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October 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.
Van Hellemond sets sights on return to Cup final
Andy Van Hellemond is the Gordie Howe of referees. Ranked as the NHL’s best referee during much of his career, Van Hellemond adds to his longevity record every time he suits up. According to league records, the 47-year-old has refereed 1,412 regular-season games—Van Hellemond claims he has done 1,413—almost 500 more than the next longest-serving referee and the most in league history. The longevity record for officiating games belongs to linesman Ron Finn, who currently stands at 1,932 and counting. Van Hellemond’s streak of 17 straight Stanley Cup finals ended last year and he has worked two All-Star Games, the 1979 Challenge Series and Rendez-Vous ’87. Impressive credentials indeed, but lately it’s not the number of games he has worked that people talk about when Van Hellemond’s name comes up. It’s a blown…
Marchment harsh on self, hoping to make amends
Bryan Marchment has been accused of many heinous crimes by countless opponents. But the wounded cries of NHL forwards who have been cut down—fairly in some cases and brutally in others—by the man they call Mush, were drowned out by the self-incriminating shots he took as training camp opened. The Oilers’ toughest, and highest-paid defenseman—he’ll make $800,000 (U.S.) this year—called himself on the carpet for a season gone awry. “I could probably use the excuse that I wasn’t very professional last year,” Marchment said. “The games I did come to play, people noticed. But they were few and far between. “This year I just committed myself, knowing I was going to be an Edmonton Oiler and wanting to be on the team. I want to show them that I can play hockey.” Marchment may have…
LaFontaine adjusting
Pat LaFontaine says his knee is fine, he likes his new coach and he thinks the Buffalo Sabres could surprise a few people this season. And yes, he misses Dale Hawerchuk and Alex Mogilny and still thinks about what might have been. LaFontaine isn’t griping. The always positive center for the Buffalo Sabres went through a long period where he wondered where the organization was headed and what the teams of the past failed to achieve. “This team had (Stanley Cup) expectations for a long time,” he said. “We were building toward a contending team and a part of me will always believe we were headed in the right direction.” That has changed now. For budgetary reasons and because they need to get bigger and younger, the Sabres have stepped back from the challenge…
Fast start to season for fast forward Briere
He’s bigger, faster, stronger and, by all early indications, better. Drummondville Voltigeurs’ center Daniel Briere, who led Quebec League rookies in scoring last season, grew an inch over the summer and added 10 pounds of muscle. But the biggest difference coach Blair Mackasey has noticed in his 5-foot-8, 153-pound fireplug is increased foot speed. “I’ve seen him a few times beating a guy to the outside and going to the net just on sheer speed,” Mackasey said. “He has always been quick, but not what you would call a speed demon. But I think his acceleration and overall speed may be better this year.” Briere was certainly off to a fast start on the stats sheet, collecting eight goals ant 16 points in five games to take the early QMJHL scoring lead. Now in…
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