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May 8, 1998
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.
Vernon one cool cat in Sharks’ net
The last weeks of the NHL regular season featured considerable upheaval in the life of San Jose Sharks’ goaltender Mike Vernon. First came the unexpected early arrival of Mathew, his second child, a good three weeks before his wife, Jane, was scheduled to give birth. Anticipating their baby would arrive on time, the Vernons had temporarily moved out of their San Jose home-which was being renovated to accommodate the new arrival-into a condo some 30 minutes away. As their house sat empty, a stray cat moved into their garage and produced a litter of kittens. So every day, with newborn in tow-plus daughter Amelia-Jane and/or Mike would drive to their home to check the progress of the renovations and feed the animals. In the meantime, they’re taking orders for baby kittens. Oh, and…
Raiders looking for help as coach refuses demotion
The Prince Albert Raiders’ management wanted Don MacGillivray to remain with the Western League team-but not as the head coach. MacGillivray declined an offer to work in an assistant-coaching capacity. Consequently, the Raiders are looking for an entirely new coaching staff. MacGillivray, 33, finished the 1997-98 season as the Raiders’ head coach after Chris Stewart was fired Dec. 8. Prince Albert had an 11-24-3 record under MacGillivray and a 20-47-5 mark overall. “I knew that when I took over as head coach, there were no guarantees,” MacGillivray said. “At the same time, I’m disappointed. “I thought I did a good enough job to receive more consideration. Ultimately, it came down to the board’s decision and I respect their decision. Hopefully, some people around the league noticed me and thought I did a good job.” MacGillivray joined…
Blake wins back career
Rob Blake will never forget the excitement that enveloped the city five years ago, when the Los Angeles Kings made their improbable-and only-trip to the Stanley Cup final. “They brought the Stanley Cup back to L.A. after the first two games in Montreal and I remember driving past and seeing the lineup going around the comer,” he said. “That’s something you don’t expect in L.A. Everywhere you’d go, people would talk about hockey and if they’d recognize you, they’d say, ‘Hey, good luck.’ It was great.” Blake, 28, did all he could this season to help the Kings rekindle that feeling, leading them to their first playoff berth since 1993 and gaining support for the Norris Trophy with a career-high 23 goals among his 50 points in 81 games. And even if he…
LeClair powers way through adversity to earn second consecutive MVP nod
The total points weren’t quite as good as last year’s, but considering all John LeClair went through, it was probably his finest season. LeClair, named winner of the Bobby Clarke Trophy as the team’s most valuable player for a second straight season, endured adversity before the regular season even began. He broke off talks concerning the renegotiation of his contract and walked out of training camp for nine days. The new deal wasn’t worked out for several weeks. By late fall, LeClair found himself split from regular linemate Eric Lindros. In February, the 28-year-old LeClair was halfway around the world in Nagano while his wife, Tina, was close to delivering the couple’s second child. When he returned, Lindros got hurt (concussion) and the checking pressure increased. Despite all this, LeClair finished the season with a…
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