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April 21, 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.
Division title first for Leafs since 1963
The last time the Maple Leafs won their division, 37-year-old goalie Glenn Healy was an infant. Clarence Campbell was the league’s president. And a 35-year-old hotshot named Gordie Howe was the NHL’s dominant shooter. The current Leafs captured Toronto’s first division title in 37 years, backing into the Northeast Division crown when the Ottawa Senators lost 2-1 to the New York Islanders April 6. The 1962-63 Leafs were the top team in the regular season back when the six-team league had no divisions. “There are a lot of players who played in this sweater before who failed to accomplish that,” Healy said. “So it’s a compliment to the players who have worked hard to accomplish that.” It was mostly an acknowledgement of the work put in earlier in the season. Toronto stumbled towards…
Weinrich plays with pain to help Habs make gain
When Eric Weinrich retires from hockey, he might consider a career in acting; only in soap operas do they recover from injuries quicker than did the Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman. Two weeks to the day after taking a shot to his right foot and fracturing a bone-an injury expected to sideline him for the rest of the season—the 33-year-old rearguard returned against the Rangers April 5. He logged 23:46 of ice time, more than any other Canadiens’ player, in a 3-0 victory. He killed penalties, worked the power play, was a steadying factor along the blueline and earned an assist in a crucial game as the Canadiens battled for a playoff berth. One week before returning, Weinrich was limping badly. Nonetheless, he refused to have the foot frozen before the Rangers’ game, electing…
Castors appeal lengthy suspensions to coaches
Upset with what they viewed as excessive punishment, the Sherbrooke Castors appealed the suspensions handed to coach Joe Canale and assistant Daniel Vincelette for their roles in a March 27 melee in Rouyn-Noranda. Mark Just, Sherbrooke’s majority owner, said a hostile crowd and poor security were to blame for the Quebec League incident, which culminated with Vincelette swinging a stick in the direction of fans. Just said fans were provided with windshield washer bottles, containing marbles, and the plastic noisemakers turned into weapons. “We deserve some sanctions,” said Just, who was at the playoff game. “I’m not arrogant and stupid enough to say we don’t because what we did in retaliation wasn’t right, but we didn’t instigate any of it.” Vincelette was suspended for 20 games and Canale 16. Rouyn-Noranda was fined $1,000…
Wood sticks not on way out yet
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But if NHL slapshot champion Al Maclnnis is the canine in question and hockey weaponry the subject, there’s no need for any lesson. The St. Louis Blues’ defenseman, famous for his 100-mph blasts, is a traditionalist when it comes to his choice of hardware. He has used a wooden stick throughout his career, despite advancements that have made non-wood models a popular choice for many NHLers. “I’ve tried a number of (composite sticks) in practice, but I’ve just never had a tendency to use one,” Maclnnis said. “I’m just an old dog. I feel more comfortable with it. I can feel the puck more and it has been good to me all these years.” While Maclnnis is wild about wood, others prefer some of the more…
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