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October 6, 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.
Canes gradually gaining momentum
Carolina Hurricanes’ coach Paul Maurice is facing more decisions than usual during training camp this year. That’s fine with him because the tough personnel decisions mean the organization is making progress, he said. “There are a lot of players for those jobs,” Maurice said. “We think they’re ready” Young forwards Shane Willis, Ian McNeill, Byron Ritchie and Craig McDonald entered camp with a reasonable shot at sticking with the NHL club. Defenseman David Tanabe is thriving in the faster transition approach and could be granted an extended stay with the Hurricanes after splitting time last year between the NHL and the minor leagues. When veteran Glen Wesley is healthy from off-season back surgery, there will be a couple of extra defensemen for the seven roster spots. “We’re going to give some guys a very long look,”…
Flyers can’t afford to let LeClair go
John LeClair has scored more goals, 235, than any other NHL player over the past five years. You can look it up. Or, simply look up, like LeClair was making the New Jersey Devils do halfway through the Eastern Conference final. To save a few million bucks, the Flyers argued in arbitration this summer LeClair hasn’t produced in the playoffs as in regular seasons. But they failed to make their point as strongly as LeClair was playing while the Flyers were taking a 3-1 lead against New Jersey. (The result was a $7-million salary for 2000-01.) The series lead didn’t slip away only because LeClair averaged .72 points per game in last year’s playoffs, as opposed to .94 in the regular season. That isn’t far from most stars’ ratios. Last spring, only…
Jeers, some cheers in Yashin’s return
Alexei Yashin made his return to the Corel Centre, but he wasn’t welcomed back with open arms by Ottawa Senators’ fans. Yashin had to endure a chorus of boos from the 13,211 on hand in the Senators’ 3-2 loss to Calgary Sept. 18, although there was a mix of cheers when he scored twice. Yashin spent last year holding out for a new contract and fans won’t soon forgive Yashin for his decision to return and his press conference where he indicated he was only back because he had no other choice. “I just want to thank the fans who supported me,” said Yashin, who hadn’t suited up for a home game since the April 23,1999 in the first round against the Buffalo Sabres. “I still have some fans left in Ottawa.” When Yashin…
Gretzky targeted in owner’s barbs
Outgoing owner Richard Burke created a major controversy by refusing incoming part owner and director of hockey operations Wayne Gretzky access to the Phoenix Coyotes’ dressing room following their preseason opener against Los Angeles. Gretzky, who was days away from purchasing the club with partner Steve Ellman, wanted to drop by the room to informally address the players and wish them well. Burke wouldn’t let him. He also publicly belittled Gretzky in a newspaper interview, saying, among other things, “They just need to get their deal done and quit looking for photo-ops and being disruptive. This is goddamned inexcusable.” “I respect their decision, but I’m a little disappointed,” Gretzky said. “We’ve put money into this project. I’ve put my own money into this project. And more important, people are asking why I’m not…
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