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January 6, 1995
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.
Orlando has magic touch to gain spot as 19th team
The International League added another owner with deep pockets and ties to the National Basketball Association when it confirmed the long-anticipated addition of Orlando, Fla., as an expansion team for next season. The Orlando team is owned by RDV Sports, or more specifically, Rich DeVoss, who is chairman of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and cofounder of the Amway Corporation. The league’s 19th team was announced Dec. 13. The IHL already has an NBA tie in Detroit, where Pistons’ owner Bill Davidson is enjoying a successful expansion season with the Detroit Vipers. The Orlando team will play at the 14,624-seat Orlando Arena starting next season. “The owners are a big reason for our ongoing success and growth.” Game plus six regular-season games and the said IHL commissioner Bob Ufer. “The addition of this top flight, experienced…
Roy claims players offer already far too generous
Add superstar goaltender Patrick Roy to the growing list of Montreal Cana-diens, and NHL players in general, who believe the union has made enough concessions in the labor dispute. “The players’ association tried to make some offers to compensate for not having the (luxury) tax,” Roy said, referring to concessions made in the areas of a rookie salary cap, the draft and Group I free agency. “We gave a lot if you look at what they gave. They want all we gave up-plus a cap.” Roy was his usual outspoken self following a 10-day vacation in Florida. Roy has differed with the NHL Players’ Association before-he was one of the first to suggest a salary cap should be placed on rookies-but he’s as firm as ever in opposing any form of a tax…
Leitza up to challenge, but Huskies stumbling
WCHA Brian Leitza was a key figure in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association before he played a single game. He was the only concern for St. Cloud State entering the season. Because the Huskies had all their key players returning from a strong 1993-94 team-except for their goalies-they were picked by WCHA coaches to finish first. That put Leitza, a 20-year old freshman who played three seasons in the U.S. Jr. League, on the hot seat. And while St. Cloud State hasn’t lived up to its billing, Leitza has surpassed expectations. He had a 3.18 goals-against average and.895 save percentage for the 8-8-0 Huskies. “I felt a lot of pressure,” Leitza said. “My first thoughts were, ‘I have to prove myself to the players and coaches.’ When I felt comfortable I had done that,…
MAJOR JUNIOR REPORT
The Sarnia Sting claims it hasn’t joined a coach-of-the-month club, despite making its second coaching change this season. Former NHLer Mark Hunter replaced Rich Brown Dec. 14. Brown, who earlier replaced the fired Don Boyd, stays on as associate coach of the Ontario League club. Boyd was fired Oct. 17 with a 2-6-1 record. Brown, an assistant, was appointed interim coach. The Sting then tried to get Hunter, but the two sides couldn’t agree to terms. Brown was named head coach Nov. 2 and the Sting went 5-12-2 under him. It sat last overall at 7-18-3 when Hunter was hired. Sting president Robert Ciccarelli said he never stopped pursuing Hunter, who played 12 NHL seasons with five teams. He retired in 19-93 and was coaching a Jr. B team in Petrolia, Ont. Ciccarelli said Brown…
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