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May 25, 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.
IHL’s future: absorption to AHL
The International League won’t acknowledge the tell-tale signs, but it’s clear there’s a going out of business sale going on. The American League’s board of governors voted unanimously May 10 to start an expansion process that will see six IHL teams join the AHL for 2001-02. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, those teams are the Milwaukee Admirals, Chicago Wolves, Grand Rapids Griffins, Utah Grizzlies, Houston Aeros and Manitoba Moose. When that happens, the 56-year-old IHL will cease operations. Of the remaining teams in the 11-city IHL, the Cleveland Lumberjacks, Cincinnati Cyclones, Kansas City Blades and Detroit Vipers will disband, while the Orlando Solar Bears could join the East Coast League. Officials in both leagues are muzzled by a gag order until the end of the playoffs. At a June 4 board meeting, when…
Hurricanes happy with foundation
The Carolina Hurricanes brought in 12 new players this season. That kind of wholesale change won’t happen again this summer. With Jeff O’Neill becoming a top-notch player and strong performances from rookies Shane Willis, David Tanabe and Josef Vasicek, the Hurricanes feel they have laid the groundwork for the future. Prospects Erik Cole, Brad DeFauw, Jeff Heerema and Greg Koehler, all forwards, will get long looks at training camp. The Hurricanes are still in the market for a topline left winger, a physical defenseman, competition in goal and more muscle up front. Regular Season Grades A Arturs Irbe, G. Overworked and loved it. A- Rod Brind Amour, C. Best all-around player in second half. A- Jeff O’Neill, RW. Matured into 41-goal force. A- David Tanabe, D. Swift 20-year-old star in the making. B+ Ron Francis, C. At 38, captain…
Jagr finally displays playoff form in series’ clincher against Buffalo
During a conference call with league media the day before a second round series against Buffalo, Pittsburgh Penguins’ owner Mario Lemieux said Jaromir Jagr needed to “play a little bit better for us to have a chance to go all the way” The comment stung Jagr, who said it could be taken as a compliment or an insult. It seems he took it as both. “I don’t think he should say that kind of stuff,” Jagr said. “He should tell me that (privately). It would make it easier, I think, for the team.” Jagr assisted on Lemieux’s winning goal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal at Buffalo, but left with an injured shoulder and did not play again until Game 4. He admitted the timing of his injury made “everything worse,”…
Gilbert returning as Flames’ coach
The Calgary Flames made their first piece of off-season news by announcing interim coach Greg Gilbert will be behind the bench again next season after all. Gilbert had hedged about his plans in the immediate aftermath of the Flames’ disappointing 2000-01 season, noting he was interested in discussing the organization’s long-term philosophy before committing to the post on a more permanent basis. Regular Season Grades B+ Fred Brathwaite, G. Steadiness usually gave team a chance to win. B+ Jarome Iginla, RW. Slowly evolving into team’s go-to-player. B Tommy Albelin, D. Positive, steady role model for younger D. B Dave Lowry, LW. Unexpected offense, leadership from veteran. B Marc Savard, C. Top playmaker tailed off in final quarter. C Chris Clark, RW. Two-way grinder was useful role player. C Craig Conroy, RW. Hustling, hard-worker set positive example. C Jeff Cowan, RW.…
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