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August 19, 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.
Rivermen aim to sell ECHL as more exciting game
During its first eight years of its existence, the East Coast League has been successful in most of its cities. But will it play in Peoria? There have been many naysayers in the Illinois city since the Peoria Rivermen decided to leave the more prestigious International League for the second-rate ECHL. Don’t count Greg Griffith, president and majority owner of the Rivermen, among that group. “We’re taking a step up,” said Griffith, who is also involved in hog farming and software developing. “As far as entertainment value goes, we have guys who are busting their butts. “Those (IHL) guys are more skilled because they’ve been playing for 10 years. I’m not saying anyone was dogging it, but the hard hits, the enthusiasm for the game, wasn’t there like it is in this league. We’re…
Big pitch to get Gretzky ‘stupid’ rumor
It started with an early July newspaper story in Ottawa and quickly took on a life of its own. Unrestricted free agent center Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, was destined for the San Jose Sharks. The apparently unsubstantiated report drew tons of attention in the Bay Area and caused Sharks’ officials plenty of consternation. “This thing is stupid. It’s unbelievable,” said Sharks’ GM Dean Lombardi about reports he’d offered Gretzky a two-year, $14 million deal. San Jose did not deny what team president Greg Jamison termed “exploratory” discussions with Gretzky’s agent, Michael Barnett, but said those talks were just a routine part of the process of scouring the free-agent and trade markets. “They’re more informational than anything else,” Jamison said. “We have not made a formal offer. It’s just trying to figure…
Verbeek, Reid add goals, gumption to Stars’ lineup
The Dallas Stars addressed their biggest need-physical wingers-on the third day of free agency when they signed both Pat Verbeek and Dave Reid to three-year contracts. Verbeek will collect $9.3 million over three years, making him the team’s highest-paid player-earning $78,125 more than the qualifying offer to Mike Modano. Reid’s contract is for $700,000 per season. Verbeek brings to the team a gritty, nasty style that has been lacking from the Stars. He scored 41 goals last season for the New York Rangers and has eclipsed 40 goals four times in his 13year career. “He can be a real (pest), but that’s what you love about him,” said Stars’ defenseman Mike Lalor. Reid doesn’t provide the nasty streak-his career high in penalty minutes is 27 for a season-but still can hit with authority. He…
Merkosky awaits dream job as Brown leaves Red Wings
The first half of Glenn Merkosky’s two-pronged grand wish has been met, thanks to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Detroit Red Wings now will be responsible for granting Part II, which would be hiring Merkosky to coach the American League’s Adirondack Red Wings. Adirondack coach Newell Brown took advantage of his own month-long shopping period to land a job with the Blackhawks as Craig Hartsburg’s assistant. A year after Brown thought he would be in the big show-the Red Wings wouldn’t let him out of his contract last summer to join the Florida Panthers as Doug MacLean’s assistant-he’ll finally be behind an NHL bench for the first time. Brown leaves Adirondack with a 151-134-35 record in four seasons. Which means the Red Wings need a coach in Adirondack ana Merkosky is the leading candidate. Others being…
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