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April 18, 2003

April 18, 2003

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.

DEPARTMENTS & FEATURES & COLUMNS

Brilliant Brodeur Hart stopper

He has established and maintained a standard of excellence and consistency so high throughout his 10-year career that New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur is now taken for granted. So much so, in fact, that he apparently is going to be overlooked in the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association voting for the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s MVP. If that’s true, it’s an injustice. The competition will not be denigrated here. Markus Naslund, Peter Forsberg, Joe Thornton and Todd Bertuzzi, the most prominently cited Hart nominees, are marvelous players having marvelous years. Each is a credit to his team and the league. Each is receiving significant support from national campaign outlets as well as local precincts. But not one has created the singular impact upon his team that Brodeur has had this season. The…

DEPARTMENTS

Support crew leads Michigan to Frozen Four

Michigan finished second in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association this year with the help of two rookies - leading scorer Jeff Tambellini and workhorse goalie Al Montoya. But it was goals from unlikely heroes which helped the Wolverines advance to the NCAA Frozen Four for the third straight season. Sophomore left winger Jason Ryznar, who hadn’t scored in six games, notched the winner in a 53 win over top-seeded Colorado College in the Midwest Regional final March 30. Senior right winger Mark Mink, whose last goal was Nov. 22, scored a timely shorthanded marker in the second period and finished off the Tigers with an empty-netter. “We’re here because of our depth,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson. “This is the time for everyone to step up if they get a chance.” Despite sub-par seasons offensively,…

DEPARTMENTS

PLUS MINUS

The Best of the Hockey World KING OF THE CREASE New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur becomes the first NHL goaltender to record 40 or more wins in a season four times. ATTENTION NHL TEAMS Binghamton coach John Paddock secures his American League record ninth 40-win campaign. RED HOT BLUE JACK Columbus winger Geoff Sanderson scores four goals, all set up by center Andrew Cassels, in a 6-4 win over Calgary. The Worst of the Hockey World OLD FRIENDS A brawl between the Red Wings and Blues results in fines and a suspension to Detroit coach Joe Kocur for firing a chair onto the ice. YOU CALL THIS TAMER? Atlanta’s Chris Tamer is suspended two games for deliberately injuring Nashville’s Vladimir Orszagh with a cross-check. THIS GUY NEVER LEARNS Mississauga’s Dan Buccella earns his second 15-game Ontario League suspension…

IN THIS ISSUE

UNITED STATES LEAGUE

After attracting his share of collegiate interest this year, Sioux City Musketeer forward Brandon Polich- son of former NHLer Mike Polich - finally got an offer he couldn’t refuse, choosing Colorado College, where he’ll report this fall. “I think Brandon had been lurking in (Colorado College coach) Scott Owen’s mind,” said Sioux City coach Dave Siciliano, “and I think he came to the realization he’d be a great catch.” At one point or another during the year, Merrimack, Miami of Ohio and Minnesota-Duluth all had designs on the Osseo, Minn., native, but the Tigers’ offer was best, so Polich chose the Western Collegiate Hockey Association school. Through 58 games, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Polich had 17 goals, 59 points and an impressive plus-22. “He’s so defensively responsible,” Siciliano said. Mike Polich played in the NHL from…