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December 2, 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.
HOCKEY WORLD IN BRIEF
BETTMAN TO RULE IN HAWKS DISPUTE CHICAGO It’s not often someone arbitrates a $2-million dispute between one of his bosses and one of the boss’s former employees, fired for alleged wrongdoing. But that’s the situation NHL commissioner Gary Bettman finds himself in with Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz and former Hawks GM Mike Smith. Despite Bettman’s apparent conflict of interest, Smith’s lawyer, Bruce Meckler, believes his client will receive a fair hearing. “The Hawks are trying to fabricate reasons to try to not pay Mike Smith,” Meckler said. “We trust the commissioner will be fair and unbiased in his decision.” According to NHL bylaws, the commissioner is the final authority on all disputes between NHL clubs and team employees. Meckler said he believes Smith’s case is so clearcut that Bettman will…
Nagy makes his move
All this worry about people not being able to beat defensemen 1-on-l and it turns out Ladislav Nagy had a solution all along. In Nagy’s world, things often work out better if you don’t even bother trying. The shifty Phoenix Coyotes left winger is one of the game’s best at making blueliners audition for non-paying entrance to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. All it takes is Nagy’s quick half-step curl to his right and the defenders are frozen in time, physically impressive yet strangely immobile versions of their usual selves. Custom-made screens are normally delivered in weeks; Nagy crafts his in the blink of an eye. Unlike Madame’s men, the defensemen come out of it in a second or so, but by that time the puck is probably by them and there’s a good…
Chiefs have success playing Schell game
Brad Schell is more than a shell of his former self. The Spokane Chiefs center has rebounded from an injury-plagued 2002-03 season by becoming one of the Western League’s leading scorers. “I like seeing my name up there,” said Schell, who was quick to credit his teammates for his success. “It hasn’t been up there before, but it’s definitely going good so far.” Schell had 12 goals and 34 points through 22 games. He had already eclipsed last season’s totals of eight goals and 21 points in 37 games. Two seasons ago, he registered 20 goals and 56 points in 70 games as a 17-year-old with Spokane. Schell missed almost half of 2002-03 due to various setbacks. In mid-September of 2002, he underwent back surgery to repair a herniated disc. He returned to…
Gretzky still a traditionalist
Wayne Gretzky understands what Joe Thornton is going through. To a degree, he even sympathizes with the young Boston Bruins superstar who is fed up with being hooked and held as he tries to strut his stuff. But ’The Great One’ doesn’t see anything changing in the near future. “Bobby Hull had to fight through the hooking and grabbing,” Gretzky said. “Guy Lafleur had to fight through hooking and grabbing. I had to fight through it. It has always been a part of the game. People are paid a lot of money to try to score goals and there are others who are paid a lot to try to stop them. It was that way when Bobby Hull played, it was that way when I played and when Sidney Crosby gets to…
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