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October 9, 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.
Veteran jobs not secured
There’s a more enthusiastic feeling in the Colorado Avalanche camp this year. For the first time in three seasons, there are real opportunities for some rookies to make the team. That, in turn, has given the veterans a bit of a push. Some of them know, if they don’t watch out, they could lose their job to a youngster, making this year’s camp very spirited. New coach Bob Hartley has let it be known nobody’s job is guaranteed (well, not unless your name is Forsberg, Sakic or Roy). Job openings Fourth-line center. Rookie Chris Drury may be the top candidate to fill the hole on the fourth fine. Also needed are a big defenseman to replace Uwe Krupp and a heavyweight enforcer. As long as Sandis Ozolinsh keeps holding out, the Avs will…
Guess what? Scoring’s up in pre-season
If the pre-season is any indication, the new rules implemented to increase scoring this year are working. Goals were up 10.5 per cent through the first 42 exhibition games compared to the same point last season. There were 6.3 goals per game this pre-season versus 5.7 goals per game last year. Although the real test won’t come until the regular season begins and teams start dressing all their best players, there have been signs rules such as measuring goalie equipment, two referee games and more space behind the goal line, will lead to higher-scoring games. There were only eight games that had fewer than four goals, but there were 13 games where the two teams scored eight goals or more. Remember, though, it’s only preseason. Los Angeles Kings’ left winger Luc Robitaille, who had…
Czechand Slovakian imports bridge gap with Knights
Eight years ago, politicians drew a line through the heart of Czechoslovakia. They decreed that one would become two-the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They could not, however, legislate two peoples. Adam Saffer, 18, and Tomas Gron, 17, have become the best of friends since meeting at the London Knights’ training camp. There is no division in their eyes. The Knights ignored the political split when they selected Saffer, from Prague, Czech Republic, and Gron, from Bratislava, Slovakia, in the Canadian Hockey League import draft. “The reason for the two countries is strictly political,” said Saffer, a left winger. “I was only 10 and what I know is just what I read in the newspapers. But the people are still together like it is one country. It is just a line separating us.” Saffer learned conversational…
Legwand’s progress stalled as prospect contracts mono
Early in training camp, the Nashville Predators wanted to see center David Legwand get stronger. Now they just want him to get healthier. Legwand, the second overall pick in the 1998 entry draft, was sent home Sept. 23 when it was discovered he had mononucleosis. Prior to the illness, the 18-year-old had shown flashes in the offensive end, but struggled with some of the physical play in front of the net and was likely headed back to junior. The ailment may also put contract negotiations on the backburner; the two sides had wanted a deal done by Oct. 10. Here’s a brief look at other camp developments: Job opening First line center. Tom Fitzgerald is the most likely candidate. He spent a lot of time at wing in the preseason, but that was largely to…
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