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November 3, 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.
Grampa Dave looking grand
Dave Babych is called “Gramps” by some of his Vancouver Canucks’ teammates, but the nickname seemed inappropriate in the early weeks of the new season. Babych, 34, was playing like a kid and at one point was tied with Kevin Hatcher of the Dallas Stars and Ray Bourque of the Boston Bruins for the scoring lead among defensemen. So what gives? Has the 16-year veteran discovered the fountain of youth? “I’m doing nothing different,” Babych said. “I’ve just had a little bit of luck.” Despite seeing only spot duty on the power play, Babych had more points (six) in the first two weeks of the season than the team’s acknowledged offensive defensemen Jeff Brown and Jyrki Lumme. He also had more points than forwards Pavel Bure, Russ Courtnail and Mike Ridley. “I’m not trying to…
Gratton up to challenoe
The Tampa Bay Lightning have always brought their young players along slowly. In separate meetings with his coach and GM, third-year center Chris Gratton made it known the Lightning’s way of coddling its young players does not appeal to him. Gratton, 20, told GM Phil Esposito and coach Terry Crisp he is ready to take on an expanded role, one in which he is primarily responsible for the Lightning’s failure or success. Although they didn’t agree with him, Esposito and Crisp expanded Gratton’s duties. And in his first outing under such self-applied pressure, Gratton proved he may be ready. Gratton scored the winning and clinching goals in a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks Oct. 18. “Any time a guy gets more ice time he’s going to play better and get more opportunities,” Gratton said.…
Sale of Jets finally done
What had become foregone conclusion in August became official Oct. 18. The Winnipeg Jets were sold to American investors and will be moved at the end of the 1995-96 season. Jets’ president Barry Shenkarow announced that day Richard Burke of Edina, Minn., and Stephen Gluckstem of Dobsbury, N.Y., had purchased the team for $65 million (U.S.) and take possession July 15, 1996. The new owners will also fork over another $3 million (U.S.) to Shenkarow and the Winnipeg ownership group if the NHL expands by the 2000-2001 season. The City of Winnipeg and province of Manitoba, who share a 36 per cent ownership in the team, figure to recoup $24.5 million (U.S.) from the sale. The two levels of government currently cover the operating losses of the team. Burke and Gluckstem (B and…
Hawks lean on four good men
The Chicago Blackhawks are pinning their carly-sea-son hopes on their Gang of Four. Hawks’ coach Craig Hartsburg has depended heavily on Chris Chelios, Gary Suter, Eric Weinrich and Keith Carney on defense. Those four were getting major minutes ahead of the pair of Cam Russell and Brad Werenka. Steve Smith was on the injured list indefinitely with an inflamed disc and Gerald Diduck signed with the Hartford Whalers in the off-season. That left the Hawks thin on the blueline. Hartsburg, however, wasn’t concerned about wearing out his veterans-es-pecially Suter and Chelios-so early in the season. “They’re both going to play a lot, but they can handle it,” Hartsburg said. “They’re probably in the best shape of anyone on the team.” Even Los Angeles Kings’ coach Larry Robinson marveled at how much Chelios played after he…
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