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January 5, 2001
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.
Hill is down after year goes downhill
When the St. Louis Blues signed Sean Hill on July 1, he arrived with great fanfare and expectations. Inked to a four-year, $9-million contract as an unrestricted free agent, Hill was supposed to be the Blues’ No. 3 defenseman. He would play at least 20 minutes per game and take some of the workload from Al Maclnnis and Chris Pronger. Instead, Hill averaged 17 minutes 10 seconds, no better than fifth among Blues’ defensemen, before a groin injury sidelined him Dec. 2. The injury, diagnosed as inflamed scar tissue related to off-season surgery, was supposed to sideline Hill until at least the first of the year. When he returns, he’ll have to earn his spot in the lineup and earn the respect of his teammates. After playing 25 minutes per game as Carolina’s…
Draft-eligible stars in spotlight at WJC
The complexion of the World Junior Championship is changing and it is becoming noticeably bereft of facial hair. Once considered a tournament almost exclusively the domain of the best 19-year-old players in the world, the WJC is increasingly becoming a showcase of the best talent available for the entry draft. This year’s WJC, for example, should have between 20 and 30 prospects for the 2001 draft. Take Canada’s roster. It was considered an enormous development in 1993 when four draft-eligible players - Alexandre Daigle, Chris Gratton, Chris Pronger and Paul Kariya - played on Canada’s gold-medal team. Yet Canada this year will match that total with center Jason Spezza and defensemen Dan Hamhuis, Jay Harrison and Mark Popovic. (Another draft-eligible player, winger Mike Cammalleri, opted out of last year’s draft to retain…
PEOPLE OF POWER AND INFLUENCE
1 Gary Bettman NHL commissioner Age: 48 Gary Bettman casts the longest shadow in the NHL. He is a hands-on leader and there’s very little that escapes his attention. As one GM put it: “He is not a guy who wants to sit still.” Bettman has stickhandled through messy situations and showed resolve when he disciplined Marty McSorley. 2 Bob Goodenow NHLPA executive director Age: 48 Bob Goodenow is consistently checking the pulse of the players. He’s in constant communication with the elite players, who keep him in touch with what’s being said about player issues in the locker rooms. Goodenow has a quick mind and is computer-fast in analyzing the league’s every move. 3 Wayne Gretzky Phoenix Coyotes’ owner Age: 39 Wayne Gretzky is a coowner in Phoenix, GM of Canada’s 2002 Olympic team and the most…
High-scoring Kings need better Fiset
Stephane Fiset knew Tampa Bay and Atlanta were beatable opponents, but despite being one of the league’s hottest goaltenders, he got pulled in consecutive midDecember losses to those two teams. He’s not sure how it happened, and neither are the Kings. They have one of the league’s top offenses, but approaching the New Year and dates with Pacific-leading San Jose at home and road games at powerful St. Louis, Dallas, Detroit and Colorado, defense was a concern. “The team is not going to be on every night and those are the games when your goaltender has to pick you up,” said coach Andy Murray after Fiset allowed 15 goals in less than three games. “It’s not always their fault, but we need to get to that point.” After 10 weeks off with a tom…
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