Tuer, Moose Jaw part ways after five seasons together

The Moose Jaw Warriors severed ties with coach-GM Al Tuer three days before rookie camp. Tuer’s tenure with the Western League franchise ended after five years after what team president Larry Booth termed a mutual agreement. “The severance package was mutual,” said Tuer, 35, who had one season remaining on a three-year contract. “The understanding was it probably wasn’t going to work out and, all things being equal, we should probably do something.” That something was announced Aug. 18. Tuer was immediately succeeded as coach by his assistant, Len Nielsen. One week later, Ralph Schmidt-the team’s (head scout and director of player personnel for the previous 6-1/2 years-was named the new GM. “I’m very excited for the opportunity and very grateful for the opportunities Al has created for me,” Nielsen said. Tuer had a 137-193-26 regular season…

NHL TRAINING CAMP ROSTERS AND TRANSACTIONS

Lost offense forces Blues to rely on ‘D’

The St. Louis Blues lost a good chunk of their offense when they decided not to resign their career goal-scoring leader Brett Hull or offensive defenseman Steve Duchesne, but coach Joel Quenneville, a major player in both decisions, still likes the team’s base-defense and goaltending. “Our strong point is our defense with Chris Pronger and Al Maclnnis and we’re solid in net,” he said, referring to leading man Grant Fuhr and understudy Jamie McLennan. The Blues have high hopes for McLennan, who won the Masterton Trophy last season and established career marks with a record of 16-8-2, a 2.17 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. He could push Fuhr for playing time, which is why the Blues paid a premium to convince the Nashville Predators to overlook McLennan in the expansion…

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