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February 23, 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.
Aucoin in town, battle heating up
Adrian Aucoin was looking for a new start and he found it in Tampa Bay. The 27-year-old, 6-foot-2,210-pound defenseman, who had fallen out of favor with Vancouver coach Marc Crawford, was traded to Tampa Bay along with a second round pick this summer for goaltender Dan Cloutier. “I’m excited,” Aucoin said. “I think it’s great. We had a real young team (in Vancouver) and I’m going into a similar situation where things are really turning around.” Aucoin, whose 18 power play goals in 1998-99 tied former Islanders’ star Denis Potvin for most by a defenseman, was asked by Crawford to improve his defense. He has — he was plus-13 in 47 games with Vancouver — but his offense suffered, as evidenced by just three goals this season. Aucoin was demoted to Vancouver’s third…
Are Victoria, Everett next up in hopper?
Ron Robison is having some expansive thoughts. The Western League commissioner has inquired with civic officials from Victoria, B.C., and Everett, Wash., about the possibility of establishing franchises in those cities, where new arenas may be erected. Mark Wagstaff, who owns the B.C. Jr. League’s Victoria Salsa, has indicated he will apply for a WHL expansion franchise. “We’ve not had discussions with him at all,” Robison said. “I’ve talked directly to the (Victoria) city manager about their plans. He asked if they have a new facility, would there be interest? We said yes. “We also said yes to Everett. If there are any more facilities that are feasible, we’ll take the same approach.” Victoria has been without a major junior team since owner Rick Brodsky moved the Cougars to Prince George in 1993. The Cougars…
Positive attitude keeps Gill in NHL
Todd Gill started the season, his 17th as a pro, in the minors for the first time since 1987-88. The Detroit Red Wings had a glut of defensemen and circumstances sent him to the AHL Cincinnati Mighty Ducks. But his stay was short. The Wings called him up within a month. Since then, Gill has been a plus player, stable in unstable conditions. Left side. Right side. Penalty kill. Power play. Paired with perennial all-star Nicklas Lidstrom. Usurping veterans Larry Murphy and Steve Duchesne. “You have to give credit to his outlook toward the game,” said associate coach Dave Lewis. “I think that’s the key to the whole story.” GM Ken Holland said Gill acted professionally in the AHL, keeping an upbeat attitude and a humble approach to his young teammates. “I’ve always believed…
Solar Bears lose candidate for MVP
NOTEBOOK Many believe he was having a season worthy of MVP consideration. Defenseman Curtis Murphy of the Orlando Solar Bears, however, was lost to the team for the rest of the regular season Jan. 27 when he tore his triceps muscle in a game against Grand Rapids. Murphy, who led International League defensemen with 45 points in 45 games, had surgery to repair the muscle Jan. 31. The team said he would be out 10 to 12 weeks, leaving the door open for his return during the Turner Cup playoffs in mid-April. Murphy was flattered by all the MVP talk before his injury. “It’s great to be thought of like that, especially with some of the guys that play in this league like Brian Bonin, Mark Beaufait and Brett Hauer, guys who have been around…
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