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December 31, 1999
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Legace steps up to plate for Red Wings
Controversies are seldom given time to gain life on the Detroit Red Wings. An issue is resolved almost as soon as it erupts. The latest case in point: backup goaltender, which became a point of concern after Chris Osgood went down with a hairline fracture in his right hand. Veteran Ken Wregget struggled initially, which opened the door for the recently recalled Manny Legace to start three consecutive games. But in coach Scotty Bowman’s mind, the Red Wings have no backup goaltending dilemma. Legace was fine in one stopgap role, Wregget perfect for another yet to come. “They both responded to the challenge,” Bowman said. “The fact that one guy went in and won three games doesn’t deter what we think of Ken Wregget. We’re just trying to win games. It’s not easy to…
Goaltender can’t hack lengthy stay on bench
Jeff Hackett was the cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens a year ago, but isn’t getting the job done this season. And that has led to a crease controversy. It started Dec. 11 against Los Angeles when Hackett was removed after allowing three goals on only 11 shots. “You saw the game,” said Habs’ coach Alain Vigneault. “Hackett wasn’t having his best game.” Vigneault had no choice but to start Jose Theodore two nights later at Washington. It was Theodore’s seventh start in Montreal’s last 11 games and he responded with his second career shutout, blocking 19 shots in a 1-0 win. “I hate the idea of sitting,” Hackett said. “It’s nothing against Jose. I understand the coach’s decision, but at this stage of my career, I’ve got to play. I’m the No. 1…
Spokane Euros disappointed after WJC invitations voided
Spokane Chiefs’ centers Daniel Bohac and Roman Tvrdon were expecting to play in the World Junior Championship. The necessary paperwork was completed. Their flights to Sweden were booked. But the hockey federations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia had reservations of a different sort. The invitations were rescinded, reportedly without a valid explanation. “It’s the strangest thing ever,” said Chiefs’ GM Tim Speltz. “Both of them were invited to go. Both of them were disappointed because they were looking forward to it. “We don’t look at the Europeans any different than the Canadians. It (WJC) is a good opportunity for the kids to develop and grow as players. It’s a good opportunity for people on the team to assume new responsibilities. To play a few games without players who are at the tournament isn’t…
Cherry picked by you, Bettman picked by us
The cover says this is an issue to be treasured. We have made every effort to ensure you have every reason to sock away this edition, cover dated Dec. 31,1999, for all eternity. Or at least until Rich Pilon scores a goal. Officially, this is the final issue of The Hockey News this century. Unofficially, there is another. We close our next edition Dec. 29. It will be dated Jan. 14 and feature the final installment of our Century Series. So far, we have celebrated the NHL team of the century, the 1955-56 Montreal Canadiens, and ranked the 100 most colorful people of the century, including our No. 1 choice, Eddie Shack. In this issue, we present your choice as hockey’s most colorful person, and rank 100 People of Power and Influence…
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