an end to their Stanley Cup drought, but another long one could end this season. Here’s how long each NHL team has gone without winning the Cup and the number of Cups they’ve won.…

THE DRAW

Dashing Russian Yashin signs lucrative contract

The Ottawa Senators were the laughingstock of the NHL this past season, but they took a step towards respectably by agreeing to terms with highly touted center Alexei Yashin. The 19-year-old native of Sverdlovsk, Russia agreed to a five-year deal worth $2.2 million April 26. Included in the package is a signing bonus worth a reported $500,000. “We are confident Alexei will make a significant contribution to our team this fall,” said Senators’ interim general manager Randy Sexton. “He is young, only 19 years old, and needs time to mature physically, but his play with Moscow Dynamo and international experience has demonstrated his ability to compete at the NHL level.” Yashin was the second pick overall in last year’s draft behind defenseman Roman Hamrlik of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is a skilled…