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November 15, 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.
Lexington goalie has lifetime thrill in pro debut
After seven games for the Lexington Men O’ War, rookie Mike Smith was tied for second on the team in goals. Not bad for a goalie. Smith, 20, scored an empty-net goal en route to his first career victory, 2-0 over Dayton Oct. 26. He’s believed to be the youngest pro goalie to score a goal and the first to notch a goal, shutout and career win No. 1 in one game. “I’d dreamed of scoring a goal growing up and I just can’t believe I have done it,” said Smith, who was fourth in the East Coast League with a .936 save percentage. With Lexington up 1-0 late, Smith played a dump-in and noticed he had time to give it a go. The Verona, Ont., native flipped the puck toward center ice, sliding…
Early-season struggles troubling for Smyth
Ryan Smyth could contend for a golf championship with that links score he has been lugging around. “I guess I’m in the running for the Green Jacket now, and it’s something I’m not happy about,” said Smyth, who at minus-8 had one of the worst plus-minus totals in the NHL. “It’s not something to be proud of. Over the last couple of years I’ve been a plus player (plus-7 last year). That used to be the knock on me, that I wasn’t a two-way player. But I developed into one. I sure don’t like having that little dash next to my name.” He’s not alone. Jason Smith was minus-6, Anson Carter minus-5 and Scott Ferguson, Jiri Dopita, Janne Niinimaa, and Mike Comrie were all minus-4 as the Oilers struggled to produce 5-on-5 (jut…
The off-season I’ll never forget
Super-agent Don Meehan and Newport Sports Management Inc., have been representing NHL players since 1980. With more than 100 players in the stable, the agency is constantly trying to stay ahead of the curve. Meehan reflects here on his frenzied summer of 2002: There are times when I am alone, driving in my car, when I think to myself, will I ever have a summer like the one I just had? In some ways, this summer was just like any other: I had contracts to negotiate and I did. Plain and simple. In other ways, though, it was different. Even a little special. Considering two of the clients I negotiated for, Jose Theodore and Jarome Iginla, were a couple of Canadian kids playing for Canadian-based teams, I knew there would be a lot of…
Upcoming In The Hockey World
Here’s what to look for in the coming weeks Sat., Nov. 16 Toronto is at home to Detroit and ex-Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph Thurs., Nov. 21 Battle of Alberta sees Edmonton visit Calgary Sat., Nov. 23 New York, New York: Rangers, Islanders renew rivalry at MSG Fri., Nov. 29 Carolina hosts Detroit in rematch of 2002 Stanley Cup final Fri., Dec. 6 Michael Peca hopes to return from injury as Islanders host Leafs Tues., Dec. 10 Minnesota at Tampa: NHL’s best teams through 10 games face off Thurs., Dec. 19 NHL’s holiday roster freeze in effect until midnight on Dec. 27 Thurs., Dec. 26 Spengler Cup begins in Davos, Switzerland Thurs., Dec. 26 World Junior Championship begins in Halifax For the latest news, visit thehockeynews.com Next Issue November 22, 2002 All-time blueline great Wul Coffey shares his power play secrets. Safety netting: A good…
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