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February 2, 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.
Schneider re-emerges as force after six years of losing seasons
The temptation is to say that Mathieu Schneider is back…but the slick Los Angeles defenseman says, “I’d like to think I never went away.” You wouldn’t know it to look at his record the past six years. Yes, he represented the U.S. at the World Cup and Olympics, and yes, he had a couple of seasons with decent points-per-game averages. But gone were the Norris Trophy projections. And gone were the winning seasons as he drifted from one losing team to another — the Islanders, Toronto and Rangers. So, when Schneider became an unrestricted free agent at age 31 last summer, he garnered interest from teams, but didn’t command the kind of salary players envision when freed from the shackles of shinny slavery. Schneider signed an incentive-laden, two-year, $4-million contract with Los…
Nicholson’s anti-import remarks irk Euros
Canadian Hockey Association president Bob Nicholson’s call for the elimination of Europeans from junior hockey was not warmly received by some of the Western League’s elite imports. “Every player from Europe is a bit bothered by it, but I don’t know why he’s saying that,” said Portland Winter Hawks’ center Marcel Hossa, who hails from Lubovna, Slovakia. “Maybe it’s because Europeans are a little bit better than Canadian or U.S. players. Maybe he’s a little bit jealous. “I’m not saying Canadian players are bad,” Hossa added. “They’re very good, too.” Nicholson feels the utilization of Europeans — a maximum of two per Canadian Hockey League team — takes positions away from homegrown players. “I think it’s not good sense for people to say things like that,” said Regina Pats’ defenseman Filip Novak, a native…
Sabres get past many road blocks
The Buffalo Sabres have been without captain Michael Peca all season. They still have not witnessed goalie Dominik Hasek consistently play near his highest level. They were without winger Doug Gilmour for 10 games. Yet there they were, fighting for the top of the Eastern Conference near the midpoint of the season. The Sabres have a better team now than two years ago when they went to the Stanley Cup final. Coach Lindy Ruff has everyone believing, and they once again are showing they are greater than the sum of their parts. A Stu Barnes, C. First half MVP makes scoring line work. A Martin Biron, G. Has been there when Hasek hasn’t. A- J.P. Dumont, UN. Biggest surprise before slumping. B+ Dmitri Kalinin, D. Future star who plays both ends of rink. B Jay McKee, D. Goes…
Murphy, Maracle Solar Bear forces
Curtis Murphy isn’t just the top defenseman in the International League this season, a case could be made to call him league MVP. The Orlando Solar Bear continued his hot first quarter right through to mid-season. Not only does he lead all defensemen in scoring, his 40 points (16 goals already) in 39 games was 11 more than his closest rival. Murphy’s impact has been more than scoring. His Bears were 10 game above .500 and his competitive style has led to a consistency many rivals are finding tough to rattle. At 5-foot-8,185 pounds, those familiar with the IHL knew of his offensive abilities, but few would have believed Murphy could have sustained his output like he has. TOP GOALIE That Orlando is in the race in the Eastern Conference is also a tribute…
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