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November 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.
Veteran coach Rajotte fired after Sags’ faltering start
Alain Rajotte is the first coaching casualty of the Quebec League season. The Chicoutimi Sagueneens fired him after the team stumbled to an 8-13-0 start. “We had (high expectations) for this season and it wasn’t going that good,” said Chicoutimi GM Marc Desforges. “We looked at it for two weeks before we made our decision. We kept losing during that time so we changed the coach. “When you have good players like Christian Larrivee, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, Yan Busque, Francis Lemieux, Rosario Ruggeri and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers in goal you should be winning more games. We had to start a new atmosphere in the room.” Rajotte is seventh all-time for games coached in the QMJHL (687) and sixth in wins (344). He had stints with the Verdun College Francais, Granby Bisons, Laval Titan and Victoriaville…
Playmaking Spitfire Wellwood scoring at sizzling pace
Ontario League goalies could use a set of eyes in the back of their heads when Kyle Wellwood is on the ice. The 19-year-old Windsor Spitfires center is as dangerous behind the net as he is in front. Wellwood’s playmaking helps him be one of the most dangerous pivots in the league. Through 20 games, he had 20 goals and 41 points. “He comes out with passes - you don’t really know which way they’re going to go because he’s so shifty,” said London Knights goalie Chris Houle. “You really have to be aware when certain players are on the ice and he’s definitely one of them. He weaves in and out. “It’s tough for the defense, too, he’s so slippery. It’s hard to track a guy like that.” Wellwood tallied 35 goals and 118…
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
Canadian patriotism is sometimes only detectable by X-ray, but that shouldn’t be confused with apathy. We may not wave the flag much, but we’re proud of it and what it represents. That said, we devour American culture in super-size proportions. We may be force-fed on occasion, but mostly we eagerly swallow down the Krispy Kremes, Wal Marts and J. Lo’s. One Yankee tradition we haven’t quite gotten the hang of in the Great White North is Thanksgiving. No four-day weekend, no football marathons and precious little partying. Like our dollar, Canadian Thanksgiving is devalued. So, in the spirit of cross-border relations, The Hockey News is hereby adopting the U.S. version of the holiday. In no particular order - and with a big assist to the boys in the editorial department - here are…
Signing top pick Lupul good sign for future
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim set the stage for the eventual arrival of another promising young player by signing right winger Joffrey Lupul, the seventh player selected in the 2002 draft, to a three-year, entrylevel contract. Lupul will receive the rookie salary cap of $1,185 million per season, plus performance bonuses. With Lupul spending this year with Medicine Hat of the Western League, his contract won’t kick in until next season at the earliest. “We think he has a bright future in the NHL,” said Ducks GM Bryan Murray. “To get this done now takes a lot of pressure off both parties.” Lupul, 19, saw limited action in training camp after recovering from a stress fracture in his back. “This puts me one small step closer (to the NHL),” Lupul said, “but my focus…
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