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March 31, 2000
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.
Alberta Golden Bears thinking repeat
The Alberta Golden Bears, reigning Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union champions, are mentally ready to retain their title. In preparation for the University Cup in Saskatoon, Sask., March 24-27, the team has been practising on the ice with coach Rob Daum and practising imprinting that winning formula with a team psychologist. “You have to be prepared physically, technically and mentally,” Daum said. “(Team psychologist) John (Dunne) plays a part in having our team prepared mentally. Whatever (mental) edge you might be able to find might make the difference.” The Bears had a large turnover, losing seven veterans from last year’s golden season. But with rookie standouts Clayton Pool, Kevin Marsh and Ryan Wade and sophomores Michael McGhan, Bob Nedjelski and Colin Reich, the Bears are favored to repeat. Other universities in the tournament are host…
GM’s dealing puts depth to test
NHL RANK 14th GRADE C+ The cupboard of prospects within the Colorado Avalanche organization isn’t bare, but it has been raided in the past couple of years in attempts by GM Pierre Lacroix to win a Stanley Cup. In trades to land Theo Fleury and Ray Bourque, Lacroix parted with prospects Robyn Regehr, Samuel Pahlsson, Martin Grenier and a first round pick either this year or next. Still, the deep Avalanche could afford such extravagance. There remain several promising prospects within their ranks. Here are the top five prospects in order: 1. Mikhail Kuleshov, LW, Cherepovets The Russian winger hurt his knee around Christmas, but recovered and remains a player who intrigues the Avalanche with his size (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and ability to handle the puck. Still, even Avalanche chief scout Bryan MacDonald admits Kuleshov is a…
Cupboard full in goal, on blueline
NHL RANK 1st GRADE A The San Jose Sharks have rebounded nicely in stocking their system with prospects after hitting ground zero four years ago. The organization’s strength is in goal and on defense, two areas that were almost bare not long ago. San Jose, in fact, may have a glut of young netminders-a group that includes Miikka Kiprusoff, Evgeni Nabokov, Vesa Toskala, Jonas Forsberg and Terry Friesen (no relation to Sharks’ left winger Jeff Friesen). On defense, 20-year-old Brad Smart emerged from a battle with fellow prospects Scott Hannan, Shawn Heins, Andy Sutton and Robert Jindrich to earn a roster spot at the start of the NHL cam-paign. The rest have received seasoning in the minors. Many of San Jose’s top young forwards are already playing with the Sharks. Here are the top five prospects…
Trio of quality goalies moving up
The Ottawa Senators used to give their prospects a baptism by fire. Time spent in the minors wasn’t an option. Most could handle the pressure. Alexei Yashin, Wade Redden and Marian Hossa turned out fine (though few expect to see Yashin in Senators’ colors again). Radek Bonk took a while to mature, but he has come around and third-year NHLer Chris Phillips appears to be another late-bloomer. Alexandre Daigle was the only true bust. But as the organization prepares to enter its ninth season next year, the focus has changed. No longer is the pressure on prospects to carry the Sens. Instead, Ottawa is in die developmental game, particularly with goalies. “I think you can always improve your prospects,” said Senators’ GM Marshall Johnston. “We like the people we have, but you can…
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