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December 6, 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.
Fraser hopes to be on highway to NHL
The first road Scott Fraser travelled in pro hockey was a one way street to nowhere, but he’s hoping a drive down Highway 7 in New Brunswick will be the right path to the NHL. Fraser was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the Calgary Flames Oct. 24 for David Ling and a draft choice, but he never left his native province while in the American League. He just drove south from Fredericton to Saint John. After joining the Saint John Flames, Fraser scored 10 goals and 13 points in 10 games, moving into a share of the AHL lead in goals with 13. He was fourth in points with 24 and feeling rejuvenated. “I saw a dead end in the Montreal organization and asked to be traded,” said Fraser, a 24-year-old center…
Consistency still issue despite Whale of start
The Hartford Whalers entered the second quarter of the season first in the Northeast Division, 10 points ahead of the last place Pittsburgh Penguins. What’s wrong with this picture? Really, the more pertinent question is can they keep it up? The Whalers are bigger, tougher, deeper. And they don’t look all that frightened. Stay tuned. PLEASANT SURPRISE: Center Keith Primeau and right winger Kevin Dineen did not live up to their reputations, which is to say Primeau wasn’t a stone-handed dunce and Dineen didn’t look like a spent warrior. Primeau’s impact was felt beyond his point production (13 in 16 games), while Dineen’s fiery play and four power play goals were a bonus. ICE ADVICE: The Whalers, despite their good record, would like to play more consistently. To a man, they feel they haven’t…
Nighthawks seek toughness from coach LaForge
Bill LaForge’s teams have always been among the league leaders in penalty minutes, suspensions and mayhem. But they’ve also been winners. That’s why Nashville Nighthawks’ co-owner Gus Esposito hired the 44-year-old LaForge to replace the fired Iain Duncan 13 games into the Central League season. Esposito, who owns a consulting and software distributing firm in his hometown of Chicago, travels to see the Nighthawks’ games. His scouting report on his own team read: good skaters, no toughness. He expects that to radically change under the flamboyant LaForge, who coached the Vancouver Canucks for 20 games in 1984-85. “The CHL is a tough league,” Esposito said. “We need to bring in skilled tough players. We brought in a coach who can get those type of players. “We put Iain in a no-win situation. He was…
Skid spoils refreshing start
A season-high five-game winless streak overshadowed a promising stall and left the San Jose Sharks bordering on some serious trouble. After an impressive 3-1 home victory over the Dallas Stars Nov. 8 left them 7-7-3, the Sharks managed just a tie in their next five outings. The slump dropped San Jose to 11th place in the Western Conference. PLEASANT SURPRISE: The teaming of right winger Owen Nolan with Russian youngsters Viktor Kozlov at center and Andrei Nazarov on left wing gave the Sharks their most physically imposing line ever. The three are 6-foot-1, 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5, respectively, average 223 pounds and showed the ability to dominate opponents. Nolan had been irritatingly streaky, scoring seven of his nine goals in a four-game span, while Kozlov and Nazarov also need improved consistency. But the combination…
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