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November 20, 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.
Aging Nicholls backing up kids
Patrick Marleau, Marco Sturm and Jeff Friesen are the future of the San Jose Sharks. Bernie Nicholls’ only job is to help get them there. As his career winds down, theirs speed past and by the time the kids reach their prime not even a rear-view mirror will be able to find Nicholls. He is their on-ramp to bigger things. “The deal was that if these guys slipped up and had a tough time, then that’s where Bernie could help us,” said coach Darryl Sutter, explaining why the Sharks re-signed Nicholls to a one-year deal this September after he collected six goals and 28 points last season. “He has to be able to go in some nights and take those guys’ place.” When he isn’t needed, the one-time 150-point man (1988-89 with the…
LeBlanc first on firing line with one win in 17 games
Fernand LeBlanc’s first Quebec League coaching job didn’t last very long. LeBlanc, 42, became the first coaching casualty of the season Nov. 2 when the Baie-Comeau Drakkar fired him after just 17 games. Baie-Comeau, a second-year franchise, got off to a 1-12-4 start. “It was a difficult decision,” said GM Marcel Labelle, “but we gave him as many chances as we could.” Richard Martel, who has previously coached the Vai d’Or Foreurs, St-Hyacinthe Laser and Verdun College Francais in the QMJHL, was named LeBlanc’s successor. “He has a lot of experience and knows the game,” Labelle said of Martel. LeBlanc, a native of Baie-Comeau, knew he was on thin ice most of the season. “It was in the paper for a month, so I was expecting it,” LeBlanc said. NEW PAL FOR AL: Halifax Mooseheads’ star center…
New Ranger York struggles to become New York Ranger
Harry York’s career as a New York Ranger has been nothing but fits and starts. The 24-year-old center was acquired at the trade deadline, from the St. Louis Blues for Mike Eastwood, last March. He made an impressive debut, and the next night his season ended when Keith Primeau of the Carolina Hurricanes rammed him into the boards and he suffered a subluxed shoulder. York started over in training camp, but after just two exhibition games, he hit another major obstacle. Rangers’ coach John Muckier, who counted on York to be a physical, gritty, fourth line center, was so underwhelmed with York’s performance, he sent him to Hartford of the American League. There was a catch. Since York would have to go through waivers to be sent to the AHL, he was never…
Outstanding students recognized with CCM AHL scholarship
Hard work, on and off the ice, paid huge dividends for a pair of young hockey players last season. Mark Douglas of Clifton Park, N.Y., and John Pellegrino of East Haven, Conn., worked hard, played hard and were each recipients of a CCM American Hockey League Scholarship. The high school students were singled out for exceptional work in the classroom and arena and were each awarded $3,500 scholarships to the post-secondary school of their choice. The joint venture between CCM and the AHL was established in 1996 to identify and honor some of the top senior student athletes in hockey. Players must have a 3.0 grade point average and play on a sanctioned team. Each AHL team this season will nominate one candidate. Two scholarships will be awarded. “We think this is a pretty effective…
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