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September 15, 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.
Zelepukin slated to boost Hawks’ top scoring line
Veteran left winger Valeri Zelepukin had two good reasons for signing with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent. For starters, there was the generous three-year, $3.6-million contract offered by manager of hockey operations Mike Smith. Second, he has the chance to play on a line with two of the better offensive players in the league in Tony Amonte and Alex Zhamnov. Finding a first line left winger to skate regularly with Amonte and Zhamnov has been a challenge. “We think he can fill that role for us,” Smith said of the 31-year-old Zelepukin. “(Coach) Alpo (Suhonen) probably will want to find balanced scoring on his lines and it’s his call. But Valeri certainly should be in our top six or seven forwards.” Zelepukin scored 11 goals and 32 points in 77 games for…
Composite popularity on the rise
When it comes to hockey stick sales, composites are stronger than ever…in more ways than one. While most hockey industry managers believe the demand for traditional wood sticks will never die, composite products are gaining a larger market share. You might remember composite shafts made a big splash in the early 1990s, but retail sales stagnated because of the shafts’ high prices and propensity to break. But now, the durability issues have been resolved. The message is reaching consumers: Players aren’t terribly worried their $75-to-$100 shaft is going to snap from a seemingly routine play or circumstance. “There’s a heightened awareness of the durability of composites,” said Louisville Hockey’s John Mariconda. “A higher percentage of players are moving to two-piece sticks and there seems to be an increase in usage in composite blades…
Moribund Majors go for complete front office change
It was one of the biggest bloodlettings in Ontario League history-a team president, a GM and a coach. The Toronto St. Michael’s Majors cleaned house when they replaced all three. The firing squad was led by Father Daniel Zorzi, who took over as the Majors’ chairman of the board and principal of St. Michael’s College School July 1. Dave Cameron was named the new coach Aug. 28. The former assistant with the American League’s St. John’s Maple Leafs became the Majors’ fourth coach in the three years since the franchise returned to the OHL. Cameron, who also has the title of director of operations, previously coached in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He replaces Mark Osborne who, it was said, took a leave of absence for unspecified personal reasons. Osborne took…
Hurricanes hope Hatcher will aid transition game
Kevin Hatcher wants to be a leader with the Carolina Hurricanes. That means he’ll try to avoid following the wayward path he took with the New York Rangers. The Hurricanes signed the veteran defenseman to a free agent contract for one year at $1.5 million, figuring his sluggish play last season with the Rangers was nothing more than a one-year slip. “I think a lot of players were frustrated and I fell right in,” said Hatcher of his one season with the Rangers. “I guess it wasn’t a good fit for me. I just really believe I’m going to play more minutes (with the Hurricanes). I’m going to have more responsibility.” Hatcher, a five-time all-star, is an offense-minded defenseman with a 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame. His four-goal, 19-assist season with the Rangers represented his lowest…
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