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November 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.
Wisconsin coach eager to smash attendance mark
Most sequels tend to disappoint, but Wisconsin coach Jeff Sauer believes he could make a mega-hit production even better. Sauer was on hand Oct. 6 when 74,554 fans crammed into Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., to see Central Collegiate Hockey Association rivals Michigan and Michigan State skate to a 3-3 tie. The unique outdoor affair set a world record for the largest crowd ever to attend a hockey game. “I just wish I would have had the idea,” Sauer said. The Badgers’ mentor thinks he can reprise the concept and break the attendance record in the process. “It certainly could be done in Camp Randall Stadium,” he said, referring the 76,634-seat facility where the football Badgers play. Sauer said he has broached the idea with Minnesota coach Don Lucia, but the earliest such an…
Unsung free agent Nichol winning fans and ice time
Scott Nichol came to Calgary Flames’ training camp as the longest of longshots, a seven goal-scorer in the International League last season. Nichol, 26, signed with Calgary because the Flames traded away so many minor pro veterans in the off-season. So how did he catch on as a regular? And for that matter, how did he end up as the No. 2 center? Because, according to coach Greg Gilbert, Nichol’s agitating enthusiasm for the game is contagious. And following injuries to centers Marc Savard and Rob Niedermayer, Nichol moved up. “I see a guy who hates to lose,” Gilbert said. “He gives whatever it takes. He’s competitive, he’s fearless.” Nichol is a 5-foot-8,173-pound center who played his amateur hockey in Calgary and was drafted by Buffalo 272nd overall in 1993. He played five NHL games…
Goalie gets gift goal with help of Monkey’
Milwaukee Admirals’ goalie Chris Mason entered the American League record book without really doing anything. Mason was given credit for a goal when Utah center Jim Montgomery inadvertently shot the puck 170 feet down the ice into the Grizzlies’ vacated net during a delayed penalty. “I’d have preferred the (Ron) Hextall (method) where the net’s empty and you saucer one over the defense,” said Mason, a fifth-year pro. “But when I get home this summer, that’s what the story’s going to be.” Montgomery was trying to pass to point man Jon Sim, but was slashed at the time of his pass, causing the puck to zip between the point men and directly to his own net. “I remember seeing it on (ESPN’s) SportsCenter once and thinking, ‘What kind of donkey puts it in his…
Dagenais returns with game winner
The pressure was on rookie right winger Pierre Dagenais right from the start. As the player counted upon most to help replace departed 43-goal scorer Alexander Mogilny in the New Jersey Devils’ lineup, Dagenais was facing a mighty task. But when the highly regarded prospect found himself scratched early in the season as the struggling Devils decided to go with veteran Sergei Nemchinov, Dagenais wondered when he would truly get an opportunity to show what he could do. “For sure it’s tough,” Dagenais said. “It’s tough mentally. I can’t say anything. I’m a young guy (23) and Jersey gave me a chance to be here. I can’t complain. I’m going to work every day to be in the lineup.” After sitting out two of the first four games, Dagenais seized an opportunity when…
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