USA REULSTS 1924-1998

Ailing, aging Messier joins 1,800-point club

Mark Messier never considered himself a scorer. He always thought himself to be the type of player who tried to do whatever it takes to win. Messier said those same things again the night he hit his latest offensive milestone, but you could tell this was something special. Messier scored a goal and an assist Dec. 15 to become the third player in NHL history with 1,800 career points. Only two other two members are in this club: Wayne Gretzky (2,857) and Gordie Howe (1,850). “Only two other players have done it, so I can’t sit here and say it doesn’t mean anything,” Messier said. “When I look at myself, having scored 1,800 points, it’s surprising to me.” It might have been surprising that this soon-to-be 41-year-old with a stiff, aching back is even…

Lonely Gopher gets call from USA’s U-20 squad

It is very unusual, but not unprecedented, that only one player from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is named to the U.S. team for the World Junior Championship. Minnesota defenseman Keith Ballard is that player, as he was the only WCHA representative selected to skate for Team USA in the prestigious under-20 tournament, which runs from Dec. 25 through Jan. 4 in Pardubice and Hradec of the Czech Republic. “It’s unusual for our league to have just one, that’s for sure,” said Gophers’ coach Don Lucia. “I’ll bet there has never been this few from the WCHA before.” Lucia would lose that wager. According to the league’s media guide, Wisconsin winger Dustin Kuk was the lone WCHA representative in 1998. However, Lucia is correct regarding the league’s historical prominence on Team USA. There were seven WCHA…

Burke’s Olympic snub tough one to handle

Phoenix goalie Sean Burke was disappointed to hear he was bypassed for the Canadian Olympic team, but vowed he wouldn’t let it affect his season. “I think I’ve had a good year and I’ve played well enough to get consideration, and I’m sure I did. But what are you going to do?” he said. “There’s a lot of hockey to be played this year. I’ll take the week off and enjoy it with my family.” The Coyotes’ managing partner, and Canada boss, Wayne Gretzky said the Burke decision was one of the toughest. “Of all the people who aren’t on the team, nobody deserved to be on it more than Sean,” Gretzky said. Gretzky and Burke had a telephone conversation, but Burke said he didn’t need an explanation. “When you’re not picked for something like…