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January 29, 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.
Consolidation latest trend in hockey industry New high-end helmet offerings focus for 1999
After skyrocketing growth over the past few years, the hockey equipment industry may be coming back down to earth. Or, more precisely, the market may be cutting itself back down to size. With NHL expansion and increased interest throughout the United States, spawned by roller hockey, the ice hockey product menu fattened in a hurry. There have been more brands, more manufacturers, especially at the high-end, and more choices. However, heading into 1999, the hockey products industry is experiencing sweeping structural changes that sooner or later, will impact what’s available on dealers’ shelves. A couple of years ago, Nike acquired Canstar. The current entity, leveraging brand name appeal, is Bauer/Nike Hockey and offers separate head-to-toe lines under both names. Last November, another mega firm, called simply The Hockey Company, was formed when CCM/Sport Maska acquired…
Brathwaite hopes to make most of chance with Flames
The search for an experienced NHL goaltender took the Calgary Flames around North America before they finally found the answer across town. Fred Brathwaite, who’d been playing with the Calgary-based Canadian national team, signed a contract with the Flames, becoming the sixth goaltender to play at least one game for them through the first half of the season. Brathwaite’s debut was successful; he recorded the first shutout of his career, a 1-0 decision over the Dallas Stars Jan. 8. It was Brathwaite’s firs: NHL appearance since April, 1996, and his first win since April, 1995. So what happened to the former Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender in the intervening three years? Brathwaite spent two seasons with the Manitoba Moose of the International League after the Oilers determined they wanted to more experienced backup netminder in…
Denis’ debut gives Avs cause for hope for future
Colorado Avalanche got a glimpse into the future when rookie goalie Marc Denis started three straight games in January. Denis performed well in his short stay with Colorado after No. 1 goalie Patrick Roy was sidelined with back spasms. The 21-year-old goalie had a 2.49 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in four appearances this season. Denis got his first professional victory against the team he grew up idolizing, the Montreal Canadiens, Dec. 29 stopping 31 of 34 shots for a 4-3 decision. He played well in a 2-2 tie with the Florida Panthers the next game, and was victimized by some poor Colorado penalties in a 3-2 loss to the Red Wings at Detroit to conclude his stay. “I’m very happy with my stint,” Denis said. “If you had asked me what my…
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…
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