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February 12, 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.
No buzz on ‘Beezer’ awfully bad blunder
I was mind boggled by THN’s nominations for the Vezina Trophy in the mid-season NHL report (THN, Jan. 19). At the all-star break, Philadelphia’s John Vanbies-brouck had six shutouts which was second only to Buffalo’s Dominik Hasek (eight). His goals-against average (1.8IP-second to Ottawa’s Ron Tugnutt (1.63)-was better than all of the candidates THN mentioned. Not only that, ‘Beezer’ led the Flyers to the best record in the Eastern Conference on the heels of four shutouts in five games. So let’s give ‘Beezer’ some credit. Jacob Karabell, Havertown, Pa. Greenberg groaner A question for Steve Dryden: I’m trying to figure out how columnist Jay Greenberg is related to you. There seems to be no other plausible reason why you would continue to publish his drivel, marring an otherwise well-researched and clearly-written pubbeation. In his one of…
Goalie Dimaline helps Fury rise
It’s no coincidence that goaltender Joe Dimaline and his Muskegon Fury teammates are both enjoying record-setting seasons. Their success has gone hand in hand. Dimaline tied a United League record Jan. 22 with his fourth shutout of the season when he blanked the Port Huron Border Cats 7-0. That raised his record to 21-6-1 and dropped his league-best GAA to 2.22. Through 43 games, the Fury were first at 31-9-3. Their 2.51 team GAA had them on track to beat the league record of 3.14 set by the Flint Generals in 1996-97. “The way the guys are playing, I’m only facing two or three quality shots per game,” Dimaline said after his fourth shutout. Dimaline, 27, is in his second pro season. As a rookie, he posted a 26-11A record, 2.88 GAA and .900…
Canale saves sinking ship as Sherbrooke sails ahead
With a taste of the playoffs in sight, the surging Sherbrooke Castors have served up a contract extension for new coach Joe Canale. The Castors extended his contract through next season and offered him an option for a third year. They’re clearly pleased with the job Canale has done and no wonder. Little was expected of the Castors, who missed the playoffs the past two seasons, but with less than 20 games remaining they had a fourth-place finish in the Lebel Division in their sights. Sherbrooke was arguably the division’s best team in January, posting a 7-2-1 record to kick off the new J year. “The effort was always there since the beginning of the year,” Canale said. “We started winning hockey games and then you get your confidence, then it snowballs from there.” Canale…
Weekes focuses on Vipers, leaves Vancouver for later
Kevin Weekes spent a lot of time during the summer working out with Toronto Maple Leafs’ goalie Curtis Joseph, which is somewhat of an irony since Weekes might be considered the International League’s version of ‘Cujo.’ Weekes is the league’s most athletic–and, thus far, successful-goaltender. The Detroit Vipers’ star was leading the league with a 2.12 goals-against average and was tied for first with three shutouts. A Group II free agent playing with the Vipers, Weekes’ NHL rights were recently dealt by the Florida Panthers to the Vancouver Canucks in the Pavel Bure trade. And considering Weekes’ sizzling play and the Canucks’ desperation for a goaltender, it would seem logical to assume Weekes plans to keep one eye on the Canucks and the other eye on the IHL. Logical, perhaps, but wrong. Weekes,…
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