Fleury not close to NHL activity

Just because Theoren Fleury was eligible to apply to be reinstated to play in the NHL Oct. 11, don’t expect to see the troubled right winger back in the NHL soon. Fleury, placed in Stage 3 of the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program April 11, must get permission from Dr. Brian Shaw and Dr. David Lewis—who are in charge of the program - before he can apply to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to resume his career with Chicago. The Blackhawks signed Fleury to a two-year, $8.5 million contract Aug. 15, 2002. But Chicago doesn’t appear interested. Ryan VandenBussche, who gave his No. 14 to Fleury last season, took it back this year. The 35-year-old Fleury first entered the substance abuse program near the end of 2000-01 while a member of the…

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Larouche had NHL education

The Montreal Canadiens can boast of an alumni unparalleled in talent. But of all the great names, only one center can claim to have scored 50 goals in a season while in a Habs uniform. “It was an honor to play for the Canadiens,” said Pierre Larouche, a 14year NHL veteran who won two Stanley Cups in Montreal. “You’re playing for your home province and you’re surrounded by some of the most skilled players ever. I wouldn’t trade the memories for anything.” Larouche spent most of his two seasons in major junior with the Quebec League’s Sorel Eperviers, including an astounding 94-goal, 251-point campaign in 1973-74. Drafted eighth overall by Pittsburgh in 1974, Larouche made a big impact as a rookie, finishing the 1974-75 season with 31 goals and 68 points in…

DiPietro has easy go for first NHL shutout

Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro is sure to register more shutouts in his fledgling NHL career, but not many will be easier than his first one. DiPietro, the No.l overall pick in the 2000 draft, made only 13 saves in a 60 shelling of Buffalo Oct. 11 for his first career blanking in 32 NHL games. “It was fun to watch,” DiPietro deadpanned. So, too, was the 22-year-old DiPietro in compiling a 1-0-1 record and a 0.75 goals-against average in his first three appearances, including one stint of mop-up duty and another dazzling performance in a 22 draw with Atlanta. Veteran Garth Snow started the season opener, but was shelled for six goals on 26 shots in just 26 minutes in the Isles loss to Washington. EUROPEAN IMPACT The Islanders have a distinct Euro flavor…