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September 25, 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.
Gretzky made his mark long before McGwire
Baseball experienced Sept 7,1998, what hockey did Feb. 24,1982, and the sense of deja vu was palpable for the best player in NHL history. The moment Mark McGwire hit home run No. 62, Wayne Gretzky’s thoughts turned to No. 77-the goal that moved him past Phil Esposito to a place no NHLer had been before. Gretzky scored a hat trick against goalie Don Edwards in the final 14 minutes of a game between the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres to rewrite Esposito’s single-season standard established in 1970-71. “My wife asked me when (McG-wire) hit the home run, ’Do you know what he’s feeling?’ Gretzky said. “Obviously you don’t compare any-body and what he has done is very special, but when he did it, it brought back huge memories. It was very similar…
McSorley finds new post as assistant with Vipers
Chris McSorley, who guided Las Vegas to the regular season championship in 1995-96, but was forced out as Thunder coach during a long losing skid last year, has found a new job. The 36-year-old McSorley, who resigned under pressure March 6, was hired by Detroit Vipers’ coach Steve Ludzik as an assistant. McSorley compiled a 125-81-21 record in his stint as Thunder coach, which included a 57-178 mark during his rookie campaign behind the bench in 1995-96. But he lost his job as the Thunder struggled almost from the start last year and was in the midst of a 2-11-0 streak when he stepped down. McSorley had worked vigorously to get back into the International League. but did not get an opportunity until Ludzik elected to offer him the job. “Chris has his detractors, but…
Fresh attitude for Leetch on stalled contract talks
When Mike Richtei signed his new free agent contract after a two-week emotional roller coaster in July, his teammate and friend Brian Leetch decided he didn’t want to go through that. But the New York Rangers’ captain, after a summer to reflect on what happened to his pal, has taken a new outlook on the whole situation. Now, Leetch says it doesn’t matter to him if he gets a new deal before the season, during the season, or after the season. Perhaps the different outlook comes from a lack of progress on a new contract. “Nothing’s happening,” said Leetch, who is to become an unrestricted free agent next summer unless the Rangers can wrap him up before July 1. Leetch has insisted all along he wants to stay a Ranger and said he hoped…
Loyal Devil drink-free, feeling great
The NHL Players’ Association may claim Ken Daneyko is selfing his soul to the Devils to bypass unrestricted free agency next summer, but one of the game’s toughest defensemen would rather finish his playing career in New Jersey than take the money and run. Daneyko, 34, was close to signing a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team beyond the millennium. Ideally, that would be a three-year deal in the $6-million range that would take him through his 38th birthday and the 2001-2002 season. He has one year left on his contract at $1.4 million, including deferred money. “People have said to me: ’You’re crazy. Think of all the money you can get,’” Daneyko said. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to make some money. I have to make up for some…
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