Antsy Acton back on ice

People wondered if Keith Acton could just walk away quietly from a 14-year playing career to become an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers. Well, now they have their answer and the answer is ‘no’. The NHL lockout is creating some unusual job opportunities, none more unique than Acton’s decision to sign a 25-game tryout contract with the Hershey Bears of the American League. Acton, 36, will play for the Bears and also serve as an unofficial assistant to coach Jay Leach. “It’s something I think will help my coaching career,” Acton said. “I’m sure it will be a good experience for me. Everybody in this business says the best job you can have is to be a player.” Acton should have little trouble fitting into the Bears’ lineup. He’s still in top shape and…

Paddock likes plan

The clock is ticking on the 1994-95 season, but the realities of a reduced number of games doesn’t have to be all negative. Winnipeg Jets’ coach-general manager John Paddock has heard the rumor that a 45-55-game schedule may see teams playing games only within their conference. He likes the idea of all-conference play. “That would make geographical sense,” Paddock said. “If you’re going to play more games than usual in a shorter period of time, that kind of schedule would make it easier. “We’re centrally located, so it won’t make a lot of difference to us. But this would be good. You should play games against teams you’re battling for the playoff spots.” Paddock, however, said it was only hopeful things would get to that stage. He’s not optimistic about the impasse that has…

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Maritime magician

When Kevin Cleary talks about his son, a sense of pride comes through loud and clear. But even more pronounced is the concern he carries for his 15-year-old boy who is more than 2,000 miles from home. It’s great he’s tearing up the Ontario League, but is he getting his homework done? Will he have all his teeth when he comes home for Christmas? Deep down he knows Daniel had to leave. The boy was toying with the competition in Grace Harbour, Nfld. Kevin wishes he could be with his son in Belleville, but realizes his responsibility is not to pave the road, but to provide a road map. “That hockey, I don’t trust it,” says Kevin Cleary, an electrician and father of three. “How many kids try it and put everything into…