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August 1, 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.


INSIDE HOCKEY
Attack fatal Viktor Yakushev, a Soviet star in the early 1960s, died July 6 from injuries after he was attacked by a gang of youths in Moscow. He was 64. Yakushev, not to be confused with Alexander Yakushev, Soviet star of the 1972 Summit Series, helped the Russians win gold at the 1964 Olympics. In an unrelated incident, Lada Togliatti captain Slava Bezukladnikov, 32, collapsed and died during a cross-country run in Bulgaria in July. Roberts, Trottier among group of seven fired NHL officials Seven NHL officials, including 12-year veteran referees Lance Roberts and Richard Trottier, have been dismissed by the league. It brings to 13 the number of officials let go the past two summers since Andy van Hellemond was named the NHL’s new director of officiating. Kevin Maguire, Conrad Hache and…


Axed by Hitmen, Clark lands in Brandon
The Dean of Western League coaches has landed in Brandon. Dean Clark, 37, was named the Brandon Wheat Kings’ bench boss July 17. He was dismissed by the Calgary Hitmen June 7 after spending five years with that franchise. “I’m really happy to be a part of the Wheat Kings’ organization,” said Clark, who signed a two-year contract. “They’ve got some great kids in the organization already. I want to add to that and help win a championship.” Clark boasts a 192-118-23 regular season coaching record, plus a 40-24 mark in the playoffs. He guided Calgary to three Central Division titles and the 1998-99 WHL championship. He was named the Canadian Hockey League’s coach of the year in 1998. “We’re excited about it,” said Wheat Kings’ GM-owner Kelly McCrimmon. “It’s a really good hire for…


CENTRAL LEAGUE
The revamped Central League announced July 10 which teams made the cut. The new league, a merger of the CHL and Western Pro League, consists of 16 teams divided into two conferences and four divisions. The CHL’s Northern Conference consists of a Northwest Division (Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita) and a Northeast Division (Bossier-Shreveport, Fort Worth, Indianapolis and Memphis). The Southern Conference has a Southwest Division (El Paso, Lubbock, New Mexico and Odessa) and a Southeast Division (Austin, Corpus Christi, San Angelo and San Antonio). Lake Charles and Monroe, former WPHL teams, failed to meet league requirements, while Tupelo opted to form a junior hockey program.…


Fans out in force for look at future
After expecting fan fallout from their decision to not re-sign popular left winger Luc Robitaille, the Los Angeles Kings were stunned in midJuly when an overflow crowd of 1,500 showed up to watch a scrimmage of prospects, most of whom will not play in L.A. for at least two years. The scrimmage was not advertised until the night before when it was posted on the Kings’ website. “No one outside of Los Angeles believes this is a hockey town,” coach Andy Murray said. “It was a Saturday night during the middle of summer. People want to see the future. And the future is bright.” Among the highlights: A two-goal, one-assist scrimmage by top prospect Jared Aulin, who was obtained in the trade that sent Rob Blake to Colorado. Scouts also were pleasantly surprised by…