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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.
Out-of-state recruiting aids Gophers
When Don Lucia took over as coach at Minnesota in 1999, he created a stir by saying he would break with tradition and recruit outside the boundaries of the state. That initiative is a major reason why the Gophers put themselves in position to win a second consecutive NCAA title. Grant Potulny, a junior winger from Grand Forks, N.D., was MVP of the WCHA Final Five as Minnesota won the playoff crown for the first time since 1995-96. Thomas Vanek, a freshman winger from Graz, Austria, was MVP of the NCAA West Regional after the Gophers bested Mercyhurst and Ferris State to qualify for their second straight Frozen Four appearance, April 10-12 in Buffalo. Lucia was criticized in some circles for departing from the homegrown tradition of Minnesota hockey. That is no longer the…
Pronger looks good in return from injury
His wrist surgically altered but free from pain, Chris Pronger finally returned to the ice and plans on being in the lineup when the Blues open the post-season. After 3-1/2 weeks of practice, Pronger made his season debut with a goal, but was also on the ice for five of Detroit’s six goals in a 6-2 loss March 29. “It’s been a tough grind, both physically and mentally,” Pronger said. “But I think the biggest hurdles are yet to come - getting back to the way I want to play and playing the way I know I can and the way I’ve played in the past.” Pronger’s passes and shots look as snappy as ever. (Assistant coach Mike Kitchen said he hasn’t seen Pronger shoot this well in at least a year.)…
Bulldogs ready to unleash playoff fury
The Hamilton Bulldogs, the Eastern Conference favorites, have been way ahead of the pack most of the season. The 48-17-7-4 Bulldogs struck fear into opponents in the first half, running off lengthy winning and unbeaten strings. Though they slowed down a bit in the second half after losing goalie Mathieu Garon and coach Claude Julien to the NHL, the Dogs continued to be among the AHL’s most dangerous teams. Captain Benoit Gratton, who had missed half the season with a blood clot, rejoined the lineup in late March and NHL returnees defensemen Mike Komisarek and Ron Hainsey, right winger Jason Ward and left winger Marcel Hossa make Hamilton prohibitive favorites to finish on top of the heap. Giving the Bulldogs a run for their money in the Eastern Conference are the Providence Bruins…
HOCKEY WORLD IN BRIEF
U.S. PEEWEES BARRAGED WITH INSULTS MONTREAL A visiting peewee team from near Boston had to endure a wrath of insults and anti-Americanism during a March tournament in Montreal. Players and parents of the Brockton Boxers said they encountered such anti-U.S. sentiment stemming from the American-led war on Iraq that some of them won’t return to Canada. During the four-day tournament in Montreal, the team witnessed the burning of the U.S. flag, vulgar gestures while they travelled in their ‘Coach USA’ logo bus, trash-talking from Canadians on the ice, two anti-war protests and booing of the U.S. anthem at an NHL game. “I understand the opposition to the war,” said parent Bill Carpenter to the Globe and Mail, “but we were made to feel unwelcome. No one told us we were heading…
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