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October 14, 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.
ECHL celebrates deal
It was shaping up to be one of the ugliest chapters in minor pro history. Instead, the ECHL and Professional Hockey Players’ Association co-authored one heck of a happy ending. After four months of tenuous negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement, the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast League) returned to business as usual Sept. 30 with a new CBA in hand. That brought to an end the PHPA’s five-week-long players’ strike and set off a wave of signings, just in time for the opening of training camps Oct. 3. Above all, ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna said, the new deal sets the stage for what he promises will be the “best season ever” in the league’s 16-year history. The new-look, expanded ECHL opens the season Oct. 17 with 31 teams from Alaska to…
East shake-up
Summer realignment shifted four teams into the American League’s Eastern Conference, but the biggest off-season changes weren’t about geography or rivalries. Sure, Hershey, Norfolk, Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton found new conference homes. More importantly, though, four teams changed coaches and three shuffled their NHL affiliation status. Greg Cronin (Bridgeport), Paul Fixter (Hershey) and Scott Gordon (Providence) were elevated from the assistant ranks within their organizations to take over the top spots. Former Montreal coach Michel Therrien returns to the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Fixter’s Bears added Tampa Bay as a secondary affiliate to go along with Colorado when the Lightning couldn’t place players in Springfield anymore. The Falcons are now solely stocked by Phoenix. In Lowell, the Lock Monsters added Calgary to their stable of Carolina prospects after the Saint John Flames ceased…
Three net vets lead the way for contenders
Three of the top CCHA teams in the preseason coaches and media polls have one thing in common: a returning veteran goalie. The No. 1-ranked Michigan Wolverines welcome back sophomore Al Montoya. Montoya started every game last season and was named to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association all-rookie team. Ferris State junior all-American Mike Brown was named to the all-CCHA first team after leading the Bulldogs to their first-ever league title. And Ohio State’s Mike Betz won goalie-of-the-year honors and enters his senior year as the Buckeyes’ all-time wins leader with 56. “Just look at the top teams in both the polls, they all have solid veteran goaltending,” said Ohio State coach John Markell. Last season, Ferris State edged Michigan for the league title before losing to eventual national champions Minnesota in the…
Selanne having blast in first days with Avs
Teemu Selanne likes his cars the way he likes his hockey: fast and furious. With an estimated 25 cars in his garage - not including ‘normal’ vehicles like his pickup truck - Selanne could open a small auto dealership. All that is on his mind right now, though, is getting started with the Avalanche for what promises to be a fun, high-octane offensive team. “Not only are there some great players on this team, but there is no ego,” said Selanne, who holds the NHL rookie scoring record with 76 goals. “We all just want to win, that’s it. That’s why it has been so fun being on this team so far.” Selanne will play right wing on a line with Joe Sakic and Paul Kariya. COACH’S PHILOSOPHY Entering his first full season behind…
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