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January 1, 1999

January 1, 1999

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.

FEATURES

NHL misses goal of added offense

So scoring goals will be easier this season than it was a year ago, will it? That’s what we were led to believe when the NHL made some changes, designed to increase offense, in the off-season. Nice try boys. “Some guys are scoring goals, like Tony Amonte and John LeClair, but for the rest of us there’s no difference,” said Ottawa Senators’ captain Alexei Yashin, who had nine goals in 27 games. Make no mistake, the league is very concerned with the lack of offense. More goals equals better entertainment value. Entering this season, goalies had their equipment trimmed, the neutral zone was compacted and the net moved out from the backboards all in an effort to generate more offense. Also, the shape of the crease was altered to allow skaters to get in tighter…

IN THIS ISSUE

Victoria picturesque home for Spiders

The International League, which has lost at least one franchise each of the past four seasons, finally gained one back. David Pasant, owner of the dormant San Francisco Spiders, got unanimous approval from the IHL’s board of governors to move the team to Victoria, B.C., in time for 2000-2001. The Spiders last competed in the IHL during the 1995-96 season, playing at the Cow Palace in Daly City, Calif. But there was 1 virtually no interest in the team in the Bay Area from either fans or media and Pasant suspended operations after absorbing $7 million in losses. Shortly after, he settled on Victoria as his new location and spent most of the next two-and-a-half years working to get that accomplished. His work paid off Dec. 9, when the league approved the move…

IN THIS ISSUE

Keep an eye on Swedish twin towers plus host of other European hotshots

You know the World Junior Championship features the world’s best players, 20 and under, in a pressure-packed event. And you know Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be out to impress scouts in their NHL draft season. What you might not know is that the Sedins aren’t the only Europeans worth the price of admission. Here are some of the others, listed in alphabetical order. Maxim Afinogenov, RW, 19, Russia. The Buffalo Sabres’ pick is very fast, smart with the puck and plays for Moscow Dynamo. Niklolai Antropov, C, 18, Kaza-khstan. The Toronto Maple Leafs project him to be a huge star. He has been playing with Moscow Dynamo, which has one of the best development systems in Europe. Christian Backman, D, 18, Sweden. The St. Louis Blues’ pick likes to play it…

NHL TEAMS

Gilmour doesn’t reoret picking Hawks despite club’s early struggles

Suffering through a mostly dismal first half of the season with the Chicago Blackhawks while the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres flourish hasn’t made Doug Gilmour re-think his decision to lay down roots in the Windy City. When Gilmour left the Devils last summer as an unrestricted free agent and signed a three-year, $18-million deal with the Hawks, one of the teams also after his services was Buffalo. “I’m exactly where I want to be,” Gilmour told the Chicago Sun-Times. “Obviously, I didn’t expect us to have the start we’ve had. No one did. So it has been disappointing and frustrating at times. But have I thought (signing with the Hawks) was a mistake? No. Not a chance.” Gilmour has been everything the Hawks thought he would be. He had 18 assists…