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.

October 8, 1999

The Hockey News October 8, 1999

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-07132/7153577-1-eng-US/f0024-072.jpg" title="f0024-07" width="213" height="211"></div>Steve Konowalchuk has been flying around prac-tice rinks this pre-season like a man who doesn't have a care in the world. The only people happier than his Washington Capitals' teammates are his coaches.&ldquo;You know, I'll bet we would have made the playoffs (last season) if we had Kono,&rdquo; said coach Ron Wilson.Earlier, describing being swept by the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup final the previous season, Wilson said: &ldquo;Maybe we don't win it all, but I bet we don't get swept if we had Kono.&rdquo;The center/left winger is coming off an 18-month period that shouldn't happen to anybody. Wrist surgery kept him out of the playoffs during the run to the final. That was followed by a severely sprained ankle. He reinjured the same ankle three shifts into opening night last season and then missed the last 21 games of the season with a concussion.&ldquo;I don't understand the last year and a half because I played relatively injury-free for the longest time,&rdquo; Konowalchuk said. &ldquo;I've had some bad luck, but I think I'm over that now. It's time to go out and play, step up for the team and myself. I'm more of a veteran now, a lot of the older guys left so I want to take a bigger role.&rdquo;Konowalchuk has had one 20-goal season in eight years, but team officials feel he can get there again while remaining a very reliable checker.NOTEBOOK: Two rookies were making a strong bid to make the team. One is Glen Metropolis who played center for Grand Rapids of the International League last season. He is now a right winger. The other is right winger Alexandre Volchkov, the Caps' first pick (fourth overall) in 1996 who had not lived up to expectations. That he is an exceptionally talented forward was never in question, but his desire to perform as a member of a team was openly questioned. The Caps are thrilled with his attitude and determination this year&hellip;Center Kris Beech from Calgary of the Western League, picked seventh overall last June, added f3 pounds (up to 183) since the draft and has displayed a gift for sharp, no-look passes and good moves. &#9632;

f0024-07

NHL TEAMS

Injury-free Konowalchuk would be big boon for Caps

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0032-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-02652/7153839-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-01971/7153832-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="4559" height="5279"></div> &#9632;

f0032-02

DEPARTMENTS

TRANSACTIONS

<div class="byline">By Lisa Burke</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-06205/7153277-1-eng-US/f0022-062.jpg" title="f0022-06" width="457" height="606"><figcaption class="caption-body">Magnus Arvedson</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-05258/7153284-1-eng-US/f0022-052.jpg" title="f0022-05" width="214" height="216"></div>The Ottawa Senators can finally say things are coming together.With training camp half over, the Senators still had three unsigned free agents: Left winger Magnus Arvedson, center Radek Bonk and right winger Bruce Gardiner, not to mention the holdout by captain Alexei Yashin.Things started to come together for the Senators with the signing of Gardiner. The club signed the 26-year-old to a two-year contract worth $525,000.Next on the fist was the re-signing of Bonk, who inked a one-year $800,000 contract. Prior to his signing, Vaclav Prospal and Shaun Van Allen were the only returning centers from last year.The final piece of the free agent puzzle was the signing of Arvedson to a one-year $1.1-million contract which also includes individual and team bonuses which could increase its value.Back problems, which first troubled Arvedson late last season, continue to bother the 27-year-old Swede and it remains unclear as to when he will be able to play his first game.&ldquo;I'm going to do a lot of off-ice training to strengthen (my back),&rdquo; Arvedson said. &ldquo;I haven't practised much on the ice, but it felt great.&rdquo;Arvedson scored 21 goals and 47 points last season and was a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward.&ldquo;I can play with pain as long as it I know it won't get worse,&rdquo; Arvedson said. &ldquo;I'll have to wait and see.&rdquo;The return of Arvedson and Bonk will also allow the Senators to put one of their strongest lines from last season back together.Last year, Arvedson, Bonk and Marian Hossa were considered one of the most effective lines in the NHL.NOTEBOOK: You might want to learn the spelling of Petr Schastlivy's name. The left winger earned high praise from Ottawa coach Jacques Martin for his play during the pre-season&hellip;With his perfect 4-0-0 record in pre-season, goalie Patrick Lalime had the inside track to win the job as Ron Tugnutt's backup. Lalime could get the start in the season opener at Philadelphia Oct. 2 should Tugnutt continue to experience pain in his left knee. Tugnutt was unable to play during the pre-season due to his knee strain&hellip;After six games, the Senators were second in pre-season scoring with 21 goals. Tampa Bay led the league with 22 after eight games&hellip;The Senators averaged 15,261 fans in their first three preseason home dates. &#9632;

f0022-06

Sens' puzzle takes shape as pieces fall into place

<div class="byline">By Herb Zurkowsky</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-03528/7153115-1-eng-US/f0020-032.jpg" title="f0020-03" width="211" height="211"></div>The Montreal Canadiens' uphill climb to a playoff position has grown more steep following the loss of Vladimir Malakhov to a knee injury.Malakhov, the Canadiens' best defenseman, is expected to miss four months with a tom ligament in his right knee. The injury occurred during a preseason game Sept. 17 against the Edmonton Oilers, when Oilers' forward Georges Laraque fell on Malakhov's knee. Malakhov called the move by Laraque intentional.&ldquo;I didn't think it was that serious at first,&rdquo; Malakhov said. &ldquo;This is very frustrating because the season hasn't even started.&rdquo;The Canadiens will miss Malakhov everywhere, most especially on the power play. The 6-foot-4, 227-pound Russian missed 19 games last season with various injuries. Without him, the Canadiens went 4-11-4 (.316 winning percentage) and scored just four times in 80 manpower advantages (five per cent success rate). With Malakhov in the lineup, the Habs went 28-28-7 (.500) and the man-advantage efficiency rate soared to 17.4 per cent.&ldquo;If someone had asked me about my worst-case scenario for this season, this would be right up there,&rdquo; said Montreal coach Alain Vigneault.His players, however, were attempting to remain cautiously optimistic. &ldquo;This is just another obstacle to overcome,&rdquo; said left winger Shayne Corson. &ldquo;All teams lose good players at some point during the season.&rdquo;The 31-year-old Malakhov was the third-leading scorer for' Montreal last season with 34 points in 62 games. He was the team's fourth-leading goal scorer with 13 and led Montreal with eight power play goals. This marks Malakhov's seventh pro season and he has yet to play one full injury-free year. His personal high came in 1993-94 when he played 76 games with the New York Islanders.Even with Malakhov, the Canadiens would have entered the new season with questions along the blueline following the losses of Stephane Quintal, who signed with the Rangers as a free agent, and Brett Clark, taken by the Atlanta Thrashers in the expansion draft.With fellow defenseman Patrice Brisebois out indefinitely with a back injury, Eric Weinrich becomes the Canadiens' top defenseman. The only blueliners with any experience are Igor Ulanov, Scott Lachance, Craig Rivet and Barry Richter, signed from the New York Islanders during the off-season as a free agent.Malakhov's loss also means a pair of career minor leaguers, Francis Bouillon and Miloslav Guren, have both likely made the team.Canadiens' GM Rejean Houle has said he's reluctant to make a trade for a defenseman before determining whether the remaining players can fill the holes. Nor does signing a free agent such as Mark Tinordi, who spent last season with the Washington Capitals, or Ulf Samuelsson, who finished last year as a Detroit Red Wing, but was taken by the Thrashers' in the expansion draft, appear to be an option for now.NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Vladimir Malakhov was scheduled to undergo surgery on his inured knee Sept. 21 in Montreal. The procedure would have been performed by Dr. Eric Lenczner, the Canadiens' orthopedic surgeon. But at the last minute, Malakhov elected instead to travel to Birmingham, Ala., to get a second opinion. Malakhov, who has been injured frequently over the years, has shown little faith in the Canadiens' medical staff and has continually sought second opinions. The 31-year-old appeared to have a new attitude this season, perhaps because he was entering the final year of his contract&hellip;Center Saku Koivu, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery, was expected to make his preseason debut Sept. 25 against Ottawa. &#9632;

f0020-03

Montreal defense takes huge hit as Malakhov shelved four months

<h2>1. Lightning aims to please fans</h2>1. Lightning strikes Tampa Bay offers fans money back if they're not entertained by home opener&hellip;2. She's a winner Charline Labonte, first female to start a major junior game, leads Acadie-Bathurst to victory.3. Mike Keane Dallas winger wins appeal to have teammate Brent Severyn's name engraved on Stanley Cup.4.Oh brother Look out, now Steve Kariya (superstar Paul's kid brother) is making waves with Vancouver.5.How 'bout those Thrashers? It's only pre-season, but first-year Atlanta opens 2-1-1<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0002-0234/7152164-1-eng-US/c0002-022.jpg" title="C0002-02" width="434" height="624"><figcaption class="caption-body">Uwe Krupp</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/c0002-0325/7152157-1-eng-US/c0002-032.jpg" title="C0002-03" width="433" height="622"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brent Severyn</figcaption></div><h2>Defender goes to the dogs</h2>1. Deal goes to mush Uwe Krupp used poor judgement racing sled dogs while out with bad back; could pay dearly for it.2. Boys will be&hellip; Meatheads. Matthew Barnaby and Lyle Odelein shove before game starts, fight twice during contest.3. Butch Goring Islander coach caught in lie with media about destination of young goalie Roberto Luongo.4. Ship shape? Ranger Pavel Brendl and Flame Marc Savard get chance to shine, but arrive at camp in poor condition.5. Alexei Yashin goes too far&hellip; with his holdout for a new deal, but so do Ottawa fans who bum him in effigy. &#9632;

C0002-02

IN THIS ISSUE

PLUS MINUS

<div class="byline">By Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-011738/7152209-1-eng-US/f0003-012.jpg" title="f0003-01" width="446" height="604"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-03909/7152202-1-eng-US/f0003-032.jpg" title="f0003-03" width="3499" height="4659"><figcaption class="caption-body">Keith Tkachuk Phoenix Coyotes & Team USA</figcaption></div>It now appears NHL players will be going to the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.All it took was the league and the Players' Association (NHLPA) to put aside the posturing and narrow their focus. That is, to agree upon the precise terms and conditions necessary for NHL players to go to Salt Lake.The NHL got what it wanted-a 12day shutdown period (Feb. 14 to 25, inclusive) in 2002 and a 10-day Olympic tourney. The NHLPA got one of things it wanted-a World Cup tournament for 2004 so long as the tourney is completed before Sept. 15, the expiry of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).The two parties unveiled the accord at the International Ice Hockey Federation congress Sept. 21 in Fort Lauderdale, Ha.All that now stands between NHL Olympic participation in Salt Lake is some IIHF housekeeping and accounting. Specifically, the IIHF will try to get a handle on how much it will cost to insure the players for the event (it was about $1 million in Nagano in 1998 and will be at least double that for Salt Lake) and how it will pay for it. Also, the IIHF will be responsible for the travel costs and arrangements for all players. Then there are a host of other matters, including a provision for the NHL's public relations staff to have greater control, access and involvement over the event than it did in Nagano.&ldquo;If all goes well,&rdquo; said NHL executive vice-president and chief legal officer Bill Daly, &ldquo;we'll have a formal agreement in place by the end of the year.&rdquo;Are we surprised? No. Whatever shortcomings are associated with an Olympic shutdown for the league, the opportunity of having NHLers playing in the Olympics on American soil in prime time is simply too good to pass up.We are, however, shocked the NHL played selective hardball in its Olympic negotiations While the league was ready to trash Olympic participation because of two days-the NHLPA wanted a 14-day shutdown, not 12&mdash;it effectively chose to ignore one critical factor.That is, at this point, the games at Salt Lake will be played on an internationalsize ice surface with IIHF rules (read: No red line except for icing). The big ice was used in Nagano, but the red line rule allowing two-line passes was not in effect.The sportsman in us has no problem with that. It's an international tournament, play it with international rules and regulations.But, altruistic protests aside, NHL participation in the Olympics is not about sport, at least not for the NHL. It's about business. Specifically, how best to grow the business of hockey in the United States. That's why the Russia-Czech Republic gold medal game in Nagano was such as a bust for the NHL.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-021391/7152195-1-eng-US/f0003-022.jpg" title="f0003-02" width="1092" height="1528"></div>What the NHL wants and needs, but really can't say publicly, is a Canada-U.S. gold medal game, with the U.S. winning, of course. That dream scenario has the potential to boost the NHL in the U.S. to dizzying heights.Perhaps it was no coincidence the Nagano medalists were Europeans-Czechs, Russians and Finns, respectively-who grew up on the big ice surface.Wouldn't it make sense, from a selfish, business perspective, for the NHL to insist the 2002 Games be played on an NHL-size surface with NHL rules (no two-fine passes)?And yet, inexplicably, that hasn't happened. Nor is it likely to now (on the issue of ice size), though it remains to be seen if the league decides to go to war over the red line rule, which dramatically alters the substance of the game.The league said it would only participate in the Olympics on its terms. So why is a tournament full of NHL players not playing on NHL ice or with NHL rules?Oh well, no sense getting worked up over it. While the NHL-endorsed Olympics have the potential to provide some magical sporting moments, the event has a freeze-dried flavor that doesn't tantalize everyone's taste buds.&ldquo;Steve Yzerman is going to be playing with Chris Chelios, Nicklas Lidstrom and Sergei Fedorov with Detroit on one night and 48 hours later he could be playing against them,&rdquo; one NHL team executive said.'Less than 48 hours after the gold, medal game, he'll be back playing with them again. How does a player separate 1 himself from that? There's no preparation time, no time for a team to become a team.&rdquo;The World Cup in 2004 partially addresses that concern. NHL teammates spend the off-season apart and there's at least a training camp for the national sides prior to the World Cup. But then, that event Continued from pg. 3 generates little or no interest outside the hockey mainstream.It does, however, generate money. The 1997 tourney raised about $15 million in profit, split equally between the NHL and NHLPA. But contrary to popular opinion, not all NHLPA profit goes into a labor war chest. According to the CBA, in any year when there is no revenue from international hockey, the league must pay the NHLPA's contribution to the pension fund (about $1.5 million, or 25 per cent of the total contribution). But it's really just a marker. As soon as the NHLPA gets international hockey revenue, it must pay back the NHL.As to the remaining balance of NHLPA profits from a World Cup toumey that is, after the NHL has been repaid for prior years-the league and union differ on how it should be utilized.The league believes it should be used as a reserve for future years when there is no international hockey revenue. The NHLPA, meanwhile, believes it is entitled to disperse the remaining profits as it sees fit.The matter is just one of more than 50 pending grievances between the rival factions. Meaning Sept. 15, 2004, will be a busy day for collective bargaining experts. &#9632;

f0003-01

FEATURES

Olymbic battle nears end

<div class="byline">Complied by THN staff</div>There may be a war on restricted free agents, but the NHL insists there's no collusion.With the regular season set to begin Friday, Oct. 1, numerous restricted free agents were at contract impasses with their teams. Many more unrestricted free agents were still at home waiting for offers from any interested teams.NHL commissioner Gary Bettman maintains there's no collusion among owners to keep salaries low.&ldquo;We are not colluding,&rdquo; Bettman said. &ldquo;Any suggestion to the contrary is without foundation or merit. The past two years salaries have dramatically outpaced revenues which is not a healthy situation.&rdquo;Dozens of NHL players spent the final week of training camp training on their own.Prominent restricted free agents not under contract included: Byron Dafoe, Boston Bruins; Curtis Brown, Jay McKee, Miroslav Satan and Rhett Warrener, Buffalo Sabres; Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames; Keith Primeau, Carolina Hurricanes; Boris Mironov, Chicago Blackhawks; Richard Matvichuk, Dallas Stars; Darren McCarty, Detroit Red Wings;Michael Grier, Bill Guerin, Roman Hamrlik and Ryan Smyth, Edmonton Oilers; Mattias Norstrom, Los Angeles Kings; Patrik Elias and Brendan Morrison, New Jersey Devils; Mike Dunham, Nashville Predators; Nikolai Khabibulin and Robert Reichel, Phoenix Coyotes; Darius Kasparaitis, Pittsburgh Penguins; Bryan Berard and Dimitri Yushkevich, Toronto Maple Leafs; Adrian Aucoin and Ed Jovanovski, Vancouver Canucks.Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said his offer of $4 million per season to Primeau is the team's final attempt. Phoenix withdrew its offer of $9 million over three seasons to Khabibulin.The most prominent unrestricted free agents include: Dave Babych, Jamie Macoun, Dana Murzyn, Joe Juneau, Blair Atcheynum, Brian Bellows, Bob Corkum, Brent Fedyk, Benoit Hogue, Joe Murphy, Dave Reid, Pat Verbeek, Warren Rychel, Ray Sheppard, Mark Tinordi, Russ Courtnail and Ulf Samuelsson.Also an unrestricted free agent is Dmitri Khristich. The Bruins exercised their right to walk away from an arbitrator's decision to award him $2.8 million. Boston maintains the right to match any offer that is 80 per cent or less than what was awarded Khristich. &#9632;

Bettman maintains 'no collusion'

<div class="byline">Compiled by THN staff</div>The NHL's new 'designated sitter' rule has resulted in 50 per cent more games being settled in overtime.Twenty of the first 78 pre-season games through Sept. 23 were tied after regulation time leading to the NHL's new 4-on-4 overtime rule. Eight of the 20 overtime games (40 per cent) resulted in a winner while 12 remained tied.By contrast, just 27 per cent of NHL games that went into overtime in 1998-99 determined a winner.The extra session is still just five minutes, but the losing team is guaranteed one point. The anticipated result is both teams going for broke for the win in overtime rather than being content to play for a tie. With one less skater per side, there's more open ice, thereby generating more offensive opportunities.The NHL experimented with the rule in 243 American League games last season and 61 per cent of the 44 overtime games ended with a goal.KING'S RANSOM: Derek King, Jody Hull, Bob Rouse, Alexandre Daigle and Jim Campbell were the most prominent players available in the NHL waiver draft.Each of the 28 NHL teams were allowed to protect 18 skaters and two goalies before the Sept. 27 waiver draft. Certain players are exempt based on an outline of their age and NHL experience.First pick overall belonged to the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, who selected from a list of available players. Non-playoff teams from last season also picked in the first round. Every team had the option to select in subsequent rounds. (See pg. 34 for list of unprotected players.)McKENZIE IN HALL: Ken McKenzie, cofounder of The Hockey News, heads a list of inductees into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.McKenzie and Will Cote launched The Hockey News in 1947. McKenzie ran the operation until 1982.Recognized by the Hockey Hall of Fame as a winner of the Elmer Ferguson Award in 1997, McKenzie will join 18 other new Manitoba Hall of Fame members at the induction dinner Oct. 2.PAY HOCKEY: The NHL struck a three-year deal for Bell ExpressVu to become the official digital television service in Canada.ExpressVu will distribute the out-of-market NHL pay-per-view package called Centre Ice beginning Oct. 30. More than 800 games will be available on a pay-per-view basis this season.The cost of the service to ExpressVu small dish owners is $179 before Oct. 15 and $199 afterwards.SMOKE AND MIRRORS: There were no fireworks at the NHL GMs' meeting Sept. 22 in Toronto. Except, of course, when they were talking about fireworks. Fireworks, as in the pre-game pyrotechnics that have become so popular in recent years.&ldquo;From a hockey operations view, there are concerns,&rdquo; NHL executive vice-president Colin Campbell said. &ldquo;From a marketing view, there aren't.&rdquo;Campbell said his hockey operations department will &ldquo;study&rdquo; the fireworks to make sure they're not having any adverse affect on the players or ice conditions. Campbell said some on-ice officials have complained residual smoke and fog wreak havoc with contact lenses, but many GMs said it was an important part of their game presentation.<h2>PUCK BRIEFS</h2><h3>Johnsson and Jonsson make lasting impression</h3>Johnsson and Jonsson aren't coming to a drug store aisle near you anytime soon, but they may start sending people looking for pain relief.Kim Johnsson and Hans Jonsson (both pronounced YAHN-suhn) are so alike, it's eerie. Aside from the similar-sounding surnames, both are Swedish, both are defensemen, both were the last player selected at their respective entry drafts (Jonsson in 1993 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Johnsson in '94 by the New York Rangers) and both have good chances of making their teams.Johnsson is viewed as a potential top-four defenseman in New York after spending five seasons in the Swedish Elite League. Jonsson isn't as highly touted, but after six years in Sweden, has been signed to a contract. (See pgs. 21 and 23 for more on Johnsson and Jonsson.) &#9632;

4-on-4 OT means fewer ties so far

Charline Labonte made hockey history in late September by starting and finishing a major junior game.The 16-year-old female goalie stopped 28 of 32 shots leading the Quebec League's Bathurst Titan to a 7-4 victory over the Drummondville Voltigeurs Sept. 23. She's the first female to win a game in Canadian Hockey League history. Manon Rheaume played 17 minutes of a game in 1991 before embarking on a pro career. (Seepg. 9for more on Labonte.)The Hockey News is making a deposit each issue to our Millennium Time Capsule to mark the final year of the millennium. This week THN deposits the QMJHL game summary of Labonte's Titan against the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Here's a list of recent submissions.July 2 Atlanta Thrasher Jersey 46 new players in two daysJuly 23 Neil Smith's Checkbook Ranger GM signs free agentsAug. 20 Harry Sinden's Shoes Bruin GM walks away from dealAug. 27 Ken Dryden's Address Speech sets tone for summitSept. 3 Glove Save In Pittsburgh Mario Lemieux rescues PensSept 10 Ron Hextall's Goalie Stick Colorful goalie retiresSept. 24 QMJHL game summary Charline Labonte starts in goal<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-011675/7152312-1-eng-US/f0005-012.jpg" title="f0005-01" width="765" height="1016"><figcaption class="caption-body">Charline Labonte</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0005-01

THN's Millenium TIME CAPSOLE

Since the NHL point system has changed and is no longer historically pure, teams that win in regulation time should get three points instead of two.The new overtime rule-in games tied at end of regulation, each team gets one point and if the game is decided in 4-on-4 OT, the winner gets another point-may result in more decisions, but that doesn't prevent games going to overtime as teams will still &ldquo;play for the point&rdquo; in regulation.It would be more exciting if teams played for the win late in regulation and were truly rewarded for it.Richard Jenkins, North Wilkesboro, N.C.<h2>No Hall for Hunter</h2>In reference to Steve Dryden's editorial (THN, Sept. 17), I must express my outrage at the suggestion Dale Hunter be admitted to the Hall of Fame.Hunter was a dirty player whose cheap-shot tactics included the infamous hit from behind on then-islander Pierre Turgeon in the 1993 playoffs, earning a 21-game suspension.Dryden refers to Hunter as a winner, but what did he ever win? He never won a Stanley Cup and was just a marginal player when the Washington Capitals advanced to the 1998 Cup final and when the Colorado Avalanche went to the Western Conference final last season.The Hall of Fame is no place for the likes of Dale Hunter. He does not deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as a true winner such as Mark Messier. Hunter was nothing more than a glorified goon.Patrick McCaffrey, White Plains, N.Y.<h2>Remember Ron</h2>Thank you, Ron Hextail, for bringing some fun and excitement to the NHL.Hextali possessed what many of today's athletes do not: passion and intensity. Nobody wanted to win more than Hextali and he wasn't afraid to let it show. He was a fiery leader on the ice and loved in the dressing room. He played net in a way goalies were never supposed to-until he showed us how. Not many players revolutionized a position the way Hextali did.Yes, he never won a Stanley Cup. Yes, he let in the occasional soft goal, but what goalie doesn't? During the bad times, Hextali withstood all the abuse of the tough Philly fans and still held his head high. He brought more pluses to the NHL than he did minuses and the league will miss his character.Joe Conte, Wilmington, Mass.<h2>Fischler's gone pucky</h2>Stan Fischler must think the &ldquo;Impertinent thoughts&rdquo; warning slapped at the top of his column excuses the increasingly bizarre comments found below it.While those who pick the Edmonton Oilers of the 1980s as the best team ever will hear more than a few arguments to the contrary, dismissing them as &ldquo;maybe the 12th-best team of all-time&rdquo; is pure idiocy.At what point during Edmonton's run of four Stanley Cups in five years (1984. '85. '87 and '88) did Stan Fischler, that lone voice of hockey reason, stand up and bravely point out the &ldquo;one dimension&rdquo; with which the Oilers were revolutionizing the game?Rob Gordon, Victoria, B.C.<h2>Youth voice absent</h2>I'm glad Canada's top hockey minds came together at the Open Ice Summit to discuss the state of game.However, they forgot to invite the most important contributors-the kids.Several years ago, while helping a friend coach 5to 7-year-olds, I saw how coaching was changing the game. During practice, my friend would work on the power play or penalty killing. When asked what 1 wanted to do. I said to let them scrimmage. My friend would laugh and start another drill. He meant well, but the coaching courses he attended loaded him up with binders full of drills. How can kids learn skills if they're standing around watching a coach explain a drill on a clipboard?Gordie Howe once said to throw the puck on the ice and let the kids have fun. Who can argue with Mr. Hockey?Just let the kids play the game. The future professionals and stars will rise to the surface because their love for the game will foster their commitment.Brent Haverstock, Calgary<h2>It's a global game</h2>After reading about the Open Ice Summit (THN, Sept. 10), I had to laugh. Doesn't Canada realize the rest of the world is simply catching up?The changing geo-political forces of the last 10 years have allowed the likes of Pavel Bure, Jaromir Jagr, Peter Forsberg and Teemu Selanne to inspire kids in their home countries just as Canadian stars have done in years past. I don't remember anyone complaining as Bobby Orr, Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux came along. Didn't they all go through the supposedly poor Canadian developmental system?Wake up, Canada. The rest of the world was always just outside your door-now they're ready to come in.Greg Herman, Syracuse, N. Y.<h2>Keep cheering</h2>The game I love is in danger. Hockey has been part of Canada's heritage for more than a century, but it looks like this era is coming to a crashing end.Players are heading south of the border in large numbers and the ones who stay are holding out for more money. With a sagging dollar and rising salaries, is there anything we can do to save this great game in Canada?Yes. We have to fill those arenas like never before. The fans are the last hope and will ultimately decide the future of hockey in Canada.Alex Scott, Saint John, N.B.<h2>Working man no fan</h2>I'm not attending one more NHL game. The players have stopped showing emotion on the ice-they save it for contract negotiations.I am tired of hearing how these prima donnas, like Ottawa Senators captain Alexei Yashin; feel unfairly treated for being paid a measly $3.6 million (U.S.) per year. Well guys, stuff it. None of you deserve your ridiculous salaries, which are provided by the sweat and tears of hard-working fans. Even if your careers are only a few years, it only takes a few seasons for most of you to (exponentially!) surpass the income most of us will make in 40 years of dedicated shift work.I am sick of your snivelling. We, the fans, pay your salary. We make it possible for you to get endorsements. But from now on, guys, anytime I see your name or face on a product, I'm running in the other direction.Tim Holman, Edmonton<h2>Flames need Fuhr's fire</h2>The trade for Grant Fuhr was viewed with suspicion by Calgary fans. GM Al Coates was accused of pulling a publicity ploy to sell season tickets. Sell season tickets? Wow. what a concept!I understand Calgary fans feel violated after seeing Brett Hull. Doug Gilmour, Mike Vernon, Al Maclnnis. Joe Nieuwendyk, Robert Reichel and Theo Fleury all leave. But it's time fans realize these players left due to the game's out-of-control economics, not because of management incompetence.It's time true fans support the team-win or lose. Getting Fuhr was an excellent move; he was brilliant in the playoffs and fills a big hole.Derek Fournier, CalgaryFax us your comments at&nbsp;(416) 340-1641&nbsp;or write to&nbsp;Letters, THN, 777 Bay SL, Suite 2700, Box 148, Toronto, Ont, M5G 2N8&nbsp;in Canada. In the U.S., write to&nbsp;Letters, THN, P.O. Box 904, Buffalo, N.Y., 14240-9947. E-mail us at mccaigs@transcontinental.ca Include hometown as well as home and business phone numbers. THN&nbsp;reserves the right to edit submissions. &#9632;

Three points for victory beats workinq overtime

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-011862/7152367-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

f0006-01

ELSTON

<div class="byline">By Mike Gibb Staff Writer</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0007-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-011696/7152398-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Oilers need Doug Weight to recapture the form that made him a 104-point scorer in 1995-96.</figcaption></div>Doug Weight has become too big for his braces.Not that the probable new captain of the Edmonton Oilers has suddenly turned arrogant or boastful. Rather, Weight, who is coming off the least productive season of his eight-year career, was so dedicated during summer workouts, he increased the circumference of his thighs by two inches.The brace he had been wearing on his right knee became so tight the skilled center was limited to 30-second shifts during pre-season games until a new brace arrived Sept. 22.Weight, 28, played 43 games last season and recorded six goals and 37 points, both personal lows. He was goal-less in Edmonton's first six preseason games, but had four assists in the four games in which he dressed.In 1998-99, Weight missed training camp and four regular season games as an unsigned free agent. He eventually inked the richest Oilers' contract ever (two years, $7.75 million U.S.), which he signed while heading onto the ice for the pre-game skate against the New York Rangers Oct. 20. Eight days later, he tore the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee.It was the first significant injury of his career. He was sidelined for 11 weeks and missed 34 games.&ldquo;That was the toughest thing I've had to go through,&rdquo; Weight said. &ldquo;Last year was an injury-riddled year. I blew my knee out. It sucks, but a lot of guys have been through it.&rdquo;And a lot of guys have also taken a long time to get their games back together. That was the case in 1998-99 for Weight, who had difficulty recapturing the elements that made him successful prior to the surgery.&ldquo;I wasn't myself,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I was much slower, I didn't have the jump. I tried to be a good pivot and get the puck around to guys and I didn't try to skate or anything.&rdquo;Determined to revitalize his career, the center attacked his off-season workout regimen and hired a nutritionist, Alfred Gartner, who specializes in players recovering from knee injuries. The 5-foot-ll Weight entered this year's camp five pounds lighter than the 200 pounds he carried last season and trimmed his body fat-which was as high as 13 per cent while he was injured-to less than 10 per cent, the lowest of his career.&ldquo;He came to camp in incredible shape,&rdquo; said Oilers' rookie coach Kevin Lowe, Weight's roommate when both were with the Rangers in 1992-93. &ldquo;His body's cut, he's ready to go.&rdquo;Lowe wants Weight to assume more of a leadership role, regardless of whether he is named Kelly Buchberger's successor (Buchberger was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the June expansion draft) as team captain. Weight replaced Buchberger as captain for most of the second half of last season when Buchberger was injured.&ldquo;We need him to execute the system,&rdquo; Lowe said. &ldquo;To take care of business from the team point of view, then all the other things will fall into place. Steve Yzerman figured it out, Mike Modano figured it out, now it's time for Doug Weight to figure it out.&rdquo;The Oilers' outlook for this season is in limbo, pending the outcome of negotiations with a quartet of key players: forwards Bill Guerin, Mike Grier, Ryan Smyth and defenseman Roman Hamrlik. All remained unsigned through Sept. 24. Weight, just a year removed from his own contract battle, sympathizes with his teammates.&ldquo;It's all too familiar to me,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Whatever we have right now, we're trying to be a good team until they get back. We have to hold the fort. Those (players) are big parts of our team and our success.&rdquo;Captain or not, the young Oilers have worn out the carpet around Weight's dressing room stall, going to him for advice.&ldquo;He's our best player,&rdquo; said teammate Todd Marchant. &ldquo;We count on him every night to get us going offensively. He's a great leader. Everybody looks to him.&ldquo;He'll bend over backwards for any player. He'll do whatever it takes if a guy needs something done or if a player is in trouble.&rdquo;While rehabilitating, Weight gained insight on life beyond the rink with the birth of his first child, daughter Ryan Grace.&ldquo;She has been the greatest thing in my life,&rdquo; Weight said. &ldquo;You leave the house and can't wait to get back.&rdquo;He can't wait to get back to the ice, either-the game didn't hold the same attraction for Weight last season as his injury and rocky return wore on him.&ldquo;I didn't have fun,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You have to make sure you're enjoying yourself or you're not going to come through (the) pressure.&rdquo;Added Marchant: &ldquo;Everybody likes to be around great people and he's one of the greats. We need him playing the best that he can. We have to go out and work hard every night and Doug's there to lead the way for us.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0007-01

Weight carries heavy load

<div class="byline">By Elliott Pap</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0008-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-011755/7152429-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Steve Kariya sizzled for the Canucks in the pre-season.</figcaption></div>Like the little big men that came before him, Steve Kariya has heard the talk.He could never make it in hockey, they told him, because he was too damn small. Too small for peewee. Too small for junior. Too small for college and now, of course, too small for the NHL.Even Vancouver Canucks' GM Brian Burke, who signed the 21-year-old free agent winger last spring, took one look at Kariya during training camp and declared: &ldquo;I thought he was quick, I thought he was intelligent and I thought he was small.&rdquo;Listed at 5-foot-7, Kariya appears to be under 5-foot-6. But there is no measurement for his determination and hockey sense. The kid can play the game and has bigleague skills. His speed is explosive, his lateral mobility superb, his passing sublime.The bloodlines don't hurt, either. To watch Steve Kariya in action is like watching a shorter, right-shot version of his superstar brother, Paul.&ldquo;You can see he has a lot of what Paul has, although he's not as good as Paul,&rdquo; Burke said. &ldquo;I'm not sure our team is skilled enough so I'd love it if Steve could come in and take a job from someone.&rdquo;Kariya appears to have done just that. He was outstanding during the Canucks' training camp scrimmages, their rookie games and during the NHL exhibition season. He collected eight points in his first five pre-season games and was twice named first star.Canuck coach Marc Crawford tried his best not to create unrealistic expectations for Kariya, but even he had to admit the little guy was looking very impressive.&ldquo;The thing I like about Steve more than anything is that he has that real professionalism about him,&rdquo; Crawford said.&ldquo;He doesn't get carried away with his performance. He knows he has to do it consistently and I think that's why he has been able to perform at that level every stop along the way. He is exciting to watch. He's creative, energetic and entertaining. The last time I checked, those things were important to a hockey team.&rdquo;Undrafted as a teenager, the North Vancouver-born Kariya followed brother Paul's path across the continent to play for the University of Maine. In his senior year, he led the Black Bears in scoring with 27 goals and 65 points in 41 games, was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist and captained the Black Bears to theNCAA championship. Despite his size, NHL teams finally began to take notice.After a short courtship, he signed with the Canucks for three years and $1.7 million (U.S.). He will earn $525,000 this season if he makes the team and $75,000 if he is dispatched to the minors. Being told he is too small has fueled his drive to reach the NHL.&ldquo;It's every Canadian kid's dream to get drafted,&rdquo; said Kariya, who earned a degree in finance while at Maine. &ldquo;I use it as my motivation, the idea of proving everyone wrong. That's what I'm in the process of doing. I'm trying to make it in the best league in the world.&rdquo;Kariya has tried to maintain a level head, be respectful and say the right things. But when the size issue comes up, and it always does, his blood begins to boil.&ldquo;There are people who have never seen me play a game and that's when I get really mad,&rdquo; he said.&ldquo;To judge me because I'm small, but without having seen me play a game, is just wrong. That really motivates me.&rdquo;Throughout the pre-season, JKariya was dazzling on a line with center Andrew Cassels and right winger Alexander Mogilny. The enigmatic Mogilny appears to enjoy skating with Kariya and having someone that can match his own speed and puckhandling ability.&ldquo;It's very exciting to play with Steve,&rdquo; Mogilny said. &ldquo;He deserves to be here the way he sees the ice and thinks the game. It makes him a special player.&rdquo;Kariya's diminutive stature understandably has attracted attention and so, too, has the family name. There are numerous examples of young players living in the shadow of a famous older sibling and facing constant comparisons. Dennis Hull wasn't Bobby, Brent Gretzky could never measure up to Wayne and Valeri Bure can't possibly be another Pavel. (See pg. 13 for more on Valeri Bure.)Steve Kariya seems to be handling his situation with relative ease.&ldquo;If my name was Smith, I'd be getting a lot less attention, obviously,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But that's never bothered me. I've always said I'm proud to be Paul's brother and proud of everything that he has accomplished.&rdquo;It may be Steve who one day casts his shadow on a sibling-and not necessarily Paul.On the horizon is Martin Kariya, a-what else?-highly skilled winger who begins his collegiate career with Maine in mid-October. He turns 18 just before the season starts.Listed at 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, Martin also faces the challenge of being perceived as too small. But based on family history, it would be foolish to discount him.All the proof you need of the Kariya magic will be on display Dec. 8 in Anaheim when Paul's Mighty Ducks face Steve's Canucks for the first time. &#9632;

f0008-01

Kariya out to prove size not everything

<div class="byline">By Helene Elliott</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021339/7152467-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="517" height="730"></div>It always looked so glamorous on TV, bathed in spotlights like the ones that criss-crossed the skies at Hollywood premieres.To an impressionable kid sitting in a faraway living room in those longago days, the Forum appeared every bit as fabulous as its builder, Canadian expatriate Jack Kent Cooke, proclaimed it was when it opened in December, 1967.The Forum seemed to be a magical building in a magical place where people could go to hockey games in T-shirts and shorts instead of coats and winter boots. It was exotic and tantalizing and I could only dream of someday seeing this wonder of the modem world for myself.Reality, alas, was far less than the anticipation. Just as the legendary comer of Hollywood and Vine turned out to be an ordinary, traffic-clogged intersection and not the heart of Hollywood, the Forum was decidedly disappointing. Shabby, even. The spotlights on TV never showed the arena's urban surroundings or the planes that thundered overhead as they approached nearby Los Angeles International Airport. And the spotlights never went inside to show the cramped visitors' dressing room and the long lines at the concession stands and rest rooms.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-03969/7152460-1-eng-US/f0008-032.jpg" title="f0008-03" width="682" height="1023"><figcaption class="caption-body">Wayne Gretzky(Kariya by Steve Bablineua/SA; Gretzky by Bruce Bennett/BBS)</figcaption></div>When it opened in then-remote Inglewood, die Forum was considered state of the art. But by the 1990s, it had been eclipsed by grander buildings that had luxury boxes and wide concourses and offered fans every conceivable amenity. The Forum was allowed to grow dingy once plans were approved to build a new downtown arena for the Kings and the National Basketball Association's Lakers and Clippers. The resulting air of neglect suppressed any sense of nostalgia fans might have nurtured.The Kings played their last game at the Forum Sept. 20, an 8-1 pre-season rout of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. No one at the fight-filled contest was tearful or overcome by sentiment, because there truly was little reason to be emotional about the Forum itself. It never had the charming quirks of Boston Garden, the history of the Montreal Forum or Maple Leaf Gardens or the wonderful acoustics of Chicago Stadium. No Stanley Cup banners were ever hoisted there and the Kings produced few memorable moments about which to be nostalgic.Certainly, there were some warm memories: Of the 1981 NHL All-Star Game, which featuredthe Kings' Triple Crown line of Marcel Dionne, Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor. Of the April 10,1982, &ldquo;Miracle on Manchester,&rdquo; the playoff game in which the Kings rallied from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime. Of their lone trip to the Stanley Cup final, in 1993, when they lost in six games to Montreal. And, of course, of the many records Wayne Gretzky set as a King, including his landmark 802nd goal.Yet, when the Kings said farewell to the Forum, they didn't trample on tradition. They left behind a building that had clearly outlived its usefulness. The real shame is they may have also left behind their most loyal fans.The Staples Center is significantly bigger than the Forum and contains three decks of luxury suites, perfect for companies that can pay $300,000 a year to rent a box, but hardly ideal for most true fans. They're the ones who have followed the Kings through the days of those garish yellow uniforms, then the purple and gold and the silver and black. The suites and club seats push many of those fans up and almost out of the new arena.There were years the Kings didn't have many fans, but the few who came were staunch in their allegiance. Where will they go? They have been scattered in the new arena, splintering old friendships and old routines. Some who saw their new seats and were dismayed by the remote vantage point were told they could get a better location if they'd upgrade from $15 seats to $45 seats. Sure. Buy hockey tickets or pay your mortgage. You choose.Don't mourn the Forum. It had long ago become obsolete. Mourn what the new arena symbolizes: NHL teams have put corporate ticket buyers ahead of the average fan because that's where the money is. That's life in the new NHL and that's about as fabulous as the Forum wasn't. &#9632;

f0008-02

COLUMNS

Shed no tears for L.A.'s not so Fab Forum

<div class="byline">By Mike Gibb Staff Writer</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0009-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-011660/7152498-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Charline Labonte could play as many as 25 games for the Bathurst Titan.</figcaption></div>Charline Labonte continues to make history, but all she wants to do is make saves.The goalie for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec League became the first female to start and win a major junior game Sept. 23 when the Titan beat the Drummondville Voltigeurs 7-4.Labonte's win was seven years to the day Manon Rheaume became the first female to play pro hockey. Rheaume saw action in a 1992 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL exhibition game.A 16-year-old native of Boisbriand, Que., Labonte made 28 saves for Bathurst, who overcame a 4-2 deficit.&ldquo;This is all still very new to me,&rdquo; said Labonte through an interpreter, her coach Roger Dejoie. &ldquo;But it was a very special moment. I never expected so much attention.&rdquo;An 11th round pick of the Titan (174th overall) in this year's midget draft, Labonte shone during the preseason, compiling a .926 save percentage in four outings.&ldquo;For her first game, I'm very proud of her,&rdquo; Dejoie said. &ldquo;She showed all the people she can play in this league.&rdquo;Labonte's parents, Pierre Labonte and Diane Paquet, and Labonte's younger brother, Louis, were among the 1,880 fans at the Marcel Dionne Arena in Drummondville.Titan GM-owner Leo-Guy Morrissette said Labonte could start up to 25 games this season.&ldquo;She was still better in camp than she was (in the game),&rdquo; Morrissette said. &ldquo;We haven't seen her best yet.&rdquo;Labonte's impressive showing in training camp allowed Morrissette to trade No. 1 goalie Philippe Ozga to the Victoriaville Tigres. Frederic Cloutier is now the No. 1 Titan netminder.Dejoie said Labonte is a good technical goalie with a quick glove and tremendous vision. &ldquo;She deserves what has happened to her,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She's only 16, but she's very mature. She showed a lot of confidence.&rdquo;The Titan raced out to a 2-0 lead in the first 79 seconds of the game, but by the 13:16 mark of the second period, Drummondville had scored four unanswered goals. The defending league champions then scored five straight to close out the game and pick up the win.Labonte said she was initially nervous, but settled down by the third period. She stopped all 11 Drummondville shots in the final frame, including a Frederic Faucher breakaway.<h2>Super stoppers</h2>Charline Labonte scratched a seven-year itch.Labonte's win came seven years after Manon Rheaume suited up for the Tampa Bay Lightning in an NHL pre-season game, becoming the first female to play pro hockey. Rheaume also is the first female to play major junior. She had an appearance with the Trois-Rivieres Draveurs, Nov. 26, 1991, allowing three goals on 16 shots.American Erin Whitten is the fist female to win a pro hockey game, with the East Coast League's Toledo Storm in Oct., 1993-a 6-5 win over the Dayton Bombers. &#9632;

f0009-01

Labonte comes up winner in first major junior start

<div class="byline">By Bob McKenzie Associate Editor</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-011729/7152536-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jeff Hackett was one of the few bright spots for Montreal last season, sporting a 2420-9 record with the Habs after being traded by the Chicago Blackhawks. (Andra Pichette\BBS)</figcaption></div>The ghosts of the Montreal Forum have finally taken up residence in the Molson Centre.There is, however, one problem: those ghosts of tradition may soon be skeletons in the Montreal Canadiens' closet.Entering their fourth season in their new home, the 1999-2000 Canadiens are in danger of making franchise history of the worst kind.If they fail to qualify for the playoffs this season, it will mark the first time in the NHL's modem era (1943-44 to present) the Habs have missed in backto-back years. The last time was in 1922, when the Canadiens' non-playoff streak peaked at three.In the intervening 77 years, the league's flagship franchise has missed the playoffs just seven times. It's happened only three times in the last 50 years, including last season's llth-place finish in the 14-team Eastern Conference.Now, there are 15 teams. Seven of them will miss. And unless you view the world through bleu, blanc et rouge glasses, it's difficult to imagine Montreal in the post-season.Mark Recchi, Vincent Damphousse and Stephane Quintal have left for the greener pastures of Philadelphia, San Jose and New York, respectively. Benoit Brunet, Vladimir Malakhov and Patrice Brisebois will miss significant time this season because of injuries.The Habs? How about the Hab-Nots?&ldquo;It's going to be a challenge, we know that,&rdquo; said Montreal GM Rejean Houle, who has been up close and personal with the franchise's three post-expansion failures.Houle presided over last season's disaster, when no Hab scored 20 goals or 50 points.He succeeded Serge Savard as GM in October of 1995, just months after the Habs finished out of the running in lockout-shortened 1994-95.And Houle's first NHL taste was 1969-70, when he played nine games. Montreal missed the playoffs that season in between Stanley Cupwinning campaigns.But that was then and this is now. This edition of the Canadiens is not considered a contender.Incidentally, if Montreal doesn't win the Cup this season, it will mark the first time since 1944 that the franchise has gone seven years without a championship. Montreal's three most recent Cup wins have come exactly seven years apart-1979, 1986 and 1993. Lore suggests the stars are lining up in the Canadiens' favor for Y2K. Logic suggests otherwise.&ldquo;Hockey people are optimistic people,&rdquo; Houle said. &ldquo;We start each season with hope, we always believe we have a chance and that is how we are looking at this season. But it's true, we're not in as good a position as we thought we'd be.&rdquo;For that, the Canadiens can thank injuries.Brunet, the team's most versatile and complete player, is out two months while rehabilitating a wonky back. Brisebois, a top-three defenseman in Montreal, will miss at least the first month with a similar ailment. And Malakhov, the talented, but enigmatic, No. 1 defenseman, will miss a minimum of four months-and quite possibly the entire season-with a knee injury (damaged anterior cruciate ligament) suffered in a preseason game.Simply, the Canadiens' lineup, especially on the blueline, is too thin to cope. In the days before the Sept. 27 waiver draft, Houle was frantically looking for defensive help. If he didn't get it in the draft, he would have to trade for it, though the Habs have only marginally more depth on offense.With Recchi and Damphousse gone, Montreal acquired veteran Trevor Linden from the New York Islanders to help fill the gaping holes up front. At 29, Linden is still a usefill player, but not a base upon which to build.Still, the Canadiens' top six forwards, if they play to their potential, have promise.Fifth-year man Saku Koivu must emerge as something more than a 20-goal, 50-point pivot, though he's coming off knee surgery. One week before the season began, Koivu was just getting set to play his first exhibition game.Linden is a good bet to line up on Koivu's right side, with either Martin Rucinsky or Brian Savage on the left. Shayne Corson may be the second line center, with youngster Dainius Zubrus on the right side and Rucinsky or Savage on the left. Patrick Poulin, Scott Thornton and Turner Stevenson could comprise a grinding third line, though Montreal has been heartened by the play of journeyman center Craig Darby.With Malakhov and Brisebois out of action, the top four on defense are Eric Weinrich, Scott Lachance, Craig Rivet and Igor Ulanov. It's not good enough. Not nearly.Their desperation for defense may mean a spot for 5-foot-8, 186-pound Francois Bouillon, an American League all-star with Fredericton last season who scored 19 goals and 55 points in 79 games. Montreal was encouraged by his pre-season play, though coach Alain Vigneault wasn't making any long-term plans.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-011554/7152529-1-eng-US/f0011-012.jpg" title="f0011-01" width="3064" height="1995"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Canadiens are banking on Trevor Linden's experience and leadership as they try to make it back to the playoffs this year.</figcaption></div>&ldquo;At his size, I don't know if he can play (regularly) in the NHL,&rdquo; Vigneault said, &ldquo;but he hasn't proven he can't.&rdquo;And so it goes with this version of the Habs, which will lean heavily on veteran netminder Jeff Hackett with Jose Theodore as backup.Overall, it's difficult to get excited about a team that doesn't look as good as the one that finished seven games below .500 (32-39-11) a year ago.&ldquo;We've lost key players because of contracts and injuries,&rdquo; Vigneault conceded, &ldquo;but I can tell you we have better team dynamics this year than we did last year. We have a better work ethic. I would like to think our players who underachieved last year, and there were a lot of them, will bounce back. I know we're not going to be favorites to make the playoffs, but there are a lot of other teams with question marks, too.&rdquo;That's what it's come down to as Y2K approaches. Les Canadiens' success hinges as much on other teams failing as them succeeding.The Ottawa Senators have to deal with Alexei Yashin's holdout. The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to start without two top-four defensemen (restricted free agents Dmitri Yushkevich and Bryan Berard). The Boston Bruins haven't signed goalie Byron Dafoe. And the Buffalo Sabres have several unsigned players.But is it realistic to expect any one of Montreal's division rivals-Ottawa, Boston, Buffalo and Toronto-to fall out of the playoffs? And if they do, who's to say the available playoff spot won't go to the improved New York Rangers, Florida Panthers or Washington Capitals, teams that were with Montreal on the outside last spring?Entering the 1999-2000 season, the Canadiens don't deserve to be seeded higher than No. 11 or 12 in the East, better than only the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders and maybe one team from the Southeast (Carolina Hurricanes, Washington or Florida).Truth is, the vaunted Hab franchise, historical achievements and symbolism aside, are now just like any other team struggling to get by in the 28member NHL.They've made their share of bad trades (John LeClair and Eric Desjardins for Recchi). They've had precious little success in the first round of the entry draft in the '90s (Brent Bilodeau, David Wilkie, Brad Brown, Terry Ryan, et al). They're hamstrung by a fixed budget of $30 million (U.S.) as owner Molson seeks a buyer for the over-taxed Molson Centre. When their players, such as Recchi, Damphousse and Quintal, reach unrestricted free agency at age 31, the door doesn't hit them on the way out of town. Their season-ticket base of about 17,000 is expected to decrease by five to eight per cent this year and who knows by how much more if they fail to make the playoffs this season.It's a sad state for the NHL's winningest franchise (24 Stanley Cups dating back to 1916).If Montreal is to re-establish any glory in upcoming years, they'll have to be run with extreme efficiency, though the financial constraints of being a heavily taxed Canadian franchise work against that.&ldquo;I feel like I'm under the gun this season because I feel like I've been under the gun since my first season,&rdquo; Houle said. &ldquo;That's Montreal. The truth is, this is a team in transition. We're trying to develop young players but not sacrifice a spot in the playoffs.&rdquo;Vigneault, however, readily embraces the situation. &ldquo;We know everybody is writing us off,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It's up to us to prove them wrong.&rdquo; -Bonne chance. &#9632;

f0010-01

THE FALL OF THE CANADIEN EMPIRE

<div class="byline">-Bob McKenzie</div>The Canadiens need help on the ice if they're to thrive this season. And the Canadians-that's all clubs north of the 49th parallel-desperately need some relief off the ice if they're to survive.That's the message being delivered to every level of government in Canada in the NHL's position paper on how best to secure the future of the league's six Canadian-based franchises.The league's message is clear: &ldquo;In the absence of governmental efforts&hellip;it is highly probable&hellip;some of the Canadian clubs will find it impossible to continue to operate in Canada.&rdquo;The league says the clock is ticking, literally.&ldquo;We're hopeful the next few weeks will see us have the necessary dialogue to make something happen,&rdquo; NHL chief legal officer Bill Daly told The Hockey News Sept. 24.The NHL's basic position is this: The league already does what it can to help Canadianbased teams, what with a Currency Assistance Program, Group Two Free Agent Equalization Fund and restructured Canadian TV rights. And if the three levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal) provide some relief, the NHL will ensure no Canadian teams relocate between now and 2004, when a new collective agreement can be put in place to further stabilize the future of Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.It is, of course, a political hot potato. The NHL has recommended diverting some revenue from sports lotteries (that wager on NHL games), but equally important is the issue of getting municipal property tax relief and a break on the amusement tax levied on NHL games in Ontario.Ontario generally sees itself as the center of the Canadian universe and in this instance, that's appropriate. The NHL believes if it can get some assistance from the provincial government in Ontario, the federal government will be much more willing to contribute.The negotiations in the weeks ahead will focus on getting concessions from Ontario. If those talks prove fruitful, they will likely be a catalyst for more government aid. If not, there'll be no relief and an uncertain future for Canadian-based NHL teams. &#9632;

NHL's goal clean Financial assistance for Canadian clubs

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0011-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-021108/7152591-1-eng-US/f0011-022.jpg"></div>Since ending a 12-year Stanley Cup drought in 1944, Montreal has won at least one Cup every seven years. They last won in 1993 and haven't gone more than seven years between Cups in the modem era. This is Year 7 since the last title. Here are their championship years, the team they beat in the final and the Canadiens' captain. &#9632;

f0011-02

7-Year Itch?

<div class="byline">By Mike Brophy</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021339/7152629-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="513" height="679"></div>To all the free agents who have yet to sign: Does this sound like you?? Chris Kontos is offered a two-year contract for $450,000 (all funds in U.S. dollars) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1993. He turns it down and never plays another game in the NHL.? In 1995, defenseman Grant Jennings rejects a guaranteed three-year, $1.6-million deal from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He ends up with a oneyear contract with the Buffalo Sabres worth $400,000 if he plays in the NHL; $70,000 in the minors. He plays six games with the Sabres, then disappears from the NHL.? Carolina Hurricanes approach right winger Ray Sheppard last season with a two-year extension at his same salary, $1.7 million per season, but he doesn't sign. The unrestricted free agent remains unemployed.? Washington Capitals' defenseman Mark Tinordi walks away from a three-year, $9-million extension last season, opting instead for unrestricted free agency. He has yet to sign a deal-and when he does, he won't come close to getting what the Capitals offered.? Jim Baxter, a defenseman for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario League, is drafted 180th overall by the Boston Bruins in 1997 and turns down a contract with a $125,000 signing bonus. Thinking he can do better, he re-enters the 1999 draft and is selected 202nd by the Hurricanes, who immediately indicate they will not offer nearly as much as the Bruins did to sign.? And check this one out: Left winger Randy Fitzgerald of the Plymouth Whalers (OHL) is offered a three-way deal by the Hurricanes. As a favor to Carolina owner Peter Karmanos, who also owns the Whalers, Fitzgerald is offered a $10,000 signing bonus. Incredibly, he poo-poos the deal, goes back into the 1999 draft, is completely ignored and now he's playing as an overage in Plymouth. Bye-bye $10,000.Bad advice? Bad judgement? Stupidity?Times have changed. If players think they can hold out and bring their team to its knees, they are wrong. Teams are drawing the line on salaries like never before and the players are going to be the big losers if they don't wise up. The New York Rangers spent wildly in the off-season, but who else did? Nobody.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-011685/7152622-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg" title="f0012-01" width="2039" height="1623"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mark Tinordi's gamble to become an unrestricted free agent could cost him big bucks.</figcaption></div>&ldquo;Put the blame where it belongs,&rdquo; said Boston Bruins' GM-president Hany Sinden, probably the best in the business at holding the line on salaries. &ldquo;Put it on the agents. All they care about is their own reputa-tion. If you go back to Bobby On and Alan Eagleson, it's been going on for a long time. The agents don't care about the players, kids who are trying to begin careers. All they care about is how a deal reflects on them. How it will affect them being able to sign more clients. It's agent versus agent, not player versus the team they are trying to sign with.&rdquo; Agents may disagree, but one who requested anonymity, suggested: &ldquo;Teams are going to stop making offers to hold on to players.&rdquo; &ldquo;Harry (Sinden) takes things to extremes, but there is no question times are changing,&rdquo; the agent said. &ldquo;When a player gets an offer, he considers what signing it will mean to the (players') association. But more and more the player has to place more emphasis on his own interests and if he thinks it's a good deal for him, he should take it. I think with what is happening, his teammates will understand.&rdquo;Carolina GM-president Jim Rutherford said players must decide where they would be comfortable playing and how much money they need to be happy.&ldquo;Not too many guys are going to hit a home run anymore,&rdquo; Rutherford said. &ldquo;Guys had better realize this.&rdquo;One agent said NHLPA director Bob Goodenow warned at the conclusion of last year's agent meetings to 1) know your client's expectations; and 2) know where he fits in with his team and in the big picture.&ldquo;What we could see soon is teams not calling players during the season and saying, 'Let's get it done now,' &rdquo; the agent said. &ldquo;Instead, they may wait and try to get a $650,000 player for $450,000.&rdquo;Kontos, though, wasn't trying to hit a homer when he spumed Tampa Bay's offer. He simply felt he was worth more.Coming off a career-best 27-goal season with the 1992-93 expansion Lightning, the team's third-leading scorer (51 points) scoffed at the offer of $450,000 for two years. Rather, he took advantage of an escape clause in his contract and became an unrestricted free agent. Six years later, there are still no takers.Instead, Kontos played the 1993-94 season with Canada's national and Olympic teams, spent a year in Sweden, two years in the International League and one year in Germany before getting into television. He never played another game in the NHL or came close to earning the money the Lightning offered him.And what does Kontos, now 35, think about today's economic climate in the NHL?&ldquo;A lot of players who tell teams to 'Bite me' are going to end up getting bitten,&rdquo; Kontos said. &#9632;

f0012-02

Contract killers pay price

<div class="byline">By Mike Gibb Staff Writer</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0013-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-011568/7152660-1-eng-US/f0013-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Valeri Bure is one of the young players the Flames are counting on to provide 'veteran' leadership. (John Giamundo/BBS)</figcaption></div>Valeri Bure's first five seasons in the NHL have been plied in relative obscurity.'Relative' being the operative term. You see, it wasn't enough the offense-minded right winger's first three-plus NHL seasons were spent mostly on the Montreal Canadiens' checking line. Or that he was then traded to the Calgary Flames, one of the league's smallest markets. No, Bure's burden also included a superstar big brother named Pavel who, coincidentally, was coming off his second straight 60-goal season the year Valeri broke into the league.The time may be near, however, for the younger Bure's spin in the spotlight.The 25-year-old began making a name for himself last season when he had career-bests in goals (26), assists (27), points (53) and games (80).Not only did Bure's game improve on the ice, he also took on a greater role in the dressing room. The departure of Theo Fleury to the Colorado Avalanche last February created a vacuum in the Flames' leadership and the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Bure was one of the players who stepped up.&ldquo;He wanted the responsibility after Theo left,&rdquo; said Flames' coach Brian Sutter. &ldquo;Responsibility is part of winning and you don't wait for the coach to say, 'Make a difference.' You have to say, 'I want to make a difference.' Those guys are special people and that's what Vai is. He's about as veteran on this team as there is.&rdquo;Bure was hot in the pre-season, leading Calgary scorers (two goals, five points) and topping the NHL in shots (30 in six games) through Sept. 24. &ldquo;It has been an awesome camp so far,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think as you get older, you get wiser. You understand the game better. Responsibility comes with experience.&rdquo;Since being traded to Calgary from Montreal for Jonas Hoglund and Zarley Zalapski Feb. 1, 1998, Bure has 31 goals and 62 points in 96 games. The trade is regarded as the best deal Flames' GM Al Coates has made in his five seasons.&ldquo;(Bure) has great vision,&rdquo; Sutter said. &ldquo;He understands the game away from the puck a hell of a lot better than people give him credit for.&rdquo;For the Flames to make the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, Bure-who Sutter named an alternate captain for the pre-season-must contribute heavily.He'll have ample opportunity: He's on the ice in every situation; he often mans the point with Phil Housley on the first power play unit; and he has played on every forward fine.As much as Bure's improved play can be explained by the maturation process, it's also due to his expanded role with the Flames. In Montreal, he would see limited ice time on tfie second line-and would produce when given that chance-but spent the bulk of his time on the checking line.&ldquo;I'm just trying to take the puck and have control of the game,&rdquo; Bure said. &ldquo;I don't want to wait to see what kind of game it's going to be.&rdquo;Bure faces the inevitable comparisons to his electrifying brother, but Sutter-himself one of six hockeyplaying brothers-knows better than to expect Valeri to be another Pavel.&ldquo;I'm always careful to make comparisons,&rdquo; Sutter said.&ldquo;I've got a bunch of brothers and everybody's always comparing one to the other. There's always going to be comparisons between them because of their last name, but I tell Vai to be himself.&ldquo;He has to set the tempo. Where he was looking for someone else to be the difference before, now he has an opportunity to be.the difference.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0013-01

'Other' Bure rockets into key Flames' role

<div class="byline">By Cammy Clark</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-011673/7152691-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg" title="f0014-01" width="216" height="218"></div>The 1999 entry draft was in Boston, but defenseman Ntclas Havelid was thousands of miles tway at home in Sweden. His nerves were reserved for impending fatherhood md he barely concerned himself with which team may or may not pick him.At 26, Havelid had seen eight drafts tome and go without being selected.He heard several teams were interestid in him in 1998, but he went undraftsd. So when the same scuttlebutt began his spring, he didn't get his hopes up.But Anaheim selected him in the hird round (83rd overall) and now he vegins his new life as a Mighty Duck.&ldquo;He's not making the team in training tamp,&rdquo; said Ducks' GM Pierre Gauthisr. &ldquo;He made it when we drafted him.&rdquo;The Ducks weren't convinced Havelid could play for them last year, or hey could have had him for a ninth round pick. Gauthier said Havelid's strong season last year for Malmo of the Swedish Elite League (10 goals and 22 points in 50 games) was the clincher.Besides, Havelid is inexpensive, making $625,000 over the next two seasons.And that's fine with Havelid, a selfproclaimed late-bloomer who has often been paired with fellow Swede Fredrik Olausson during the pre-season.&ldquo;He was a guy who grew on us as the season went on last year,&rdquo; Gauthier said. &ldquo;He elevated his offensive game from what we had seen previously. He's not very big, but he's a great skater and intense. Because of his offensive ability, he became an acceptable player for us.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Left winger Paul Kariya is still bothered by an injury to his left quadriceps muscle and has been unable to play in any of Anaheim's first six pre-season games. He had been practising with the team during training camp, but aggravated the injury again. His status is day-to-day and it's uncertain whether he will be ready to play by the season opener Oct. 2&hellip;Antti Aalto, a sixth round pick in 1993, appears to have earned the third line center's job. Coach Craig Hartsburg has been pleased with the combination of Aalto, 22-year-old left winger Mike Leclerc and ragged right winger Jeff Nielsen&hellip;Defenseman Kevin Haller, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, said he's ahead of schedule and hopes to be ready by the season opener. &#9632;

f0014-01

Havelid's not a have-not as Swede makes Ducks

<div class="byline">By Jett Schultz</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-03862/7152722-1-eng-US/f0014-032.jpg" title="f0014-03" width="460" height="604"><figcaption class="caption-body">Vladimir Vujtek</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-021257/7152729-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="216" height="213"></div>Vladimir Vujtek can kiss goodbye any chance for a modeling career. But right now, he probably feels like kissing the sky.The 21-year-old left winger from the Czech Republic, whom the Thrashers signed as a free agent in the off-season, suffered a 150-stitch cut on the left side of his face in Atlanta's exhibition game Sept. 18 against the New York Rangers.With 2:24 remaining in the third period, Vujtek collided with the Rangers' Valeri Kamensky, fell and accidentally had his face sliced by Kamensky's skate. The laceration started at the left comer of Vujtek's lip and stretched approximately four inches towards his ear. A large pool of blood was left on the ice after Vujtek was helped off.Vujtek was quickly attached to an IV and transported to an Atlanta hospital, where he underwent two-and-a-half hours of plastic surgery and required 150 stitches to close the wound. It could have been much worse, however. There was no nerve or bone damage and Vujtek's visor successfully protected his eyes. Dr. Robert Hunt, a dental and plastic surgeon, repaired an artery that was cut.&ldquo;He's very, very lucky,&rdquo; Thrashers' GM Don Waddell said. &ldquo;It could've been a lot worse with the eyes.&rdquo;Scott Gillogly, the Thrashers' team physician, said: &ldquo;With just a little variation in where the cut is, it could've been more severe. Fortunately, he's a young, healthy guy. His prognosis is very, very good.&rdquo;The Thrashers expected Vujtek to miss only 10 days to two weeks.Players and team officials said it was one of the worst cuts they had ever witnessed on the ice.Thrashers' center Mike Stapleton, who played with Vujtek, said: &ldquo;I knew he hit an artery because every time his heart beat, blood spurted out.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Minor league defenseman Barry Dreger scored the first goal in team history in an 3-1 exhibition win over Nashville. &ldquo;You wouldn't have been a (smart) betting man to bet on me,&rdquo; he admitted&hellip;Through five exhibition games, Atlanta's leading goal-scorers were EdWard (three) and Matt Johnson (two)&hellip;Milos Holan, whose comeback from leukemia and complications from a bone marrow transplant has been one of hockey's feel-good stories, was released by the Thrashers after playing only one game. He is still under contract to Anaheim as a scout&hellip;Patrik Stefan's contract calls for him receive a $100,000 bonus if the Thrashers win the Stanley Cup and he plays at least 50 per cent of the games. &#9632;

f0014-03

Vujtek cut for 150 stitches, but only out for two weeks

<div class="byline">By Nancy Marrapese-Birpel</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-04583/7152760-1-eng-US/f0014-042.jpg" title="f0014-04" width="217" height="213"></div>The Boston Bruins got the first piece of good news regarding injured center Jason Allison Sept. 20, when the big center skated for the first time with his teammates.He wasn't able to do any contact drills, but lasted the entire workout and followed up with a second workout a day later. The 24-year-old suffered a sprained right ankle before training camp.Coach Pat Bums said the early returns on Allison were positive.&ldquo;He spent time with a power skater over the course of the summer and he seems to have changed his stance a little, which makes him quicker out there.&rdquo; Bums said. &ldquo;But we don't want him pushing and shoving right away. We don't want him to tweak the ankle and set things back.&rdquo;Allison has revamped more than his skating stance. He also altered his eating habits dramatically. Last year, he said he lacked energy and felt as if he needed more protein and more calories in order to boost his performance. That has now been worked out and he just has to wait for his ankle to heal. Allison was hoping to play in at least one exhibition game, but Bums will likely wait until opening night for Allison's return.&ldquo;It's not a sharp pain, but you can feel it's there still,&rdquo; Allison said. &ldquo;Every day I'm going to push it a little more. If I have no setbacks, I should be fairly close.&rdquo;When he's finally healthy, he's expecting his work in the off-season on both his skating and strength to make him a better player.&ldquo;I'm trying to get more out of each stride,&rdquo; Allison said.&ldquo;I'm skating a lot lower. I did it (power skating lessons) a couple of years ago, but I only did it for a week. I was actually skating a lot better when I first got back, but I slowly went back (to his old stance). I think it will be different now. I feel pretty comfortable skating like that and I feel confident I have improved my skating.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Nick Boynton, who came to training camp without a contract, has had a frustrating time. He was diagnosed with diabetes early in camp and had to adjust to medication. Then he injured his shoulder in a scrimmage. He's hoping to heal in time to be in the lineup for some of the exhibition games. &ldquo;I've got to get in there,&rdquo; Boynton said. Coach Pat Burns was eager to see what Boynton could do. &ldquo;I hope it's soon because we've got to get a look at him and make a decision,&rdquo; Bums said&hellip;The standoff with goalie Byron Dafoe continued with the sides not even discussing the possibility of a settlement. Burns said he would-start the season with Rob Tallas and John Grahame. &#9632;

f0014-04

Allison back in camp and on skates

<div class="byline">By Jim Kelley</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-06307/7152791-1-eng-US/f0014-062.jpg" title="f0014-06" width="462" height="607"><figcaption class="caption-body">Stu Barnes</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-05390/7152798-1-eng-US/f0014-052.jpg" title="f0014-05" width="216" height="215"></div>It has been a slow, sometimes arduous process, but the Buffalo Sabres finally signed one of their restricted free agents.Can the rest be far behind?&ldquo;We're hopeful,&rdquo; said Sabres' GM Darcy Regier even before forward Stu Barnes signed a twoyear deal The Buffalo News reported to be worth $3 million plus bonuses. &ldquo;When one player signs, it usually gets something started.&rdquo;Barnes, a usefill forward picked up in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Matthew Barnaby late last season, was the first of six restricted free agents to come to terms with the Eastern Conference champions. Still out were 40-goal scorer Miroslav Satan, second line center Curtis Brown, right winger Vaclav Varada and defensemen Jay McKee and Rhett Warrener (along with unrestricted free agent Joe Juneau), but Regier was starting to at least sound optimistic.&ldquo;I hate to say we're close with anyone because one day you say it and the next day someone signs somewhere and suddenly you aren't,&rdquo; Regier said. &ldquo;But once the first one is done, there tends to be a domino effect.An unsigned free agent who actually attended the start of camp, Barnes was always optimistic the deal would get done before the start of the regular season.&ldquo;You come in hoping it would get done, but you never know how things develop,&rdquo; Barnes said. &ldquo;It was never an ugly thing at any point. Darcy was responsive. We had good conversations all along. I'm happy it got taken care of.&rdquo;Barnes struggled when he was traded to the Sabres near the deadline last season, going 17 games without a goal, but tied for the team lead with seven playoff goals and finished the year with 20 goals and 36 points.NOTEBOOK: Goalie Dominik Hasek began working out with the team and was scheduled to play the first two periods of a Sept. 24 exhibition game against Washington. Hasek is recovering from groin problems and an off-season hernia operation&hellip;Defenseman Alexei Zhitnik is still battling a shoulder sprain, but is expected to be ready for opening day. Zhitnik's absence, coupled with the no shows of Jay McKee and Rhett Warrener. have given the Sabres a long look at their defense prospects Brian Campbell. JeanLuc Grand-Pierre. Cory Sarich. Jason Holland and Dimtri Kahalin. The Sabres like what they see from their youngsters, but they still feel there is no substitute for experience. &#9632;

f0014-06

Barnes signs new deal, others still negotiating

<div class="byline">By Eric Duhatschek</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-07248/7152829-1-eng-US/f0014-072.jpg" title="f0014-07" width="217" height="212"></div>The revival of Steve Begin as an NHL prospect coincided with the sober realization he needed to do less-not more-whenever he stepped onto the ice for the Calgary Flames.Two years ago, Begin-a 1996 second round draft pick-made the team as a 19-year-old center and ran around a lot. He was put on the 'Crash Line' between Sandy McCarthy and Mike Peluso and they would periodically go out to raise havoc. But by the end of the shift, Begin was usually heading to the penalty box. He was simply too eager to get a hit and wouldn't pick his spots.But after a full season with the Saint John Flames of the American League, Begin is back with a new position, left wing, and a new understanding of what it takes to get (and stay) in the NHL.&ldquo;Playing in the American League helped me a lot,&rdquo; Begin said. &ldquo;1 learned not to run all over the ice. 1 try to make the simple play.&rdquo;Begin's chance of cracking the line up was enhanced when Jason Wiemer, the center on the checking line, went down with a knee injury early in camp.Begin hasn't played much left wing, but says he doesn't care where he lines up.&ldquo;If I want to play in the NHL, I've got to be able to play everywhere,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If they tell me I've got to play on the left side, it doesn't matter. You've got to keep working hard on the boards, that's the key to left wing.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Center Oleg Saprykin, Calgary's No. 1 choice (11th overall) in the 1999 entry draft, had been impressive in the pre-season, so much so the Flames were toying with the idea of signing him to a contract and keeping him for the start of the regular season. After a two-point game in Toronto, coach Brian Sutter was asked about the chances of him cracking the lineup. &ldquo;The way he played tonight, there's no question he could make the hockey club,&rdquo; Sutter said. &ldquo;He does some things that we're still trying to convince our 24and 25-year-old players to do."&hellip;Sutter was unhappy with the physical condition of Marc Savard, acquired from the Rangers on draft day, noting he needed to play himself into shape during the exhibition season. &#9632;

f0014-07

Begin starts to understand he's best when doing less

<div class="byline">By Cecil Harris</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011456/7152860-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="216" height="213"></div>He was the little kid who always hung out with his older brother, doing what the big boys did.But when it came to hockey, it didn't take David Tanabe long to outperform his elders.&ldquo;As a kid, you're kind of dreamy and my dream was always to play hockey,&rdquo; said Tanabe, the 16th overall pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in last June's entry draft. &ldquo;I worked really hard at it. Every day after school, I'd be at the rink playing until the lights went out. Playing with my older brother, Marcus, and his friends forced me to play at a higher level.&ldquo;Now, he's in medical school and I'm still playing hockey.&rdquo;Tanabe may never have to regret his career choice.The 19-year-old defenseman is certain to make a mark in his rookie season with the Hurricanes' organization. His place on the team has not yet been secured as the final decision was being delayed until he saw action in the 'Canes final three pre-season games (he had no points in his first outing). If he doesn't make the big club, he could be sent to the Western League's Kootenay Ice or to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the International League.The Hurricanes, who had a leaguelow 15 goals from their defense corps last season, need the skills Tanabe provides. His speed, puckhandling, shooting ability and offensive instincts are surprisingly advanced for someone with only a year of hockey at the University of Wisconsin on his resume.&ldquo;You develop those qualities at the rink,&rdquo; said Tanabe, a 6-foot-l, 200pounder. &ldquo;Nobody goes there to play defense. You go there to play one-onone games and develop your offensive skills.&rdquo;Although two defensemen were drafted ahead of him and seven were rated higher by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, the Hurricanes say they wanted Tanabe, a St. Paul, Minn., native, all along.NOTEBOOK: Carolina coach Paul Maurice said he didn't know when he would name a captain. Incumbent Keith Primeau is still sitting out in a contract dispute. Veteran center Ron Francis, 36, is likely to get the nod. He's a former captain with Pittsburgh and Carolina's predecessors, the Hartford Whalers&hellip;Carolina had intended to give Mark Fitzpatrick and Eric Fichaud two starts apiece before choosing a backup to No. 1 goalie Arturs Irbe. Those plans changed after two exhibition games were blown away by Hurricane Hoyd and Fichaud missed a week of camp because of a bruised chest. Since Fichaud has been limited to 26 games in the past two seasons, Fitzpatrick was likely to win the job by default. &#9632;

f0016-01

'Canes count on Tanabe for offense

<div class="byline">By Tim Sassone</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021123/7152891-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="216" height="215"></div>A year ago at this time, Dirk Graham was preparing for his chance of a lifetime as the rookie coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.Unfortunately for Graham, a former Blackhawks' captain, and the Hawks, it didn't work out and he was fired after only 59 games behind the bench.Both sides have been able to move on from the experience. The Blackhawks have a new coach they're happy with in Lome Molleken and Graham is back to being the organization's pro scout, the same position he held two years ago before being named coach.&ldquo;What happened is all part of being involved in pro sports and I knew all the ups and downs when I took the job,&rdquo; Graham said.&ldquo;Everyone involved would have liked to see things work out differently, but you have to move on.&rdquo;Hawks' GM Bob Murray, who hired Graham, still has difficulty discussing what happened.Murray blames himself for pushing Graham into the job even though he had no previous experience as a head coach.&ldquo;We should have known better, but we didn't and I just feel bad for Dirk,&rdquo;Murray said. &ldquo;He still feels he let us down, but that's a bunch of bull.&rdquo;Graham appreciates Murray's words, but that doesn't change the fact he still feels responsible for not doing the job he was hired to do.&ldquo;I don't think anyone put me in a bad spot,&rdquo; Graham said. &ldquo;I made the decision to coach knowing there's very little job security. The only regret I have is the way it turned out.&ldquo;I'm glad I took the job and had the opportunity. That's why I feel I let people down because they hired me feeling I could do the job.&rdquo;The Hawks were 16-35-8 when Graham was fired last Feb. 22 and replaced by Molleken, his top assistant, on an interim basis. Molleken was officially given the position April 8.There was growing tension in the dressing room at the time between Graham and several veteran players, who were frustrated by his demanding and uncompromising style and confusing systems.Molleken loosened things up considerably on and off the ice when he took over and the result was a 13-6-4 finish.&ldquo;Everybody has his own way of doing things,&rdquo; Graham said. &ldquo;Lomey has his way and I had mine. I did the things I felt I needed to do to make it conducive for our team to win.My whole objective was to help the team win. That team didn't respond. Maybe another one would have.&rdquo;Graham refuses to blame any of his former players for quitting on him.&ldquo;To take that way out is the easy way and that's not what I'm about,&rdquo; he said.It's probably too soon to tell if Graham will ever get another chance to coach-if he'd even want to try it again, anyway.&ldquo;That's a difficult question,&rdquo; Graham said. &ldquo;Right now, I'd have to say no.&ldquo;But I.still feel comfortable with the things I did.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: GM Bob Murray admitted it was likely holdout defenseman Boris Mironov wouldn't be signed by the start of the season. Mironov was asking for more than $3 million a year and the Hawks won't pay him more than the $2.9 million Tony Amonte is making&hellip;Meanwhile, defenseman Anders Eriksson agreed to a one-year, $800,000-contract&hellip;Right winger Blair Atcheynum was brought into camp as an unsigned free agent and looked to have a job on the fourth line locked up&hellip;Steve Passmore and Marc Lamothe remained neck-and-neck in their battle for backup goalie. Dean McAmmond's strong play in camp answered the question about who would play right wing on the line with Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark. &#9632;

f0016-02

No bitterness for ex-coach Graham, stays with Blackhawks as pro scout

<div class="byline">By Adrian Dater</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-03838/7152922-1-eng-US/f0016-032.jpg" title="f0016-03" width="216" height="212"></div>The Colorado Avalanche already has a top-flight offense-minded defenseman in Sandis Ozolinsh. It might not be long before they have another one.Czech rookie Martin Skoula, 19, reminds a lot of observers of Ozolinsh. With his excellent rushing ability and poise distributing the puck at the blueline while on the power play, Skoula showed in Colorado's training camp he may be ready for the NHL.&ldquo;He's got a very bright future with us,&rdquo; said Avalanche coach Bob Hartley. &ldquo;He's going to be an offensive defenseman, that's for sure.&rdquo;The question is, how would Skoula fare on the defensive end at such a tender age in the highest-calibre league in the world? That was what Hartley was trying to decipher before final roster cuts. Nobody is questioning Skoula's offensive talents, but as the Avs have often been painfully reminded of with Ozolinsh, not having one's defensive game fully developed can be costly.&ldquo;We don't want him to be generating scoring chances at both ends of the ice,&rdquo; Hartley joked.Skoula set a Barrie Colts' record last season with a plus-58 rating, also the highest in the Ontario League for the season and he was one of four Colts (Daniel Tkaczuk, Denis Shvidki and Chris Feil were the others) who finished one through four in league plus-minus. He also produced 59 points (13 goals) in 66 games for the OHL's top offensive and third-best defensive team. The Avs signed him to a three-year contract last year and Colorado thinks they pulled off one of the biggest steals of the 1998 entry draft, when they nabbed him in the first round (17th overall), the second of their four first round selections that year.Skoula thinks he's ready for the big time this year. The Avalanche had a couple of open defensive spots entering camp and Skoula feels his play in exhibition games warrants a stay with the big club.&ldquo;I think I can play with these guys,&rdquo; Skoula said. &ldquo;I obviously don't want to go to Hershey (AHL). I want to make the team.&rdquo;Colorado used Skoula a lot on the point on the power play during the preseason and he responded with three assists. His three points were sixth-best on the club and he was the top pointgetter among defensemen, one point ahead of Ozolinsh.&ldquo;He's a kid with a lot of offensive skill, but who is big and wants to work at his game defensively,&rdquo; Hartley said. &ldquo;The questions that will be answered will be how well he crunches in the comers and behind the net and how he adjusts to the physical aspects of the NHL.&rdquo;He has size (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) and showed he can take a hit in the corners and play physically when need be, although he'll probably never be confused with a mean, stay-at-home defensive type.&ldquo;I know my defense is what I need to work on, but I think I'll be OK,&rdquo; Skoula said.&ldquo;I think it's been a good camp so far. I'm happy so far.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Rookie left winger Alex Tanguay missed 10 days with a bruised left knee, but was expected to be ready for the season opener Oct. 5&hellip;Rookie center Dan Hinote, who impressed in training camp, is a former West Point Cadet who was going to try to be an FBI officer before deciding to go for a hockey career. &ldquo;That can wait,&rdquo; Hinote said of being a potential Gman&hellip;The Avs played their final three preseason games at McNichols Arena before abandoning it for the new Pepsi Center&hellip;Colorado will use Adam Deadmarsh as a second line center for the first two to three months of the season until Peter Forsberg returns from shoulder surgery. Deadmarsh played some center in the last year's playoffs, with good success. &#9632;

f0016-03

Skoula cut from Ozolinsh's mold, which could be what gets him cut

<div class="byline">By Mike Heike</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-04620/7152953-1-eng-US/f0016-042.jpg" title="f0016-04" width="216" height="213"></div>The Dallas Stars' master plan has been to get younger and faster-and they say that doesn't change just because they won the Stanley Cup.While some critics are concerned the team is making too many changes in the wake of last season's gritty playoff performance, Stars' management simply is following its line of thinking from three years back. And that is to build from within and acquire free agents when they had a hole to fill.That's a key reason the Stars haven't shown interest in Pat Verbeek or Dmitri Khristich, despite the fact both could help the team.&ldquo;People have asked me why we're not interested in certain players and my answer is because we're interested in our own players,&rdquo; said Stars' GM Bob Gainey. &ldquo;We've brought these younger players along, we've believed in them and it's time to take the next natural step.&rdquo;Already assured spots in the Stars' lineup are Juha Lind, 25, and Pavel Patera, 28, who both came over from Europe. Patera, a natural center who helped the Czech Republic win the 1998 Olympic gold medal, has been shifted to left wing on a line with Joe Nieuwendyk and Jamie Langenbrunner. Lind appears a lock as the fourth fine left winger, while sophomore Blake Sloan, 24, is almost guaranteed the fourth line right wing spot.So the Stars are having a heated battle to fill one forward spot. Assuming Grant Marshall is healthy, Aaron Gavey, 25, Jamie Wright, 23, Jon Sim, 22, Warren Luhning, 24, and Keith Aldridge, 26, will be fighting for the chance to stick around.And that's just what Gainey and coach Ken Hitchcock had planned.&ldquo;We have some great depth and that's going to create some hard choices,&rdquo; Hitchcock said. &ldquo;But these are the kinds of choices I like. We're going to get a look at some young players and those players are going to be excited about playing in the NHL. That should be a good thing for the entire team.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Stars are determined to get defenseman Richard Matvichuk's name on a long-term deal, offering him only five years and $10 million. The Stars don't want to offer a oneyear deal because Sergei Zubov is a restricted free agent after this season. They also don't want a threeor four-year deal, because that would put Matvichuk out at the same time as Darryl Sydor (three years) or Derian Hatcher (four years)&hellip; Dallas was able to get Brent Severyn's name on the Stanley Cup through a push led by left winger Mike Keane. Severyn did not qualify by the rules (41 games of regular season or one game of Cup final), but made it on appeal because he was with the team since training camp. &#9632;

f0016-04

Cup champs look to get younger now

<div class="byline">By Chuck Carlton</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-011307/7152984-1-eng-US/f0017-012.jpg" title="f0017-01" width="215" height="212"></div>Uwe Krupp might discov er sled-dog racing is more costly than he imagined. His hobby could endanger the remaining $12.3 million he is owed by the Detroit Red Wings.Standard contracts preclude players from competing in organized sports without the team's permission. Is Krupp's racing a breach of contract?&ldquo;That's what we're trying to find out,&rdquo; said Wings' GM Ken Holland.While Krupp has released his medical records to the Red Wings, he remains suspended without pay as the club explores the situation. The Wings want to settle the case before it goes to arbitration. Krupp and his agent, Rollie Thompson, indicated in June Krupp's career was probably over, ended by a herniated disc.Through the Internet, the Red Wings were able to document Krupp participated in at least five races at the same time he was sidelined by the injury.Krupp's representatives said Wings' management implicitly endorsed the defenseman's hobby when a teamsponsored program featured a story on Krupp and his racing.&ldquo;Uwe's activity as an amateur musher was not only known to the Red Wings, but it it something they congratulated him and commended him for,&rdquo; George Googasian, Krupp's lawyer, told the Detroit Free Press. &ldquo;And in no way should what he was doing be considered an athletic sport. This is not the level of activity as described in the contract.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Negotiators for the Wings and unsigned restricted free agent right winger Darren McCarty remained far enough apart that his return for the start of the regular season is doubtful. Detroit is offering $5 million on a three-year deal. McCarty is believed to be seeking about $6.7 million&hellip;Rookie defenseman Jiri Fischer. the team's first round pick in 1998 from Hull of the Quebec League, rebounded from a shaky opening pre-season game and could make the team. GM Ken Holland and Fischer's agent, Jiri Crha, still had to overcome some sticking points to get the rookie under contract&hellip;After vowing to take exhibition games more seriously, Detroit started the pre-season 4-0-1. Detroit went 26-1 during the 1998-99 exhibition schedule. &#9632;

f0017-01

Krupp in Wings' doghouse after mushing while hurt

<div class="byline">By Mario Annicchiarico</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-03716/7153015-1-eng-US/f0017-032.jpg" title="f0017-03" width="446" height="605"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ryan Smyth</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-02997/7153022-1-eng-US/f0017-022.jpg" title="f0017-02" width="215" height="211"></div>'kjjjjjjj/' Decisions, decisions, decisions. What's a guy to do?Well, when that guy is Ryan Smyth, it means taking a long, hard look at where your career is heading and what that next move will be. Jeopardize your career or risk alienating your NHL Players' Association brethren?Smyth's answer was look after No. 1, knowing full well he would have to put up with the ramifications.The 23-yeaf-old Edmonton Oilers' left winger opted to miss training camp last season while attempting to re-sign a contract, which left him way behind the pack come the regular season. This season, the restricted free agent chose to attend camp without a deal and take his chances that agent Don Meehan and GM Glen Sather could work one out.&ldquo;It was a pretty difficult decision,&rdquo; admitted Smyth, who hopes to return to the 39-goal level he attained in 199697. &ldquo;There's a lot of different things to think about, but my agent and I made a decision. It was tough, but I think it was for the better.&rdquo;Fellow Group II free agents Bill Guerin, Mike Grier and Roman Hamrlik opted to stay away without deals.&ldquo;I'm sure the other guys are probably a little upset with me,&rdquo; said Smyth, who took out an insurance policy to attend camp.&ldquo;I don't think they're too happy about it, but I like to think that in the end they respect my decision, just like I respect theirs.&rdquo;Smyth, coming off a 13-goal, 31-point campaign, had just two goals and two assists in his first 33 games last season and had no intentions of falling back into that trap.&ldquo;He's trying to do the right thing,&rdquo; Guerin said.&ldquo;He's doing what he thinks is right for him and everybody respects that. Hopefully they make it worth his while.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Right winger Bill Guerin and agent Bob Murray remained far apart in their contract negotiations with the Oilers, which brings back memories of 1997 when the former New Jersey power forward had it out with Devils' GM Lou Lamoriello. Only this time it's much more civil. That 1997 contract dispute lasted until Nov. 21 and ended with Guerin's trade demand that eventually landed him in Edmonton in January, 1998. &ldquo;Hopefully it doesn't take that long,&rdquo; Guerin said. He is prepared to sit out indefinitely as he looks for a substantial raise from his $1.5million salary of last season&hellip;Trish Kerr, vice-president of corporate communications and marketing, left for a similar position with Washington. &#9632;

f0017-03

Smyth's poor start last year calls for new plan of attack

<div class="byline">By David J. Neal</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011130/7153053-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="215" height="214"></div>That there has a leadership problem on the Florida Panthers the past two seasons isn't a debated point. But solving the problem isn't entirely the problem of captain Scott Mellanby.&ldquo;Like Pavel Bure can't score all the goals, you can't just have two or three guys be the leaders,&rdquo; Mellanby said. &ldquo;Everyone has to be a leader. And, we're such a young team that I've talked to some of the younger guys about it. Don't be shy to step forward.&rdquo;Mellanby's point was that with great individual ice time comes great team responsibility.There's an alternate captain to be decided upon with defenseman Gord Murphy traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. The other alternate captain is center Rob Niedermayer, whose light contributions in the second half last year were a heavy burden on the Panthers.Left winger Ray Whitney said players such as himself and Niedermayer need to be more vocal and positive in the dressing room, if only just with pats on the pads or encouraging words.One of the reasons defenseman Lance Pitlick was sought by the Panthers this summer is leadership. But, as for getting the other 'A'&hellip;&ldquo;I'd feel a bit uncomfortable because I am so new to this team and there are guys who have been here quite a few years,&rdquo; Pitlick said. &ldquo;But, if they do that, I'd happily accept it and be very flattered.&rdquo;Bure doesn't have much more time in Florida than Pitlick. He thought his role was more to lead by example by simply doing his job and giving the younger players, several of whom are Russian, the benefit of his 13 years in pro hockey.&ldquo;You have an 'A' or you don't, it's not going to make a difference-you still have to perform,&rdquo; Bure said. &ldquo;You can put three 'Cs' out there, but if you don't perform well, it's not going to help the team.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Florida's season ticket totals, despite the presence of right winger Pavel Bure, are down to between 12,000 and 13,000 from last year's total of just over 15.000.. During a Sept 21 conference call, Dr. James Andrews, who did the reconstruction on Bure's knee ligament in March, said at the time he wouldn't clear Bure to play until exactly six months after the surgery. That eliminated Bure from preseason games, but he should be available for the season opener&hellip;After coach Terry Murray swished a shot on the new basketball hoop outside the Panthers' National Car Rental Center dressing room, he was asked if he wanted Miami Heat coach Pat Riley's job. Murray replied, &ldquo;No, I want to play for him,&rdquo; Murray said. &#9632;

f0020-01

Panthers need leaders to emerge

<div class="byline">By Helene Elliott</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-02772/7153084-1-eng-US/f0020-022.jpg" title="f0020-02" width="215" height="217"></div>Ian Laperriere's duties with the Los Angeles Kings consist mainly of being as annoying as possible to opponents and igniting the crowd-and his teammates-with his spirited, fiery style of play.But after the Kings' first few exhibition games, the 25-year-old center found himself in the unaccustomed position of being among the team's scoring leaders, with four assists in three games.&ldquo;I hope he doesn't change his ways because he has had a little success,&rdquo; said a smiling Kings' coach, Andy Murray.There's little chance Laperriere will neglect his responsibilities. A favorite among King fans for his rattling checks and for maintaining an intensity too few of his teammates shared last season, he's serious about improving his game and contributing more this season in any way he can.&ldquo;I won't mind being a scorer,&rdquo; he said after recording two assists in the Kings' Great Western Forum finale, an 8-1 rout of the Mighty Ducks Sept. 20. &ldquo;I've got a different job this year, as a checker. I'll take that job. It's something I've been looking for since I've been in the league.&ldquo;The only thing I've got to do is keep working hard and hope good things happen.&rdquo;Laperriere, who had three goals, 13 points and 138 penalty minutes in 72 games last season, has a good chance to make an even bigger mark this season.That's because the Kings are weak up the middle after first line center Jozef Stumpel. Their projected second line center, Bryan Smolinski, wasn't impressive early in camp and rookie Jason Blake injured his right knee in a pre-season game and needed surgery that will keep him out of the lineup for the start of the season. Laperriere and free agent pickup Len Barrie capitalized on those circumstances, winning raves and playing time from Murray.Laperriere won't ever duplicate the eye-popping numbers he posted early in his career, when he racked up 140 points for Drummondville of the Quebec League in 1992-93 or the 113 points he scored in 1993-94. But Murray is pleased with the intangibles Laperriere brings to the Kings.&ldquo;His enthusiasm is contagious for the whole team and he brings energy to the dressing room,&rdquo; Murray said. &ldquo;He has shown a pretty good touch offensively, which is something we weren't expecting.&rdquo;Playing in the Kings' final game at the Forum didn't have a huge sentimental significance for Laperriere, who became a King in March of 1996 in a seven-player trade with the New York Rangers. However, he said he understood the fans' nostalgia for the building the Kings occupied for nearly 32 years-and he hopes the team can reward them and do even better in its new home.&ldquo;I've been here four years and we didn't have too many great moments to remember,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;What I remember is the playoffs two years ago, when the fans all came dressed in black. The fans were great and I'm sure they'll be back at the Staples Center.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Mattias Norstrom remained unsigned. He reduced his request from an average of $1.7 million over a three-year deal to $1.3 million for one year, but the Kings declined. Their offer is a three-year, $3.65-million deal or a one-year deal worth $1,045 million&hellip;Contrary to earlier published reports, defenseman Jere Karalahti was not arrested at a Finnish airport attempting to smuggle drugs into Finland. He was turned in by someone who was arrested at the airport and Karalahti was later arrested before a practice. The Kings assigned him to HIFK Helsinki of the Finnish Elite League Sept. 24 after he was unable to gain entry into the United States. He will report to the Kings once his visa application has been approved. &#9632;

f0020-02

Scrappy fan favorite Laperriere surprises with offensive flair

<div class="byline">By Legwold</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-04335/7153146-1-eng-US/f0020-042.jpg" title="f0020-04" width="215" height="215"></div>He is the old man-well, l older anyway-in what is still an ever-changing sea of youth around him.Cliff Ronning is the oldest Nashville Predator; he turns 34 Oct. 1. Ronning was also the Predators' leading scorer in the team's inaugural season, perhaps the greatest on-ice constant for a franchise still building itself from the ground up.&ldquo;Cliffy just loves the game,&rdquo; said coach Barry Trotz. &ldquo;If there were some kids playing some road hockey in the summer and there was one adult out there, Cliffy would probably be the guy. He is one of the best small men to ever play this game.&rdquo;In what was one of the larger fleecings last season. Predators' GM David Poile acquired Ronning and defenseman Richard Lintner from the Phoenix Coyotes for the low-cost of &ldquo;future considerations&rdquo; last Halloween.Ronning was caught on a Phoenix team looking to bring along youth at center and went to a team in Nashville desperate for some veterans to bring its youth along. He finished with 53 points in his 72 games in Nashville.&ldquo;I enjoyed playing in Phoenix, but this team has been a lot of fun,&rdquo; Ronning said. &ldquo;We're just starting as an organization and there's almost no ego here. There is great chemistry because I think guys are so thankful to have this chance and they realize how fortunate we all are.&rdquo;Ronning will again be this team's No. 1 center. And even as they try to work players of the future, such as David Legwand, into larger roles, Ronning also must be one of the offensive leaders.&ldquo;Cliffy is very creative, so we'll put someone with him on the wing who is a responsible player like (Patrie) Kjellberg or (Scott) Walker who can do the work down low and let Cliff create.&rdquo; Trotz said. &ldquo;We want to get the most out of Cliff and use his assets and the biggest of those is his creativity. He can make things happen for us.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: There was little movement in talks between restricted free agent goalie Mike Dunham and the Predators through mid-September. The team seems unwilling to stray too far from its $880,000 offer. Dunham is seeking something closer to the deal of the highest paid Predator, which is center Cliff Ronning at $1.7 million this season, coach Barry Trotz said it had approached the point where if and when Dunham does return he will have to battle to regain the No. 1 spot&hellip; Defenseman Richard Lintner. who was getting a long look at camp, took 25 stitches near his left eye after being high-sticked in a pre-season game against Florida Sept. 16. Lintner showed his mettle by returning to the game. &#9632;

f0020-04

Veteran at home on Predators

<div class="byline">By Rich Chore</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011021/7153177-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg" title="f0022-01" width="215" height="216"></div>Five years after his NHL career ended and his life began to spin out of control because of a losing battle with alcohol, Dave Maley decided he wanted one last chance.Maley began his comeback as a nonroster invitee with the New Jersey Devils. He is searching for a contract with any team, but mostly the 36-year-old is searching for peace of mind.&ldquo;I'm trying to play the game as a sober man,&rdquo; said Maley, who has played 466 NHL games. &ldquo;With the changes I've made, 1 didn't want to look back 10 years from now and say I didn't try.&rdquo;Maley last played in the NHL for the New York Islanders in 1993-94. His pro career came to a halt in 1996 playing for the International League's San Francisco Spiders.It was downhill from there.&ldquo;I think (drinking) cut my career short,&rdquo; Maley said.He entered a 12-step recovery program in San Jose and became an owner of in-line skating rinks on the West Coast. Then, he sent a check to the NHL Players' Association and became an agent, representing Sasha Lakovic and getting him a job with the Devils.This time, Maley asked for a chance and GM Lou Lamoriello responded.&ldquo;We're doing him a favor,&rdquo; Lamoriello said. &ldquo;I would not want anybody to interpret this by thinking he could come in here and make this hockey team.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello said the Devils have &ldquo;done what we can&rdquo; in negotiations with unsigned free agent forwards Patrik Elias and Brendan Morrison, suggesting any movement would have to come from the players. Both were playing in the Czech Republic, which is permitted up until the NHL season begins&hellip;Right winger Petr Sykora was slowed by a sore shoulder after missing five days of camp&hellip;Defenseman Mike Van Ryn, the team's top pick in 1998, turned down an offer to report to camp and signed with the Ontario League's Sarnia Sting after leaving the University of Michigan. . Right winger Randy McKay gave up the job as Devils' player rep, leaving the team without an official representative. &#9632;

f0022-01

Devils give Maley chance after five-year absence

<div class="byline">By Anthony McCarron</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-03505/7153208-1-eng-US/f0022-032.jpg" title="f0022-03" width="452" height="604"><figcaption class="caption-body">Roberto Luongo</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-02713/7153215-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="215" height="215"></div>It's a strange way to treat a treasured prospect and an odd way to announce who is going to be your No. 1 goalie.Time will tell what reverberations a fiasco created by New York Islanders' coach Butch Goring will have on the psyche of Roberto Luongo, who found out from reporters he was destined for demotion one day after Goring had said either Luongo or Felix Potvin would be on the team, not both.Goring called reporters at home hours later to revise his stance. He suggested he was misinterpreted.Adding to the bizarre mix, moments before reporters told Luongo about his ticket for Lowell (American League), Goring was asked how the 20-year-old took the news. &ldquo;He's fine with it. He understands pro hockey,&rdquo; Goring said.Goring apparently hadn't told Luongo about it and tried to make it appear he had. The next day, Goring still hadn't talked to Luongo, but a meeting with Milbury was a salve for Luongo's feelings. Afterward, Luongo said, &ldquo;I had a good talk with Mike and we discussed things and everything's all right now.&rdquo;The mess started when Goring was asked about last year's backup goalie, Wade Flaherty. Goring stressed Flaherty was going to be on the roster, though he had praised Luongo throughout camp.Then Goring said: &ldquo;Our feelings are Felix or Luongo will be here, one of the two.&rdquo; That prompted speculation that Potvin, acquired last Jan. 9, was on the trading block again.You could call it the three-hour goalie controversy, because later Goring said he meant Potvin was the starter, Flaherty was the backup and, though the team is thrilled with Luongo and the way he played in camp, he was going down.NOTEBOOK: Center Mats Lindgren agreed to a two-year, $1.475-million pact. Plans are for Lindgren to skate some at left wing on a line with former roommate in Edmonton, right winger Mariusz Czerkawksi. and center Tony Hrkac. The team will also use Lindgren at center as it searches for line combos&hellip;The Isles' demoted defenseman Vladimir Chebaturkin, a pleasant surprise in an eight-game callup late last season, after he reported to camp out of shape. The team brass was upset with the 24-year-old Russian, who they considered a lock to make the team&hellip;Center Tim Connolly. the team's top pick in the June draft, was impressive at camp, Goring called figuring out what to do with Connolly, &ldquo;one of our toughest decisions.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0022-03

Goring ignites controversy before Isles' season opens

<div class="byline">By Rick Carpiniello</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-04341/7153246-1-eng-US/f0022-042.jpg" title="f0022-04" width="214" height="213"></div>Kim Johnsson was almost an afterthought. The defenseman was selected with the final pick of the 1994 entry draft, No. 286 overall, by the then-new Stanley Cup champion New York Rangers.The moment Johnsson was selected, the team adjourned to a party across from the Hartford Civic Center, where the Cup was the focus more than the just-completed draft.Little did the Rangers know how that pick would work out. Johnsson. 23, not only has emerged as an NHL player, a lock to make the team in his first try, but Rangers' coach John Muckier is predicting he could turn into a top-four defenseman, a power play regular, if not an outright star.&ldquo;He has played exceptionally well,&rdquo; Muckier said. &ldquo;The only thing you're looking at now is, can he be consistent at that level of play. I think he was our top defenseman in the (early exhibition) games.&ldquo;He sees the ice very well and he skates very well,&rdquo; Muckier said of the 6-foot-l, 175-pounder who developed with Malmo of the Swedish Elite League. &ldquo;What I've heard of him, I never projected him to be this solid, or as good a skater as he is. I've heard people talk about him, but not in the vain where he can play on the power play. It's more than I expected.&rdquo;The confident, but shy Johnsson doesn't say much. He talks about how he can still get better and how the biggest difference in the NHL is &ldquo;you have to move the puck faster.&rdquo;When the Rangers opened the preseason in Detroit, Johnsson was crushed by Martin Lapointe. The Rangers' coaches immediately shifted their focus on how Johnsson would react. The rest of the period, Johnsson was flawless.&ldquo;He's going to be solid,&rdquo; said teammate Peter Popovic. &ldquo;He looks so mature on the ice. He's a good, skilled, smart young defenseman with talent, the kind of two-way player you can use on the power play or the penalty kill. And he's going to get better.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Right winger Pavel Brendl appeared destined to return to Calgary (Western League) for another season of junior. The fourth overall pick showed up in poor condition and played only 14 minutes in the team's first four pre-season games&hellip;Mike York was getting a chance to make the team as lhe No. 2 center. He was playing regularly with Theo Fleury on his right and Valeri Kamensky on his left&hellip;Center Tim Taylor, recovering from an appendectomy, expects to make it back in time for the season opener&hellip;Goalie Mike Richter (back spasms) missed all but one day of training camp scrimmages, plus the first three pre-season games, before returning Sept. 20 in a game against New Jersey. &#9632;

f0022-04

Last pick Johnsson impressive

<div class="byline">By Wayne Fish</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-07176/7153315-1-eng-US/f0022-072.jpg" title="f0022-07" width="213" height="212"></div>Mark Recchi lived Murphy's Law last season: Whatever could go wrong, did.At various points during the 1998-99 season, Recchi had: A bad case of pneumonia; commuted frequently to Pittsburgh for the birth of his family's first child; and suffered a serious concussion and subsequent vascular headaches.It was all the above and then some that sent Recchi from the high of a 570 consecutive-game streak (eighthlongest in NHL history) to the low of his least productive season.But a summer of rest, a new fiveyear, $25-million contract and a month or two of high intensity off-season workouts have Recchi thinking positively for 1999-2000.Recchi was one of the best-conditioned players in camp. Playing wife junior center Simon Gagne in some of the pre-season games, Recchi showed some of his old offensive touch.&ldquo;I had a bad year, I know that,&rdquo; Recchi said. &ldquo;But there were reasons why I had a bad year.&rdquo;Before Recchi took ill in November, he was among the top three scorers in the league. He tried to play through it to no avail and finished with 16 goals and 53 points in 71 games.Coach Roger Neilson has noticed a more intense Recchi than the one that was dragging at the end of last season.&ldquo;He has come in healthy and ready to go,&rdquo; Neilson said. &ldquo;I think our fans will see a lot different Mark Recchi this year.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Forwards Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg returned from back ailments to compete against the Philadelphia Phantoms (American League). Proceeds from the charity game went to the family of late Flyers' defenseman Dmitri Tertyshny. Also seeing their first action in that game were defensemen Eric Desjardins and Dan McGillis. Desjardins underwent knee surgery during the off-season and McGillis was out with a hip flexor injury&hellip;Center Simon Gagne scored a pair of goals in the Flyers' 6-1 win over the Phantoms. If he makes the team, coach Roger Neilson indicated he might put Gagne on the second line and move Rod Brind'Amour to right wing, possibly on the Lindros-LeClair line. &#9632;

f0022-07

Intense Recchi in camp after season of bad luck

<div class="byline">By Bob McManaman</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-01913/7153346-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg" title="f0023-01" width="216" height="216"></div>They traded away Cliff Ronning. They lost Mike Stapleton in the expansion draft. They chose not to re-sign Bob Corkum. And they plan to let Robert Reichel rot until he either comes to his senses or they can swing a deal to move him.But despite the exodus of centers, the Phoenix Coyotes somehow still managed to have a logjam down the middle of their lineup. The only center with a clear-cut idea of where he will play is Jeremy Roenick, but even he has been bouncing around different lines in camp.It's a safe bet Roenick will center the team's top line with Keith Tkachuk and Dallas Drake, but after that it's a crapshoot. Coach Bob Francis has looked at dozens of combinations and still had choices to make. Behind Roenick, as many as six players were battling for pivot positions on the other three lines.There's Travis Green, obtained in a trade from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Juha Ylonen, the third-year pro from Finland, is expected to provide more offense by playing in a less-restrictive role. And Mike Sullivan, one of the Coyotes' better defensive forwards, is also up for a center's spot.Then there are the two youngsters, Daniel Briere and Trevor Letowski. They are offense-minded speedsters with nearly identical dimensions. Briere is 5foot-9, 185 pounds; Letowski is 5-foot10, 175. So far, it has been very close, with Letowski owning a slight edge based on a solid pre-season showing.But to see Letowski, 22, a seventh round pick, in a race with Briere, 21, a first round draft choice, is one of the bigger surprises in Phoenix. Briere, after all, entered the pro ranks with all the bells and whistles. He tore up the Quebec League in junior (416 points in three seasons) and won rookie-of-the-year honors in the American League in 1997-98.Briere had eight goals and 22 points in 64 games with Phoenix last season. Towards the end of the year, though, he was sent to the minors. Letowski netted 32 goals and 67 points for Springfield.Francis is impressed with Letowski.&ldquo;We mixed things up and let Trevor play with (Mika) Alatalo and (Rick) Tocchet and they were effective,&rdquo; Francis said. &ldquo;Sometimes, you just stumble into it and once you stumble into it, it makes sense. I've been impressed with Trevor. Danny, too, but Danny needs to score.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Coyotes have rescinded their three-year, $9-million offer to goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, who is reportedly seeking a deal averaging $5 million per season. He made $1.25 million last year. 'There is no longer any offer,&rdquo; said Coyotes' owner Richard Burke&hellip;Center Travis Green returned Sept 22 after separating his shoulder&hellip;Defenseman Jyrki Lumme is expected to be ready for the start of the season following extensive surgery on his shoulder and arm&hellip;Left winger Keith Tkachuk and right winger Dallas Drake-linemates, best friends and roommates on the road-celebrated the births of their second children two days apart in the summer. Their first kids were bom six days apart 20 months ago. &#9632;

f0023-01

Competition tough at center despite exodus of pivots

<div class="byline">By Joe Starkey</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-02597/7153377-1-eng-US/f0023-022.jpg" title="f0023-02" width="216" height="217"></div>The lowest draft pick in Pittsburgh Penguins' history was a good bet to make the team as training camp headed into its final week.But the fact defenseman Hans Jonsson was an 11th round draft pick-286th, last overall-is only half the story. The other part is he was drafted way back in 1993. He has spent the past six seasons with MoDo of the Swedish Elite League, improving his game to the point where he was named an all-star last season (three goals, seven points, 40 penalty minutes in 41 games).The Penguins kept their eye on Jonsson, 26, and signed him to a contract this summer. What they see now is a solidly built, mobile defenseman who has impressed the coaches from Day 1. Jonsson stands 6-foot-l and weighs 205 pounds.&ldquo;He's real involved, meaning he's competitive,&rdquo; said Penguins' coach Kevin Constantine. &ldquo;He gets into the play and likes to get his nose dirty.&rdquo;Jonsson broke his leg the year after the Penguins drafted him and missed several months of action. But he kept progressing after that and the Penguins monitored him at events such as the World Championship.&ldquo;Every time we saw him play, he would do something,&rdquo; said Penguins' head scout Greg Malone.Jonsson has always kept one goal in mind.&ldquo;I always wanted to play in the NHL,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I know the best players in the world are here.&rdquo;If Jonsson makes the team-and there was every indication he would-he would be the only player from the Penguins' 1993 draft on their opening night roster.He was so impressive in camp, even his misfires drew praise. His slapshot off the goalpost in an exhibition game against the New York Islanders (a 3-2 Islanders' win) Sept. 11 left Constantine aghast.&ldquo;That puck hitting the pipe was the loudest sound the puck's ever made on the pipe in the history of me coaching and that's a long time,&rdquo; Constantine said. &ldquo;There will be some little details that he needs to pick up because he's brand new to our system and our style, but we're fairly impressed right now.&rdquo;Jonsson had yet to score in the pre-season, but had registered two assists.NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Darius Kasparaitis thought his contract impasse would end Sept. 17, but talks broke off with the sides $400,000 apart on a twoyear deal. Kasparaitis was asking for $1.55 million this season and $1.75 next season. The Penguins were offering $1.4 million and $1.5 million. &ldquo;I think we're going to work something out,&rdquo; Kasparaitis said. &ldquo;The odds are good. It's not like we're talking millions of dollars (apart)."&hellip;Coach Kevin Constantine had a difficult day Sept. 22, when he had to inform veteran left winger Bob Errey he'd been released. Errey, who turned 35 Sept. 21, was captain of Constantine's first NHL team, the 1993-94 San Jose Sharks. &ldquo;Bob was a great captain,&rdquo; Constantine said. &ldquo;He helped me my first year in the NHL get through how to coach in this league and he was part of probably one of the biggest upsets when we beat Detroit (in the 1994 playoffs).&rdquo; &#9632;

f0023-02

Jonsson goes from longshot to good shot six years later

<div class="byline">By Dave Luecklng</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-03418/7153408-1-eng-US/f0023-032.jpg" title="f0023-03" width="217" height="216"></div>Although Barret Jackman was returned to his junior team in Regina, Sask., he made a strong first impression at the St. Louis Blues' training camp.The 18-year-old defenseman, the Blues' first pick (17th overall) in the 1999 entry draft, was the talk of camp, receiving rave reviews from both players and coaches.&ldquo;He's going to be a fan favorite here in the near future,&rdquo; predicted 1999 Norris Trophy-winner Al Maclnnis. &ldquo;He's a strong kid. He brings a physical presence out there.&rdquo;&ldquo;St. Louis fans will like him, for sure,&rdquo; said fellow blueliner Chris Pronger. &ldquo;They tend to like the scrappier individuals. He's certainly feisty.&rdquo;Jackman, who had eight goals, 44 points and 259 penalty minutes in 70 games with the Western League's Pats last season, is similar to Pronger in that regard. Center Craig Conroy referred to Jackman as &ldquo;a little Pronger out there. He's tough and he uses his stick.&rdquo;Like the 6-foot-5 Pronger, Jackman (6-feet, 205 pounds) plays with an edge, defending his end of the ice with ferocious intensity. He'll push, slug and slash to keep an opponent away from his net. And he can handle himself in a fight.Jackman is considered small relative to today's NHL defensemen, but he said he lives by the adage that &ldquo;it's not the dog in the fight, it's the fight in the dog.&rdquo;&ldquo;He might be small in stature, but he has a big presence to him,&rdquo; said coach Joel Quenneville.&ldquo;He controls the scrum areas and doesn't get pushed off the puck. That's what it's all about. If you're getting pushed around and you're little, it's tough to play defense. If you're strong and in good position, you'll overcome that.&ldquo;He's a tough kid and he has gotten better and better each and every game. He could be a quick study. His recognition of (on-ice situations) is improving.&rdquo;Despite his improvement, Jackman was sent back to Regina Sept. 24 after signing a three-year contract. The Blues had eight defensemen in camp with NHL contracts and management sees no reason to rush Jackman.&ldquo;It's a big jump for an 18-year-old kid,&rdquo; Quenneville said. &ldquo;He played pretty well, but the group we have now on defense is established and it may be hard to replace these guys right off the hop.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Team president Mark Sauer said the purchase of the Vancouver Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association by Blues' owners Nancy and Bill Laurie would not affect the Blues' operation. Tt's business as usual for the Blues,&rdquo; Sauer said. There is speculation the Grizzlies may move to St. Louis following the 1999-2000 NBA season&hellip;Veteran Jamie McLennan claimed the backup goaltending job when Brent Johnson suffered a Grade 1 sprain of the right knee Sept. 21 that will sideline him for two weeks. Johnson had a 0.95 goals-against average and a .965 save percentage in three pre-season games&hellip;Left winger Jochen Hecht figures to start the season on center Pierre Turgeon's No. 1 unit&hellip;Right winger Jim Campbell and defenseman Jamie Rivers were on the bubble with a week to go in camp. They were left unprotected in the waiver draft. &#9632;

f0023-03

Feisty Jackman shows signs he'll be future fan favorite

<div class="byline">By Dan Wood</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-01991/7153439-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg" title="f0024-01" width="212" height="215"></div>Niklas Sundstrom arrived in San Jose with a reputation for strong two-way play. It looks as if the Sharks received exactly what they were seeking in the former New York Rangers' winger.&ldquo;He's what everybody said he was,&rdquo; said coach Darryl Sutter. &ldquo;He'll fit well. He's a smart player.&rdquo;With the addition of Sundstrom, the product of an Aug. 4 trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Sharks have at least seven forwards capable of playing on the first or second lines. Sutter began with a combination of Sundstrom on right wing, Marco Sturm on the left and Patrick Marleau at center. Sundstrom might also see duty with center Mike Ricci on what could shape up as an outstanding checking line.&ldquo;(Sundstrom is) the type of guy who isn't very flashy, that you're not going to notice,&rdquo; Sutter said. &ldquo;Those are the type of guys who complement whoever they play with. You can basically use them how you want. I think he's going to be real reliable.&rdquo;Sundstrom. 24, certainly has some offensive ability. He had 24 goals and 52 points for the Rangers in 1996-97 and 19 goals the following season before dropping off to 13 goals and 43 points last season.&ldquo;Why the Sharks got me, I guess, is they like the way I play,&rdquo; Sundstrom said. &ldquo;I'm just going to continue to play the same way I've been playing. Of course, I'm going to try to score as many goals as possible.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Defenseman Brad Stuart, the third overall selection in the 1998 entry draft, will receive approximately $975,000 annually as part of a three-year contract signed Sept. 18. Stuart, who made a strong early showing in his bid for a roster spot, can also earn nearly $2 million more per year in performance bonuses&hellip;With GM Dean Lombardi and coach Darryl Sutter each entering the final year of his contract, team president Greg Jamison said preliminary talks have begun on a potential new deal for Lombardi. In turn, Lombardi had begun informal discussions regarding an extension for Sutter&hellip;With the return of defenseman Marcus Ragnarsson. who sustained a sprained ankle early in training camp, the Sharks were injury-free. &#9632;

f0024-01

Steady newcomer Sundstrom living up to advance billing

<div class="byline">By Tom Jones</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-03444/7153470-1-eng-US/f0024-032.jpg" title="f0024-03" width="453" height="602"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brian Bradley</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-02675/7153477-1-eng-US/f0024-022.jpg" title="f0024-02" width="215" height="214"></div>Four days after taking a vicious check from Phillipe Boucher of the Los Angeles Kings at the Great Western Forum Nov. 6, 1997.Brian Bradley was playing golf. He thought the slight headache he had would go away and he would be back playing in a week.That was nearly two years ago and Bradley still hasn't played. And he never will, at least not professionally. Citing post-concussion syndrome, Bradley, the Lightning's alltime leading scorer, announced his retirement Sept. 24 after 13 NHL years.&ldquo;I still have headaches every day.&rdquo; Bradley told the St. Petersburg Times. &ldquo;Maybe if I had broke my arm, 1 could wear a cast. But the doctor told me, 'This is your brain. If you take another hit, you could die.' AU the doctors told me they would never clear me to play, so I might as weU retire.&rdquo;Bradley said he stiU sleeps about 14 hours a day-when he is not plagued by headaches. To this day, Bradley refuses to look at a tape of the hit and said he holds no iU feelings toward Boucher.&ldquo;I'm feeling a lot better now than 1 did, but I'm still nowhere near 100 per cent,&rdquo; Bradley said. &ldquo;They said it could take one-to-four years to recover.&rdquo;Bradley played for the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs before being taken by the Lightning in the 1992 expansion draft. He had 42 goals. still a Lightning single-season record, during the team's first season. He is the Lightning's aU-time leader in goals (111), assists (189) and points (300).Bradley and his family wiU continue to make their home in Tampa. &ldquo;I'd like to stay involved with the (team),&rdquo; Bradley said. &ldquo;I just wish I could stiU play. It's so frustrating. I'm tired of the head-aches. I'm tired of feeUng brutal. I wish I could feel better again. And 1 wish my career didn't have to end this way.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: Right winger Stephane Richer is anxious to prove he can contribute after a difficult 1998-99. Richer had just 12 goals and 33 points in 64 games during a season in which he was hampered by an ankle injury. That ailment prompted some teammates to question Richer's heart. Richer wants to put that behind him. &ldquo;I know people are watching me,&rdquo; Richer said. &ldquo;I want to show them I'm willing to play, that I want to play. I know this team is counting on me and I want to show that I'm going to be there for them."&hellip;The Lightning are offering a money-back guarantee for the Oct. 2 home opener against the Islanders. If any fan is not satisfied with his entertainment value, they can get a full refund for his ticket-no questions asked. &#9632;

f0024-03

Concussion KOs Bradley as Liohtninq leader retires

<div class="byline">By Ken Campbell</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-04287/7153508-1-eng-US/f0024-042.jpg" title="f0024-04" width="214" height="212"></div>Nikolai Antropov almost certainly won't be crossing the Atlantic Ocean this season, but he might get a chance to dip his toe into it once a while.The Toronto Maple Leafs' rookie center, who was chosen 10th overaU in the 1998 entry draft, was making a positive impression in training camp. He was named first star after scoring his first pre-season goal in a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames Sept. 22 and has exhibited a package of skiUs that indicate he's a potential impact player.The 6-foot-5, 191-pounder demonstrates terrific vision and poise to go along with a hard, heavy shot and his skating, while choppy, is not the detriment to his game some hockey observers beheved it would be.But Antropov's emergence has the Leafs in something of a quandary. Antropov has already said he has no intention of returning to Russia to play another season for Moscow Dynamo and while the Leafs still pay Up service to the possibility of returning him there, all indicators are that he will stay in North America.It's unhkely Antropov could withstand the rigors of an 82-game NHL season just yet, so the Leafs must decide whether they'll assign him to the St. John's Maple Leafs of the American League-located in Newfoundland on Canada's east coast-or to the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario League.&ldquo;Were not at the point yet where we are ready to make what we deem as a very important decision,&rdquo; said Leafs' coach-GM Pat Quinn.The Leafs are not obliged to send Antropov to junior because he has yet to play in the OHL. There's Uttle doubt he has the talent to play in the AHL, but by sending him to junior he would be given the chance to dominate in a league with his peers and would also be freed up to play once again for Kazakhstan in the World Junior Championship.Antropov had five goals and 14 points in 30 games last year.NOTEBOOK: Center Alyn McCauley's career was still on hold following a Sept. 22 appointment with Dr. James Kelly in Chicago. Neurological tests were inconclusive and McCauley, whose season was ended last March with a concussion, must undergo further examinations&hellip; Jonas Hoglund. signed as a free agent over the summer with the thought he might be a good fit as the left winger on the first line, had no points in five pre-season games&hellip;There had been some progress reported in late September in negotiations with free agent defensemen Dimitri Yushkevich and Bryan Berard, who were ordered to stay away from camp, but not enough to suggest a deal was in the immediate future. &#9632;

f0024-04

Leafs must decide on Antropov

<div class="byline">By Elliott Pap</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-06156/7153539-1-eng-US/f0024-062.jpg" title="f0024-06" width="453" height="609"><figcaption class="caption-body">Dave Scatchard</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-05191/7153546-1-eng-US/f0024-052.jpg" title="f0024-05" width="213" height="216"></div>As an unheralded second round pick in 1994, Van-couver Canucks' center Dave Scatchard went through a first-contract negotia-tion that, never made a headline. His second one was a radically different story, however.The 23-year-old from Salmon Arm, B.C., was one of three Canuck players who missed the start of training camp due to a contract squabble. But unlike defensemen Adrian Aucoin and Ed Jovanovski, Scatchard missed only 10 days before agreeing to a three-year deal for $1,875 million (U.S.). He will make $575,000 this season, followed by $625,000 and $675,000. He had set his sights higher and did not enjoy the public nature of the negotiation. He earned $350,000 (Cdn) in 1998-99.'Tm sony to the people of Vancouver for having to listen to all this stuff,&rdquo; Scatchard said. &ldquo;This team has had enough distractions over the last few years. It was a tough situation to have to go through and now I just want to play. I never liked the business side of hockey. It's unfortunate it had to work out this way, but it's over with.&rdquo;The &ldquo;stuff&rdquo; to which Scatchard referred was, among other things, a trading of insults between his agent.Carlos Sosa, and Canucks' assistant GM Dave Nonis, who negotiates all player contracts.Nonis told reporters he felt the gritty center was receiving terrible advice.&ldquo;I think the only person or people who have gotten worse advice are the baseball umpires,&rdquo; Nonis stated.Sosa, who has been practising law for 20 years, was unfazed by the attack on his competence.&ldquo;I'm a big boy, I can take it,&rdquo; he responded. &ldquo;I don't know how he would judge the calibre of advice because he's never been in a fiduciary position in his life, at least not that 1 know of.&rdquo;NOTEBOOK: The Canucks' 1998 first round pick, injury-prone defenseman Bryan Allen, who was expected to win a job this season, had arthroscopic knee surgery and is sidelined under late October. It's the same troublesome left knee that he seriously injured last season. Since August of 1998, Allen has injured both knees, a shoulder and suffered a broken foot&hellip;Defenseman Mattias Ohlund is sidelined indefinitely with an injury to his eyeball&hellip;Stephen Bellringer, the president of Orca Bay and the immediate superior to GM Brian Burke, resigned from the company to take a job in the hotel industry. He was replaced by owner John McCaw's chief lieutenant, Stan McCammon. &#9632;

f0024-06

Scatchard's deal signals end to silly war of words

<div class="byline">By Kevin Oklobzija</div>Eighteen years after he became the first American to go straight from high school to the NHL, Bobby Carpenter has been sent to the American League-as a coach.At the urging of New Jersey Devils' GM Lou LamorieHo, Carpenter agreed to start a new career in hockey as an assistant under John Cunniff with the Albany River Rats.&ldquo;I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, I thought about different options and Lou more or less kind of talked me into it,&rdquo; said the 36-year-old Carpenter, who never played in the minors.Carpenter finished his 18-year NHL career last season with the Devils, scoring two goals and 10 points in 56 games as a checking center. The Beverly, Mass., native-who is the sixth American ever to surpass 1,000 NHL games (1,178)&mdash; scored 320 goals and 728 points for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins and Devils.While he would have played again this season had the opportunity presented itself, Carpenter realized the time had come to walk away and start a new career.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-01970/7153608-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="564" height="569"></div>&ldquo;I didn't think there was going to be any room for myself (as a player), especially when they dropped the roster from 24 to 23,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;And leaving really wasn't hard. I was wondering if that's how I should feel or not, but maybe I was just ready for that change. I was at peace of mind with how my career ended.&rdquo;The question he had to answer was, what would his new career be? When Lamoriello suggested he join the Albany staff to work with the Devils' prospects, Carpenter agreed. He had served as a pseudo-coach at USA Hockey's camp for the national junior team in 1998 and realized he enjoyed working with younger players.&ldquo;I don't think I ever seriously considered coaching (while I was playing),&rdquo; Carpenter said, &ldquo;but when I was with the junior national team I was talking with the kids and was on the ice with them and I really enjoyed myself.&ldquo;I think that helped me make this decision. Plus, I know some of these guys, having gone to three or four (training) camps with them, so that helped, too.&rdquo;THE ANIMAL'S A BEAR: Frank Bialowas, the most popular player in the brief history of the Philadelphia Phantoms, is now a member of the hated rival Hershey Bears.Bialowas, traded at mid-season a year ago to the Chicago organization, signed as a free agent with Hershey in mid-September after being bought out of his contract by the Blackhawks.The 30-year-old left winger has accumulated 1,433 penalty minutes, along with 21 goals and 51 points, in six AHL seasons. That includes 12 goals, 27 points and 539 minutes in 2 1/2 seasons with the Phantoms, where Bialowas jerseys were seemingly everywhere in the First Union Spectrum during games.Hershey decided a tough-guy winger was needed because Scott Parker and Chris Dingman were having solid camps with the parent Colorado Avalanche and may not return to the Bears.Considering Colorado coach Bob Hartley was a big part of the intensity of the Hershey-Philadelphia rivalry when he coached the Bears, the signing of Bialowas made a lot of sense.&ldquo;Our toughness up front might be staying in Colorado and we thought we had to address it,&rdquo; said Hershey GM Doug Yingst.Bialowas was bothered by knee problems last season and played only 30 games (three assists, penalty minutes). But Yingst said he passed an extensive medical examination.FORMAT CHANGE: Instead of the higher-seeded teams automatically starting the playoffs at home, those teams now have the option of playing a 1-3-1 road-home-road format for the best-of-five first round of the Calder Cup playoffs.The switch, approved by the board of governors Sept. 15, rewards the higher seeds by providing prime weekend home dates if they choose to play Game 1 on the road in midweek.&ldquo;We think it's a pretty progressive move and it's certainly unique,&rdquo; said AHL president Dave Andrews. &ldquo;It gives the team that earned the higher seed a significant competitive advantage and also a business advantage in terms of weekend dates.&rdquo; &#9632;

f0028-01

LEAGUES

Carpenter looking forward to constructing new career

<div class="byline">By John Packet</div>When Dave Berryman speaks of the challenge in Little Rock, Ark., he's not just referring to starting an expansion franchise there.Berryman and his brother, Tim, are trying to get the Arkansas RiverB lades off the ground, but they also have to deal with another minor league team in the Arkansas capital.The Arkansas GlacierCats of the Western Pro League operated out of aging Barton Coliseum in 1998-99, averaging 4,236 in the 8,000-seat arena. While it appears they are infringing on another league's territory, the RiverBlades were vying with the GlacierCats for a Little Rock franchise at the same time.&ldquo;They were in competition to get the lease at the Alltel Arena just like we were,&rdquo; said Dave Berryman, president and CEO of the RiverBlades. &ldquo;And through the process, when they sensed they weren't going to get the lease, they opted to go into this other facility, hoping that would put some pressure on the city to (lean towards the GlacierCats).&rdquo;The city chose the RiverBlades to be the occupants of Alltel Arena, a stateof-the-art facility that seats 16.377 and is set to open in October.&ldquo;We're so focused in on what we &ldquo;have to do from a local perspective that, to be honest with you, T almost don't know they (GlacierCats) are in town,&rdquo; Dave Berryman said. &ldquo;It was difficult the first year, trying to get the building"ompleted. But everything is going along nicely now.&rdquo;<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02647/7153639-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg" title="f0028-02" width="502" height="528"></div>Berryman said the RiverBlades conducted a marketing research study that indicated 87 per cent of potential fans preferred going to a game at Alltel Arena.The Berryman brothers turned the Louisiana IceGators into a minor league success story when they went to Lafayette,La., in 1995 with an expansion team. The IceGators averaged a near-capacity 11,400 in their second season in the Cajundome.RULE CHANGES: The board of governors approved the recommendations of the rules committee to help speed up games.There will be automatic icing as soon as the puck crosses the goal line and delayed offside returns to the ECHL after a two-year absence. Players will be given a chance to return to the neutral zone before offside is called. After each stoppage of play, the linesman will blow his whistle, signifying each team has five seconds to line up for the faceoff. Players not lined up are subject to being removed from the faceoff or may even incur a delay of game penalty.The format for the 2000 Kelly Cup playoffs will remain the same as last season: Eight teams from the Northern Conference and 11 from the Southern Conference will qualify for post-season play.COAST LINES: Center Kevin Hilton, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime for the Mississippi Sea Wolves in Game 7 of the Kelly Cup final, signed with the Charlotte Checkers Sept. 17 as a free agent. The Checkers also dealt the rights to right winger J.F. Aube to the Sea Wolves for cash. &#9632;

f0028-02

Berryman Bros, face unusual competition at home

<div class="byline">By Tim Campbell</div>For the second time in his career, Marty Howe has filled a hole for John Anderson.More than 10 years ago, while he was a right winger with the Hartford Whalers, Anderson was rummaging around in his attic and nearly fell through the floor, knocking out at least six feet of the sheetrock ceiling below.Howe, a former Whaler and an acquaintance in the construction business, came to the rescue.Fast-forward to August of this summer and Anderson, coach of the Chicago Wolves, had a gap to fill with his IHL team because of the departure of assistant Matt Shaw to the United League's Quad City Mallards.Again the call went out to Howe, now 45, still in the construction business and out of hockey for the last two years.&ldquo;I remember that hole in his ceiling,&rdquo; said Howe, son of hockey great Gordie Howe. &ldquo;They had a real nice house, kind of open between the kitchen and family room and in the middle, there was just six feet of sheetrock hanging there where his foot had gone through.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-03461/7153670-1-eng-US/f0028-032.jpg" title="f0028-03" width="925" height="377"></div>&ldquo;I couldn't help but laugh, even though John's wife Karen was so upset, like her house was ruined.&rdquo;Howe is moving into a well-constructed International League franchise. Under Anderson, the Wolves won the 1998 Turner Cup and put up a strong defense last spring, losing in seven games to eventual champion Houston in the Western Conference final.Having played 12 pro seasons between 1974 and 1985, then dabbling in some lower-level minor league coaching, Howe was sure he wanted another chance. His stints with Flint and Utica of the Colonial League and Gaylord of the North American Junior Hockey League didn't leave him with a satisfied feeling.&ldquo;This is unexpected, but a real great opportunity,&rdquo; Howe said. &ldquo;When I was in the Colonial League, I didn't really have good situations and I didn't want to have that again. I really thought I was probably out of the game.&rdquo;The chance to return at a high minor league level is a chance Howe hopes to build upon.&ldquo;I'll see how it goes, but I'd like it to be longterm,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But the way coaching is, you never know.&rdquo;Gordie Howe, who shared two Avco Cups as World Hockey Association champions with Marty and Mark in Houston in 1974 and 1975, is pleased for his son.&ldquo;He just said if I'm happy, he's happy,&rdquo; Marty Howe said. &ldquo;Even when we were kids, we never got too much advice from him. Right now, he's so darned busy. My mom's got him going all over the place so he doesn't have much time to worry about anything else.&rdquo;HELP ON WAY: Three Western Conference rivals received good news as September wound down, getting proven goalies from NHL teams.Defending Turner Cup-champion Houston Aeros will again be home for former first-team all-star goalie Frederic Chabot, who is Montreal Canadiens' property.In Utah, the St. Louis Blues have placed Rich Parent with the Grizzlies. Parent has had previous stints with the Detroit Vipers and Manitoba Moose. The Calgary Flames, meanwhile, have sent Andrei Tre-filov, 30, to the Chicago Wolves, who already have 36-year-old Wendell Young under contract.NOONAN JOINS DEN: The Wolves have added veterans in other areas as well.NHL veteran winger Brian Noonan, signed as a free agent by the Phoenix Coyotes late last season, returns to Chicago. He had played previously for the NHL's Blackhawks.The Wolves have also added promising youngster Sean Berens, who played for the now-dormant Las Vegas Thunder last season, and signed returning defenseman Glen Featherstone.ZALAPSKI GOES TO DOGS: They may have lost all-star defenseman Dan Lambert, but the Long Beach Ice Dogs have found an experienced player to fill the void.The Ice Dogs signed former NHL defenseman Zarley Zalapski for the 1999-2000 season. Zalapski, 31, played in Switzerland last season. In 625 NHL games, he scored 99 goals and 382 points.Lambert will spend the upcoming season in Germany after joining the Cologne Sharks. &#9632;

f0028-03

Howe to the rescue again, assists old pal Anderson

<div class="byline">By Jim Cressman</div>Just like the Canadian Mounties, the Sarnia Sting got their man.Three years after drafting defenseman Mike Van Ryn, the 20-year-old signed with the Ontario League team for an overage season. Van Ryn left the University of Michigan after two seasons, saying the OHL better suits his developmental needs.&ldquo;Sarnia was always an option and the 68 games in the OHL is huge,&rdquo; Van Ryn said. &ldquo;They're 68 NHL-style games. I was content when I was at school, but it was time for something to happen.&rdquo;Van Ryn was the New Jersey Devils' first round pick (26th overall) in 1998, but as long as he was in school he couldn't negotiate a contract or he'd lose his scholarship. Now the Devils must sign him by June 1, 2000, or he becomes an unrestricted free agent.Van Ryn said his decision to join the Sting has nothing to do with a contract.&ldquo;I hope something comes about with New Jersey, but that's up to my representatives,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Speeding up the process wasn't a concern. I'm not trying to get away from New Jersey.&rdquo;For now, Van Ryn is receiving the standard $150 a week as an overager. Other OHL players receive $50 a week.The Sting selected Van Ryn in the eighth round in 1996, although he had warned OHL teams he was going to accept a scholarship at Michigan the next year. But the Sting never gave up his rights and kept him on their 40-player protected list.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-01860/7153701-1-eng-US/f0029-012.jpg" title="f0029-01" width="936" height="315"></div>Van Ryn captained the 1999 Canadian junior team and had already been voted a co-captain at Michigan this year. Sarnia coach-GM Mark Hunter named Van Ryn his captain.HIGHWAY HERO: Brian Kilrea is a reluctant hero, but his quick action averted a disaster.The Ottawa 67's coach-GM jumped from his seat and grabbed the steering wheel of the team bus as it headed for a ditch on Highway 401 Sept. 11.The 67's were returning home after an exhibition game in Belleville when driver Mike Summers slowed down and began to pull onto the shoulder.&ldquo;I asked Mike if there was something wrong with the bus. He said 'No, it's me,' &ldquo; said Kilrea, who was sitting in the front seat to the right of the driver. &ldquo;We then got off the shoulder and I could see the tree line was only 40 or 50 feet away. Mike was blacking out and started falling out of his seat. I jumped up and with my hip I kept him from falling and at the same time, I grabbed the wheel and began turning it to the left.&rdquo;Kilrea was able to maneuver the bus back up onto the shoulder where, with the rear wheels in the loose gravel, it came to a stop.&ldquo;I'm not a hero; I just happened to be in the front seat,&rdquo; Kilrea said. &ldquo;All the credit to Mike. Luckily he had the presence of mind to start pulling off the road when he realized something was wrong.&rdquo;No one on the bus was injured. Tests on the driver proved negative.THEY'LL TALK: Former 67's captain Nick Boynton and teammate Mark Bell hope a mediator will resolve their assault charges, rather than a judge. The two were charged after an Ottawa taxi driver suffered a cut forehead, a split lip and bruised ribs during an incident days before Ottawa played in the Memorial Cup last May.&ldquo;It's designed so the parties can make up,&rdquo; said Boynton's lawyer, Mark Wallace. &ldquo;How long that takes depends on how far apart they are at the beginning of the mediation.&rdquo;FRONTS' DOORS CLOSED: A labor dispute between the City of Kingston and its municipal employees forced the postponement of the Kingston Frontenacs' home opener Sept. 24 against the Memorial Cup-champion Ottawa 67's. No makeup date has yet been announced. &#9632;

f0029-01

Van Ryn: From U.S. college to Ontario League captain

<div class="byline">By Gordie Sutherland</div>Hull Olympiques' coach Claude Julien may have followed the Detroit Red Wings' training camp as closely as Scotty Bowman.At least when it came to Czech defenseman Jiri Fischer.Of all the 19-year-old Quebec League players trying to crack NHL rosters this season, Fischer and Boston Bruins' prospect Jonathan Girard have the best chance of extended stays.Detroit brass have already compared Fischer to Larry Robinson and he's rated the No. 7 defenseman on the team's depth chart.&ldquo;How far the Hull Olympiques go, he's certainly going to play a big role whether he's back or not,&rdquo; Julien said. &ldquo;He's one of our leaders.&ldquo;It will be interesting to sei what they do with him. He's much bigger again this year. It's almost to the point where he's too strong for this league, but I'm not sure he's ready to play a regular shift with Detroit.&rdquo;Fischer, drafted 25th over all in 1998, doesn't have a weakness in his game. His impressive mobility complements his size-6-foot-5 and 220 pounds-and he can score, as his 78 points last season attest.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-02556/7153732-1-eng-US/f0029-022.jpg" title="f0029-02" width="702" height="644"></div>If Fischer stays in Detroit, his agent, Jiri Crha, and the Wings must agree on a contract by Oct. 1 before he can make his home in Motown.The Olympiques already have Czech forward Michal Pine waiting in the wings in case Fischer stays in Detroit. Each team is limited to two imports and if Fischer returns, Hull will have to release one of Fischer, Pine or Radim Vrbata.HOCKEY PIONEER PASSES AWAY: Robert LeBel, the QMJHL's first president and a driving force behind the formation of the league, died Sept. 20, one day before his 93rd birthday.LeBel, who helped facilitate the merger of the Metropolitan League and the provincial Jr. A league, served as president from 1969 to 1975 and was the first inductee into the QMJHL Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970; was president of the Canadian Hockey Association from 1957 to 1959; and was the first Canadian to serve as International Ice Hockey Federation president, from 1960 to 1962.A QMJHL conference is named in his honor.TIME WILL TELL: Rebuild or try to repeat.That's the question Bathurst Titan owner Leo-Guy Morrissette is mulling over.The defending league champions have graduated blue-chip goalie Roberto Luongo and started the 1999-2000 campaign minus seven of their top eight scorers from last year.But Morrissette won't determine the Titan's direction until getting the final word on defenseman Jonathan Girard and overage forwards Mathieu Benoit and Gregor Baumgartner Girard is making a bid for a spot on the Boston Bruins' blueline, while Benoit, who had 62 goals last year, is trying for a job with the New Jersey Devils' American League affiliate in Albany.Baumgartner is trying out with the Dallas Stars' International League affiliate, the Michigan KWings.Winger Ramzi Abid and defenseman Francois Beauchemin have already returned from their NHL tryouts with the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.&ldquo;Everybody wants Girard, Beauchemin, Abid, Benoit and Baumgartner,&rdquo; Morrissette said. &ldquo;Two or three teams call me every few days and ask, 'What did you decide?' But I (haven't) decided anything because my team is playing well and if Girard and Benoit come back, I'll go for the (Memorial) Cup for sure.&rdquo;Frederic Cloutier is Luongo's successor and is backed up by Charline Labonte, the first female to sign with a major junior team. (See pg. 9 for more on Labonte.)NOTEBOOK: Frederik Brind'Amour made 21 saves as the expansion Montreal Rocket recorded the first shutout of their short history, a 2-0 win over the Shawinigan Cataractes Sept. 17. Brind'Amour won his first three starts and boasted a 1.33 goals-against average. &#9632;

f0029-02

Olympiques hope to hook Fischer for one more year

<div class="byline">By Rob Vanstone</div>There will be plenty of competition for the 2001 Memorial Cup-long before the tournament begins.Seven Western League teams are interested in hosting the event when it is the Western League's turn next season.The Calgary Hitmen, Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Prince George Cougars, Red Deer Rebels, Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades are expected to bid for the CHL's championship tournament.Proposals will be heard and evaluated by the WHL's board of governors in early December.&ldquo;It's going to be a difficult decision,&rdquo; said WHL commissioner Dev Dley.&ldquo;It's one of those pleasant problems you have. Any one of the seven would be a very, very attrac' five venue for the CHL.&rdquo;The Spokane Chiefs held the WHL's most recent Memorial Cup, 1 in 1998. Regina, Red Deer and the ' Portland Winter Hawks were the other bidders.The host team receives an automatic berth.The three major junior leagues-Ontario, Quebec and Western-take turns staging the event. The QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads host this season's championship May 20-28.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-03361/7153763-1-eng-US/f0029-032.jpg" title="f0029-03" width="511" height="520"></div>CALGARY BOUND: The Hitmen received a pleasant surprise when goaltender Alex Fomitchev, 20, was returned by the Edmonton Oilers.&ldquo;We hadn't expected that at all,&rdquo; said Hitmen coach Dean Clark. &ldquo;We were gearing up to not have him because he signed (with Edmonton) in the summer. We're surprised to have him back. It was surprising to him and ourselves.&rdquo;Fomitchev was an Eastern Conference allstar last season when he backstopped Calgary to the WHL title. He was 39-10-7 with a 2.77 goals-against average, .901 save percentage and four shutouts.EXNER EX-BLAZER: Goaltender Kenric Exner will not be returning to the Kamloops Blazers. Exner, whose 2.31 GAA last season was the lowest in league history, signed a oneyear minor league contract with the St. Louis Blues. Exner, 20, attended the Blues' camp on a free agent tryout. He is expected to play with the Worcester IceCats of the American League-the Blues' top affiliate-or with the East Coast League's Peoria Rivermen.&ldquo;It's something you always dream about when you're little and now it's kind of a reality,&rdquo; Exner told the Kamloops Daily News.As a rookie last season, Exner fashioned a 34-6-8 record with five shutouts and a .912 save percentage.NIELSEN RATINGS: Moose Jaw coach Len Nielsen wasn't overly excited after his Warriors finished the pre-season as the WHL's only undefeated team.He doesn't attach much significance to the 5-0-0 exhibition slate.&ldquo;None, really,&rdquo; Nielsen said. &ldquo;We kind of juggled our lineup every night We want to get an idea of who can play and compete. You can see how they adjust to that kind of pressure. Winning and losing in the pre-season isn't a big thing.&rdquo;After going 5-1-0 last autumn, the Warriors began the regular season at 5-11-0. They rallied, however, and finished 39-31-2 to end up a franchise-best third in die East.TOP BILLING: Bill Hunter Night is slated for Oct. 20 in Saskatoon.The tribute to Hunter-a founder of the WHL and the World Hockey Association who attempted to bring an NHL franchise to Saskatoon-will be held in conjunction with a Blades' home game against the Swift Current Broncos.In recognition of Hunter's attempt to move the St. Louis Blues to Saskatoon in 1983, the Blades will play as the Saskatchewan Blues for the occasion. The Blades will wear commemorative jerseys, which will be auctioned off with proceeds going to cancer research. Hunter, 78, is battling cancer.The Bill Hunter Trophy is awarded annually to the WHL's top defenseman. &#9632;

f0029-03

Magnificent seven in hunt to host 2001 Memorial Cup

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0031-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-01893/7153801-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-01955/7153794-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="2818" height="3863"></div> &#9632;

f0031-01

NHL PRE-SEASON

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0035-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-01916/7153870-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg"></div> &#9632;

Search for your favorite player or team

October 8, 1999

Injury-free Konowalchuk would be big boon for Caps

TRANSACTIONS

Sens' puzzle takes shape as pieces fall into place

Montreal defense takes huge hit as Malakhov shelved four months