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August 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.
Ludzik joins old pal Dudley in giving Lightning new look
The NHL s hottest rumor is now a cold, hard fact. When Detroit Pistons' owner Bill Davidson officially took over the Lightning from Art Williams in early June, it was only a matter of time before he started bringing in his own people. Specifically, Rick Dudley and Steve Ludzik. Dudley became the Lightning boss during the Stanley Cup final. Then, Ludzik was named coach July 14, replacing Jacques Demers, who was fired as coach-GM after a 20-month stint in Tampa Bay. Ludzik who signed a three-year deal, becomes the team's fourth coach, following Demers, Terry Crisp and Rick Paterson. “When players report to training camp in September, I want them to see that everything has changed,” Dudley said. “This is a new organization.” But it looks an awful lot like an old organization: the Detroit…
Super Mario's plan stalled, but expected to go through
Mano Lemieux s takeover of the Pittsburgh Penguins headed into overtime in late July, but the retired Hall of Famer was expected to assume control of the bankrupt franchise by the first week of August. Lemieux was originally scheduled to finalize the deal's terms by July 16, but he requested extra time to tie up loose ends. Before closing, Lemieux needed to have $50 million promised by his investors. He was said to be on track for the money. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Bernard J. Markovitz granted Lemieux until July 26 to close the deal. The actual ownership transfer was to be scheduled within 10 days of that date. “We have a deal,” Markovitz said. “Everybody's happy. That's what we're looking for.” In the meantime, the team's marketing, advertising and season-ticket sales plans were delayed and…
Newest Canuck Cassels will center second line
While the Canucks were trying to convince top draft picks Daniel and Henrik Sedin to sign for the coming season, they had no trouble convincing Andrew Cassels Vancouver was the place to be. Cassels, an unrestricted free agent center, agreed to a three-year contract worth $7.5 mil-lion (U.S.). His new aver-age salary more than doubles his 1998-99 wage of $1,225 million (U.S.). Cassels, 30, is expected to fill the second-line center spot behind Mark Messier. “It's a great fit for me,” said Cassels, who left Calgary after two seasons. “I look at the wingers this team has…Alex Mogilny, Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, Bill Muckalt. There are some fine scoring wingers here. For me to step in and hopefully be the No. 2 guy, I won't have to worry about so much responsibility.” Cassels…
Remparts bolster blueline with Russian hard rocks
Nobody has to tell Raymond Bolduc that drafting Europeans is a gamble. Just last season, the Quebec Remparts' GM landed highly regarded Russian winger Maxim Balmochnykh, only to lose him when he returned to Russia at Christmas. But Bolduc is still willing to take his chances. He delved back into the European market on July 8, selecting Kristian Kudroc of Slovakia and Kiril Safronov of Russia in the first round of the Canadian Hockey League's import draft. The arrival of the two 18-year-old defensemen, who were also taken in the first round of June's NHL entry draft, instantly turn the Remparts' defense from a weakness to a strength. They would join a Remparts' blueline brigade that includes Colorado Avalanche prospect Martin Grenier. “We have the best defense in our league and probably the best offense,” said…
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