WESTERN CANADA • SUMMER HOCKEY SCHOOL LISTINGS

Easton’s Parabolic Razor Bladz new for 1999

In 1998, Easton Sports joined the ranks of “total hockey” manufacturers by adding high-end skates to a product roster that included sticks, gloves and protective gear. Easton’s most noteworthy upgrade for ’99 may be the addition of “parabolic” blade technology for all of its skate models. Easton Parabolic Razor Bladz are designed to flex in a perfect arc and then spring back to give players increased responsiveness. “We had tremendous success last year with the introduction of our Z-Air skate and we’re confident that our new parabolic blade technology will allow players to achieve an unmatched level of performance,” said Ned Goldsmith, Easton’s vice president of hockey. “The parabolic concept is quite simple-it’s like having a skate that is hard-wired to your brain. You think and the skate will react.” The key to…

B’s ’mean SOB’ McLaren plays Bourque for a day

Given the same circumstances, Kyle McLaren would hold out for what he felt was a fair contract all over again. The 24-year-old Boston defenseman didn’t like some of the consequences, though, that came with sticking to his principles. McLaren not only missed the Bruins’ first 15 games of 199899, but on his return he played less than was usual over his first three NHL seasons because he wasn’t in game shape. McLaren’s game, however, has come around just in time. His ice time, which began to rise when veteran blue-liners Grant Ledyard (knee) and Dave Ellett (elbow) got hurt, peaked at a whopping 36:38 Jan. 9 in Toronto, when captain Ray Bourque missed a 6-3 loss with a minor hip injury. “You never expect something like that,” McLaren said. “I felt pretty good…

Unlikely all-star Hymovitz hoping he won’t turn to Ice

Dave Hymovitz is likely the most unlikely allstar in the International League. Just over a year ago, he was playing on a two-way East Coast League contract, with the ECHL being the top end. He’s also the same player who scored 11 goals and was minus-21 for the Indianapolis Ice last season. But Hymovitz, a left winger whom the Ice didn’t re-sign until three days remaining in training camp, has been the IHL’s biggest surprise. Fueled by a hot start by linemate Brian Noonan, Hymovitz was the IHL’s goal-scoring leader. He had 24 goals in 40 games and was tied for fourth in scoring with 44 points. It is pretty heady stuff for a guy who just hoped to have a job. “I have to pinch mysel sometimes when I think of what’s going…