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November 11, 2003

November 11, 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.

IN THIS ISSUE

Lehtonen in no rush to get recall

The NHL is such serious business, there are few prospects or first round picks who would openly laugh at the question of how soon they will arrive in the big-time. Kari Lehtonen, selected second overall by Atlanta in 2002, meant no disrespect to the question. It’s just the boyish-faced 19-year-old goalie has so much on his plate this season, he thought it humorous he could possibly worry about more. After Atlanta’s camp, the Thrashers assigned him to the Chicago Wolves in the American League, where he’ll likely spend all season. “The NHL? I hope next week,” said Lehtonen, smiling at the thought. “But they have three goalies and I’m focusing on my team here. If I think Atlanta, I’m not going to do well. “I want to have fun here. I hope I (play) some…

DEPARTMENTS

Peplinski’s pride fanned Flames

For a guy who rarely gave himself the benefit of the doubt during hockey tryouts, Jim Peplinski had a mighty solid NHL career. “When I tried out for the (Ontario League’s Toronto) Marlies, I didn’t think I’d make it,” said Peplinski, an 11-year NHL veteran who spent his entire career with Calgary. “Even with ’the Flames, I figured I’d go to the minors and give hockey a shot for two years, then take it from there. But things worked out for me quite nicely.” A native of Renfrew, Ont., Peplinski spent three years honing his skills with the Marlboros before immediately making the jump to the NHL. In his first stint with Calgary, Peplinski proved his consistency both on the score sheet and in the games-played department. He missed just 21 contests-including…

DEPARTMENTS

Sanders, Seel close the deal for Dutchmen

You won’t find the names Glenn Sanders and Max Seel at the top of the ECAC scoring fist, but the two Union College Skating Dutchmen forwards are having a big impact this season. Sanders, a senior, and Seel, a junior, are the leaders of Union’s penaltykilling unit, which is the stingiest in the nation. Union killed off 34 of 35 power plays, sparking the Dutchmen to a 4-0-1 start, the best since the program went Division I in 1991. Sanders and Seel combined for just five assists in five games, but scoring isn’t why they’re on the ice. “Every coach will tell you a lot of penalty killing is goaltending, but Seel and Sanders have really stepped up,” said first-year Union coach Nate Leaman. “They have a lot of speed and good sticks…

DEPARTMENTS

Fans flock to Joseph’s AHL debut

AHL WEST NOTEBOOK The richest player ever to play in the American League made a significant impact at the box office. When Curtis Joseph and his $8-million salary headed to Grand Rapids to play om game of conditioning for the Griffins, an estimated 2,800 fans bought tickets just to see him on AHL ice. That meant a nice $40,000-to-$50,000 spike in boxoffice revenue. Joseph made 20 saves to defeat the Utah Grizzlies 4-1 Oct. 24, then headed back to the parent Detroit Red Wings. Apparently that bus trip to Cincinnati and Hamilton for games Oct. 25 and 26 wasn’t very appealing. Joseph joined the Griffins to play his first game since last season. With Dominik Hasek back in Detroit, Joseph is on the trade block yet still recovering from off-season ankle surgery. “I thought he…