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June 1, 1997
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.
Search on for skill upgrade
With two first round picks in the 1997 entry draft, the Chicago Blackhawks are supplying the perfect opening for their harshest critics. Now they’ll have two chances to pick the wrong player, those critics will joke. It’s no laughing matter to the Blackhawks that the first round of the draft hasn’t been particularly kind to them over the past decade. Jeremy Roenick, their top pick in 1988, developed into an impact player and Ethan Moreau, chosen first in 1994, is coming off a very good rookie season. But the Hawks’ other first round choices since 1986 have either flopped or are having undistinguished careers, either in the Chicago organization or elsewhere. That list includes Everett Sanipass in 1986, Jimmy Waite in 1987, Adam Bennett in 1989, Karl Dykhuis in 1990, Dean McAmmond in 1991,…
Show stopper
There’s little doubt Roberto Luongo will be the first goalie selected at this year’s NHL entry draft. The only question is how high will the Vai d’Or Foreur go? “He’s head and heels above the rest,” says one NHL scout. “He has the whole package. He just keeps his team in the game and gives them a chance to win every night.” The NHL Central Scouting Bureau agrees, rating Luongo the No. 1 goaltending prospect in the draft. “He could be a top-five pick depending on how many teams need goaltending,” the scout says. “But he’H go in the top 10, I’m sure. There are too many teams looking for goaltenders.” In picking Luongo, an NHL team will get a 6-foot-2, 180-pounder who fills up a lot of the net and has outstanding reflexes…
CHL STARS
Sooper star Joe Thornton and Seattle’s Patrick Marleau were the only two draft-eligible players named to the Canadian Hockey League all-star teams this season. The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ Thornton and Thunderbirds’ Marleau were named to the seond team. Marleau is slotted as a left winger by the CHL. but The Hockey News and Central Scouting Bureau list him as a center, where he played most of this season. FIRST TEAM Goalie: Marc Denis, Chicoutimi. Defensemen: Sean Blanchard. Ottawa; Chris Phillips. Lethbridge. Center: Alyn McCauley. Ottawa. Right wing: Peter Schaefer. Brandon. Left wing: Pavel Rosa, Hull. SECOND TEAM Goalie: Zac Bierk, Peterborough. Defensemen: Stephane Robidas, Shawinigan; Derek Morris, Regina. Center: Joe Thornton, Sault Ste. Marie. Right wing: Daniel Corso. Victoriaville. Left wing: Patrick Marleau, Seattle. THIRD TEAM Goalie: Brian Boucher, Tri-City. Defensemen: Justin Kurtz, Brandon; Zenith…
Savvy Orr agent of change
It’s doubtful Bobby Orr could take a player and fully make him understand how he played the game. Superstars often do things that aren’t easily translated into words and Orr was one of the most physically and mentally gifted athletes to ever play professional sports. But Orr does believe he can relate many of the things he learned outside the game to youngsters and that is why he has entered the world of player representation. “Because of my experiences, both good and bad, I think I have a lot to offer young men,” said the 49-year-old Orr who, along with Larry Moulter and Ed Eskandarian. purchased the Boston-based Bob Woolf Associates last summer. “My life experience, having been an athlete who thought at the time I would play forever, an athlete who thought…
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