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October 18, 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.
Tabaracci exposed in draft; happy there were no takers
It was 72 hours Rick Tabaracci could have lived without. After winning 19 games for the Calgary Flames last season, Tabaracci was rewarded by being left unprotected in the waiver draft. Nothing personal, they said. It’s just business. The Flames figured Dwayne Rolo-son, a minor-league sensation last year earning only $250,000 (Cdn.), would be scooped up quickly. For that matter, they were just as certain Trevor Kidd, just 24, would be eagerly received by any NHL team looking for a goaltender, so they crossed their fingers and hoped the combination of Tabaracci’s $825,000 (Cdn.) salary and the NHL’s goalie glut would enable them to sneak Tabaracci through. That’s just what happened. Accordingly, the Flames started the new season with three goalies on their 24-man roster. For his part. Tabaracci fully expected to be claimed in…
Restoration continues with addition of plunger DiMaio
The Boston Bruins’ quest to transform themselves into one of the NHL’s toughest, grittiest teams continued until a few days before the season opened. The Bruins, who added forwards Jeff Odgers, Trent McCleary and Troy Mallette during the summer, found another from the same mold Sept. 30. They obtained all-purpose forward Rob DiMaio-taken by the San Jose Sharks off the Philadelphia Flyers’ unprotected list in the waiver draft-for a 1997 fifth round draft pick and quickly penciled him into their opening night lineup. “He’s not a tall individual, but he’s a real thick individual who has a reputation for coming to play,” said coach Steve Kasper, who was briefly a Tampa Bay Lighting teammate of DiMaio’s in 1992-93. “He’ll compete for every inch of ice. I think Robbie can make a contribution…
Devils, Wings, Avalanche all Cup choices
Democracy is a wonderful thing and every voice should be heard-except when you’re projecting NHL fortunes and want to present a united front. Our problem: Associate Editor Bob McKenzie is picking the New Jersey Devils to win the Stanley Cup, senior writer Mike Brophy likes the Colorado Avalanche to repeat and writer Mark Brender says the Detroit Red Wings are going to win for the first time since 1955. So, who is The Hockey News’ consensus choice? It all depends on which issue you read. During the summer, Brophy handicapped the race and picked Colorado. In this issue, McKenzie has opted for the Devils and since he wrote the cover story, it was his call. Next week? Well, let’s just say Brender is in the on-deck circle. As for me, well, reality is 1…
Phillips sour about return to junior
The Ottawa Senators almost made it. After a controversy-free month of September, the club’s training camp became another battle zone with a top pick as defenseman Chris Phillips left camp and demanded a trade when it became clear he would not make the team. “Maybe by leaving here, they’ll realize what just left,” said Phillips, the top pick in the 1996 NHL entry draft. Phillips’ agents, Gus Badali and Stacey McAlpine, claimed the Senators’ decision to return Phillips to the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western League was politically motivated. If Phillips made the team, they contended, it would show the lack of depth on the Senators’ blueline and put the franchise in a bad light. The Phillips’ camp considered the unprecedented move of signing with an International League team, the Manitoba Moose, but…
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