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September 14, 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.
Burke looking for new backup goalie
When the Vancouver Canucks jettisoned veteran goalie Bob Essensa in June, claiming he didn’t fit into their plans for a “40-game” guy, GM Brian Burke confidently predicted he would find someone to partner Dan Cloutier. As the summer concluded, the Canucks still didn’t have that someone. “We don’t play a game that counts in the standings until Oct. 4 so it’s certainly not a priority for me,” Burke maintained. “It’s something our media seems to be worried sick about, but I’m not. We’ve got a list of players who could conceivably fill that role so we’ll see what happens.” The reason Essensa was dumped after his excellent 2000-01 season (18 wins) was twofold: management didn’t feel Cloutier was ready for a 5560 game load and didn’t believe Essensa could be effective beyond…
Sykora hits paydirt in historic hearing
Petr Sykora has performed like one of the NHL’s top stars ever since he became linemates with Jason Arnott and Patrik Elias in February of 1999. But it took a landmark salary arbitration ruling for the Devils’ right winger to finally be paid like a VIP. After earning just $675,000 last season, Sykora was thrilled when arbitrator Michel Picher awarded him a 389 per-cent raise to $3.3 million for this season. Although the 24-year-old Czech had sought $4.4 million, while the Devils offered $2.5 million, it represented the largest percentage increase in NHL arbitration history. Overall, Sykora received a two-year, $6.8-million deal in the Aug. 16 ruling. “I was very happy with the way the arbitration hearing was handled,” he said. “I had had a lot of people tell me that I was…
Utah set to be road warriors
Here’s a suggestion to help ease the housing crunch in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Winter Olympics: Have the Utah Grizzlies’ players sublet their apartments to out-of-town visitors. Someone might as well make use of the fully furnished amenities, because the Grizzlies won’t be sleeping there. While the Czechs are defending their gold medal, Utah’s American League team will be touring the USA. The Grizzlies will be kicked out of their rink, the E Center, for 40 days to make way for the Olympics and Paralympics. They skate at home Jan. 19 against the Manitoba Moose, then pack their suitcases and don’t return until Feb. 28 against the Springfield Falcons. “Either we’re going to come off the road loving each other or hating each other,” said Tim Mouser, the Grizzlies’ president and chief…
One more Cup for Hull’s old Wings
If youth isn’t effective, it’s meaningless. The Red Wings may be old, but better to be old and smart than young and mediocre. The addition of Brett Hull doesn’t concern me because he might well be the final piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle. Debra Wells,St. Clair Beach, Ont. New Jersey’s only summer upgrade was Tommy Albelin, 37? Their defense was already getting old and slow. With the new owner’s money, they should have gone after Jaromir Jagr. John Hila,Keansburg, N.J. Fans who think the NHL season is too long will get their wish. In 2004-05, the season’s going to be about 82 games shorter. And no playoffs! Short enough for you? Graham Young,Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Please stop comparing Eric Lindros to Mark Messier. One has a huge attitude and ego problem. The other is…
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