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March 29, 2002
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.
Peca not surprised by cold reception in return to Buffalo
Michael Peca hoped the people of Buffalo would choose to remember the positive things he did for their community, or the lunch-pail way he performed for them on the ice, or his role in the Sabres unlikely run to the Stanley Cup final in 1999. Peca, booed every time he touched the puck when the Islanders played their first game in Buffalo this season March 12, hoped wrong. That said, he was realistic about the probable reaction. “The way the picture was painted of me at the end of the whole saga, I wasn’t really surprised (by the reaction),” Peca said after the Isles took a 3-0 win in his first game in Buffalo in nearly two years. “I was just glad to get out with two points.” Peca sat out the entire…
Dour Cherry stepping down as top Dog
Don Cherry says he never intended to be more than a one-year coach. “I definitely couldn’t make another career out of coaching,” the Mississauga IceDogs part-owner said as his one and only season behind the bench drew to a close. “I have too many things in the fire. I’d planned on only coaching this one year. That’s why I’m not coming back.” The IceDogs (11-47-5-4) again finished with not only the worst record in the Ontario League, but also the worst record in the Canadian Hockey League. The Western League’s expansion Vancouver Giants were next at 13-47-5-4. It has been like that all four seasons the IceDogs have been in existence. But this is also the best the team has ever done, surpassing its 9-58-1-2 record in Year 2. Overall, the IceDogs are 27-222-16-8. “I…
Rookie Leighton proves he belongs
Michael Leighton knew all along he was having a pretty good rookie season, but the concept sunk in when Norfolk Admirals GM Al Maclsaac phoned with news that he earned a spot on the Canadian team for the AHL All-Star Classic. “Me and my girlfriend were sitting there,” Leighton remembered, “and I was like, ‘I guess things are going well.’ ” Are they ever. Slotted to be the backup behind the guy coming off a great junior season - Craig Andersson - Leighton thrust him-self into the role as the Admirals No. 1 role goalie early in the year. Heading into mid-March, Leighton ranked fifth in the AHL in goals-against average (2.28), fourth in shutouts (four) and fifth in minutes (2,635). He was 20-15-8 with a .915 save percentage and he even was…
Inconsistent offense sinks rookie Ribeiro
It wasn’t long ago that Mike Ribeiro was flavor of the month for the Montreal Canadiens. But his star faded quickly, and now his path to regular NHL employment has hit yet another roadblock. The 22-year-old forward was assigned to Montreal’s AHL affiliate in Quebec City after playing 43 games - the majority coming after his second recall of the season, Dec. 2. Ribeiro had eight goals and 10 assists, but went 12 games without a goal, registering only one assist during that span. He failed to dress for four games prior to his demotion. Canadiens management insists it hasn’t given up on Ribeiro, selected 45th overall in 1998, although he has received ample opportunities to crack the roster. “There’s no panic at all on our part, but he needs to play,” said…
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