Search for your favorite player or team
© The Hockey News. All rights reserved. Any and all material on this website cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from Roustan Media Ltd. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
December 28, 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.
FROM THE LOS ANGELES KINGS’ LOCKER ROOM:
Hockey players have to look sharp and be sharp on the outside but under their sweaters? It’s a different story. They wear stuff for comfort, not looks. That old line your mother used to tell you about wearing clean underwear in case you’re in an accident and have to go to the hospital, doesn’t apply here. “You talk to the players and you recommend they change because what they’ve got is old,” said Los Angeles Kings equipment manager Peter Millar. But, it often goes in one ear and out the other. “I finally told Kelly Buchberger his elbow pads had to be replaced. I ordered a brand new pair, same model, and he switched. His pads were worn down and we’d fixed them so many times. But you get a guy the exact…
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Memphis RiverKings and New Mexico Scorpions were hit with penalties for breaking the Central League’s veteran rule. They were each docked points for roster violations. CHL rules allow a maximum of five veterans who have played 230 or more pro games. The Scorpions were penalized two points for exceeding the rule in an 8-2 win over Wichita Nov. 30. Meanwhile, the RiverKings were docked four points for violations in a pair of 2-1 wins over Bossier-Shreveport Nov. 29-30. New Mexico GM Pat Dunn said his team was unaware a veteran player placed on injured reserve could not be replaced with another veteran. “In both instances, it is clear neither club intended to violate CHL policy,” said league president Brad Treliving.…
Hackett back in net, remains undefeated
Seven weeks and a day after sustaining a shoulder injury, goalie Jeff Hackett returned between the pipes for the Montreal Canadiens. Hackett started Dec. 12 at Atlanta, blocking 38 shots in a 3-3 tie to remain undefeated at 30-1. He deserved a better fate, but the Canadiens squandered a 3-0 lead in the third period. “The shoulder feels good,” Hackett said. “I’ve done as much preparation as I can and now it’s time to test myself.” Hackett sustained a dislocated left shoulder Oct. 20, against Buffalo, during a fluke accident. He landed awkwardly on his shoulder when he left the crease to dive on a loose puck. His return gives the Canadiens two bona fide first-string netminders. Jose Theodore played 16 consecutive games after returning from a concussion and has enjoyed success, going 8-4-3-1.…
Salt Lake Cujo’s time to shine
If there is such a thing as a moment of truth for a hockey player, that moment is at hand for Curtis Joseph. Undoubtedly one of the finest goaltenders in the game, Joseph nonetheless exists in that murky, uncomfortable realm between the truly great and the merely mortal. It is an existence that until now has always been marked by a nagging, weighty “but.” A fine netminder, of course. But… What has he won? When has that talent been displayed? Patrick Roy’s greatness is engraved four times on the Stanley Cup. Three times he was the playoff MVP, including last spring. Martin Brodeur? His name, too, is on hockey’s silver chalice. Dominik Hasek? Bested Canada in Nagano in 1998 and has an Olympic gold medal in which his greatness is amply reflected. Not to mention two…
Made possible with the support of
