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December 12, 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.
Minor pro coach Mantha makes impact with kids
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim assistant GM David McNab calls Moe Mantha, “the most underrated person in the organization.” Mantha, a former NHL defenseman, is the coach of the Ducks’ farm team, the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American League. He also coached the Ducks’ farm team last season when it was in Baltimore. “Every player has a dream to make the NHL,” Mantha said. “The coaching staff’s job is to make their dreams reality.” He has. Anaheim’s present roster includes six players who have played in the minors this season: Ruslan Salei, Matt Cullen, Pavel Trnka, Jeff Nielsen, Jeremy Stevenson and Dan Trebil. “Moe is great,” said Trnka, Anaheim’s fifth round pick in the 1994 entry draft. “He really helped me. I owe him a lot. It helped that he was a defenseman. He always…
Duck’s season opens
Paul Kariya, unsigned NHL free agent, turned down a seven-year deal worth $7 million a year. Paul Kariya, Canadian Olympian, couldn’t wait to join Canada’s national team Dec. 1 and play hockey for nothing more than the sheer joy of playing hockey leading up to the 1998 Winter Olympics. Contradiction? No question about it. “This is what I’m all about,” Kariya told The Hockey News after being named to the Canadian Olympic team Nov. 29, two days before he was scheduled to join the national team in Calgary. “I like to think everything happens for a reason and (the contract dispute with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) will allow me to get back to basics, to carry my own bag again. It will be a little more humble experience.” If the words came…
Happy returns for key Pens
Give Jaromir Jagr and Kevin Hatcher credit for seizing the moment. Jagr returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ lineup Nov. 22 after missing four games with a strained hip muscle to defeat the New York Rangers in overtime. After beating the check of former Pens’ defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, he put a bank-shot in off defenseman Jeff Finley’s skate for the winner. Jagr also got the winner in a 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres two nights later, the same night Hatcher returned after missing six games because of an ankle bruise. Hatcher scored two goals in his return. “I’m glad I could help the team win and try to get a little confidence for me,” said Jagr, who skated as well as he had in some time against the Rangers. “I just shot it…
Education should be first response to racism on ice
Things always come in threes in hockey-they’re called hat tricks-but not until now has the expression carried with it so much shame. In a matter of 16 days, three incidents had the cumulative effect of raising racism as a serious issue in hockey. Mike Grier was called a “nigger,” Fredrik Oduya, a “black boy,” and Peter Worrell, a “monkey.” (See Pg. 6.) Has the whole hockey world gone mad? No, but a bizarre set of circum-stances reminded us racism exists in hockey. That it does comes as no surprise. The sports world is but a microcosm of society at large and you would expect, regrettably, the strain of intolerant thought that permeates society as a whole stains our little corner of it. That doesn’t make it acceptable or palatable and for those who think…
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