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January 5, 1996
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.
Veitch in middle of Peoria/Phoenix mess
Darren Veitch went from one International League city with an uncertain future to another when the Peoria Rivermen traded him to the Phoenix Roadrunners. Peoria made the trade on the same day the IHL board of governors voted to block owner Bruce Saurs’ proposed move to Winnipeg next season. The Minnesota Moose, instead, received approval to shift to Winnipeg in the wake of the-NHL Jets’ move to Phoenix next season. Phoenix owner Lyle Abraham, who attended the approval vote meeting, also was interested in moving to Winnipeg and is now believed to be considering a move elsewhere. “This is a frustrating situation,” said Veitch, 35, a veteran of more than 1,100 pro games. “Saurs is doing what he thinks he has to do to make things right for himself and his team. The…
New format will produce true gold medal game
Throw away your Ouija boards, calculators and mood rings, the World Junior Championship finally has a gold-medal game. This year’s tournament, which will be held in the Boston area from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, will feature a dramatic change in format. In some previous years, Canada needed to beat Russia by two goals, hope Sweden lost to Upper Slobovia and for the moon to be in line with Mars to come away with the gold medal. That was under the old round-robin system that provided some exciting games, but sometimes led to mathematical gymnastics that would give an actuary twitches. With the addition of two teams to bring the field up to 10, this year’s tournament features two five-team groups. Canada, Finland, the United States, Ukraine and Switzerland make up Group A. Russia,…
Kelly bitter about early firing as Spitfires’ coach
Windsor Spitfires’ GM-minority owner Mike Awender told coach Mike Kelly during training camp the team was looking to develop players and Kelly wouldn’t be judged on wins and losses. Then, a week into the Ontario League season, owners Steve Riolo and Vic Gabriele said they wanted to host the Memorial Cup. The Spitfires would have to be one of the top two teams in the West Division after 40 games to have a chance to host the Canadian Hockey League event. “I knew there would be a little problem,” Kelly said. That came Dec. 10 when he was fired. The Spitfires were beaten 13-2 by the Detroit Whalers and fell to 10-20-3. Windsor was 4122-3 last season. Assistant coach Dave Prpich was named interim coach. Kelly was in his second season with Windsor. Despite having…
Jersey win great sign
If the Florida Panthers seemed a little giddy after their first victory at the Meadowlands against the New Jersey Devils, it was for good reason. In their season opener-on the same day the Devils raised their Stanley Cup banner-the Panthers were shut out 4-0. After watching his club’s lethargic outing that day, GM Bryan Murray recalled thinking, “This is going to be a long season.” Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, however, said the Panthers used that opening game as a barometer. “(It showed) us how we had to play to be a playoff team,” Vanbiesbrouck said. “Jersey manhandled us. From that point, we all picked up our game.” Vanbiesbrouck said the Panthers’ 2-1 victory over the Devils Dec. 11 proved they had met their initial goal. The Panthers continued their surprising play through the middle of December-they…
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