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December 20, 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.
Keenan anniversary happy occasion
Mike Keenan has lasted one year behind the Florida Panthers bench. That’s longer than he lasted in Boston and only 26 games short of his stay in Vancouver. And what has he done? The Panthers had 26 points after 26 games this season, nine ahead of the same point in the dismal 2001-02 season and seven ahead of the almost-as-dismal 2000-01. The bottom line says Keenan’s per-sonal plus/minus rating is on the happy side. Certainly Keenan has better personnel than predecessor Duane Sutter, and the players haven’t had time to quit on him the way the 2000-01 Panthers did on Terry Murray. Some players have simply matured. In particular, center Olli Jokinen has taken Keenan’s gift of ice time and raised his game to almost star level. On the other hand, goalie Roberto…
Former Screaming Eagles key to Foreurs’ strong play
Life in the Quebec League continues to be a roller-coaster ride for Val-d’Or. The Foreurs were the Quebec League’s best team through 30 games this year, just one year after finishing fifth-last in the league. It repeats a pattern that saw them go to the Memorial Cup final in 2001 just one season after finishing in the league basement. “It seems to be the way they like to do it here,” said right winger Pierre-Luc Laprise. “But I think the fans think it’s OK. They know that if the team is not so good one year that it doesn’t matter because the team could win a championship the next year.” A trade last season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles that landed the Foreurs Laprise, 20, and defenseman Mathieu Dumas, 19, as future…
Renberg’s contribution helps surging Leafs
Mikael Renberg is acknowledged as the hardest-working player on the Toronto Maple Leafs, but often all he has to show for his heavy lifting is a bunch of injuries. That wasn’t the case through the first quarter as Renberg was finally seeing some tangible return in exchange for all his effort along the boards, in the corners and in front of the net. As December began and the Maple Leafs started to turn things around, they were being led offensively by Renberg. The 30-year-old left winger had points in four straight games and in nine of 11 for a total of seven goals and 12 points. He was seeing regular duty on the power play and it was no coincidence that once Maple Leafs GM-coach Pat Quinn put him with Mats Sundin…
UNITED STATES LEAGUE
Where’s a good place to get noticed? For 17-year-old James Unger, there has been no place better than the small Kansas city of Topeka. Now in his second season with the ScareCrows, the 6-foot-2,187-pound forward has managed to be more productive through 18 games-seven goals and 12 points-than he was in 43 games last season (four goals, seven points). Little wonder the Garfield Heights, Ohio, native is impressing college and pro scouts. “I think he’s going to be a big-time player,” said Topeka coach-GM Bliss Littler. “He’s young, he’s rugged and he dominates down low.” Unger is eligible for the 2003 draft. He hasn’t committed to a college yet, but several schools have expressed interest. “He virtually has his pick,” Littler said. NHL scouts are also looking at 6-feet, 194-pound Slavomir Tomko, a 19-year-old Topeka…
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