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October 13, 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.
Karpov’s body, tongue sound
Right winger Valeri Karpov’s confidence went the way of his finishing touch last season. Karpov went home to Russia during the lockout and didn’t bring his game back when he returned to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. After blazing through last year’s pre-season on a line with Paul Kariya, the 24-year-old Karpov faltered and finished his rookie season with a disappointing four goals and 11 points in 30 games. Now, Karpov looks as though he has recovered his conditioning and confidence and also has a better grasp of English. “He’s in good shape and he has confidence in his whole situation,” said Mighty Ducks’ coach Ron Wilson. “It’s confusing being with a team when you don’t understand what’s going on around you. He understands humor a little now. It’s not all confusion.” Said Karpov: “I’m…
Adams’ mandate to keep league moving forward
The East Coast League is one of the fastest-growing and most successful hockey organizations in North America. Richard W. Adams, the group’s new president and CEO, intends to keep it moving in that direction. “What I want to do,” said Adams, “is continue to establish the league as the premier developmental league that feeds the American League and International League, and hopefully, some of the kids will wind up in the NHL. “Part of that is moving forward in a prudent manner, which I think we’re doing with the marketing agreement with the NHL and expansion.” The ECHL has mushroomed from a five-team, four-state entity seven years ago to one that has 21 teams in 11 states this season. Most of the clubs have working agreements with NHL, IHL or AHL teams and…
Norstrom’s time has come
The New York Rangers, with all their problems of trying to defend a Stanley Cup championship in a 48-game season, couldn’t afford to work Mattias Norstrom into their defense corps in 1994-95. Now they can’t afford not to. Norstrom may be the player to watch in the early going. The strong, physical defenseman was ready to make his move into the NHL last season. Now his time has come. “I hope it’s my turn,” Norstrom said. “I feel ready to play now. I don’t expect to play 82 games, but I hope I get a good shot and go from there.” Norstrom, who has added upper body muscle, was termed by team physiologist Howie Wenger to be “maybe the best conditioned athlete on the team.” Now it’s time to find out if he can become…
Fitzpatrick moves forward
Mark Fitzpatrick isn’t crazy about the past, but he has good reason to look toward the future. A rare blood disorder that nearly ended his career in 1990 is ancient history. An assault charge leveled against him by his former wife last summer has been dropped. “The past is gone,” said the 27-year-old Fitzpatrick. “It’s time to move forward.” That move forward is expected to occur this year for Fitzpatrick, who was called the Panthers’ goalie of the future by president Bill Torrey at the 1993 expansion draft. With John Vanbiesbrouck the subject of trade rumors, the Panthers need to know if Fitzpatrick can carry the load. After playing just 43 games the past two seasons, Fitzpatrick could play as many as half the games this season under coach Doug MacLean. “Since I’ve come to…
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