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April 21, 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.
Bassen high on Group V
Bob Bassen is a feisty sparkplug on a team full of stars. Whether it will stay that way beyond this season he’s not sure. Bassen will turn 30 on May 6 and will have completed his 10th season in the NHL. He is also paid less than the league’s average salary at $425,000 (U.S.). That means he will be a one-time Group V unrestricted free agent this summer. Bassen was hesitant to talk about his contract status because things are going so well with the team. And as long as he and the team continue to do well, his bargaining position will be enhanced. “My agent spoke with Mr. (Nordiques’ GM Pierre) Lacroix before the lockout and they had agreed to speak again in April,” Bassen said. “My first priority is to come back…
Reformed Ling bowls over foes in MVP voting
David Ling even shocked himself this Ontario League season. So imagine how players a year removed from the league will react when they read the Kingston Frontenacs’ right winger was awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the MVP. Ling was the runaway winner, getting 104 voting points from the media. Bill Bowler of the Windsor Spitfires was second with 58 points after becoming the league’s career assists leader. But Ling’s story is remarkable. He went from OHL penalty king last season to the goal-scoring title (61) and is the league’s nominee for Canadian Hockey League player of the year. A seventh-round draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques’ in 1993, Ling was second in points with 135, four behind Marc Savard of the Oshawa Generals. Savard tied with Guelph Storm goalie Mark McArthur for third…
Regular-season champs fall by wayside, ho hum
As sure as the robins return and the flowers bloom, the East Coast League has its own spring tradition-the Brabham Cup champions lose in the first round of the playoffs. For the fourth time in five years, the regularseason champions-in this case, the Wheeling Thunderbirds-crashed and burned in three straight playoff games. Supplying the upset was the Birmingham Bulls, who barely qualified for the Riley Cup playoffs. After edging the T-Birds 4-3 in the opener, the Bulls outscored Wheeling 16-6 in the next two games to move into the quarterfinal round against the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks. “I like to think we challenged ourselves,” said Birmingham captain Chris Bergeron, who had two goals and four points in the 7-2 clincher. “We’re grown men. We knew we were playing the best team in the league…
Dryden’s debut still best for rookie goalie
No goaltender in NHL history made a greater first impression than Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadiens. Dryden played six regular-season games before leading the Canadiens to an upset win over the Boston Bruins and a seven-game series win over the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup final in 1971. He captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP and the imagination of the hockey world with his acrobatic style and statuesque stick-leaning pose. He went on to win rookie-of-the-year honors the next season. Other goalies who have made their marks in rookie seasons include: Tony Esposito. He saw spot duty with the Canadiens. but was eventually traded to Chicago to make room for Rogie Vachon. In his first full big-league season in 1969-70. he recorded 15 shutouts. He was NHL’s rookie…
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