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December 16, 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.
Zherdev’s adjustment will take some time
The Blue Jackets are preaching patience with Nikolai Zherdev, now that their 2003 No. 1 draft pick has left Russia for the NHL. Zherdev’s skill level is wondrous, but it will take him a while to get used to living and playing in a new country, a new culture and with new teammates. “We wanted to get him in there and get his first game out of his way,” said coach GM Doug MacLean. “But let’s not get goofy here. Let’s not get out of hand with our expectations. We have to be patient and we will be.” Zherdev opened up on the Blue Jackets No. 3 forward line with Manny Malhotra I at center and | Kent McDonell | at right wing. He | will likely play ’ 10 to 14…
Veteran defenseman Patrick thrilled with leadership role
There’s a lot to be said for remaining a fixture in the game past your 40th birthday. There’s a lot more to be said when a ’C’ gets sewn on your chest in your 21st NHL season. Sabres defenseman James Patrick hit both milestones recently, turning 40 in June and being named Sabres captain for the month of December, the latest in coach Lindy Ruff’s system of rotating the captaincy this season. Patrick said he is thrilled by the honor, even if it is short-term. “One of the things management talked about this year was getting some of the guys who are key players on the team into more of a leadership role,” Patrick said. “To get this opportunity is a great honor and I’m real excited about it.” PROSPECT REPORT Top 2003 pick: Thomas Vanek,…
NOTEBOOK
A teammate passed a copy of the Knoxville News Sentinel to Jason Tapp in the dressing room before practice, but the Ice Bears goalie declined to read about his 4-0 shutout of first-place Huntsville. Reading the local paper is taboo for Tapp. “When I was in college, I read the papers,” said the Boston University product. “If I had a bad game, I’d let it get to me. So I told myself, ’Just forget it.’ “ Tapp made a league-high 48 saves for his first win…Winston-Salem, which had been operating this season without a nickname, will now be known as the Thunderbirds.…
Rocket rising fast after move to P.E.I.
The P.E.I. Rocket have officially achieved lift-off in their first Quebec League season in Charlottetown. Many people took a wait-and-see attitude about the team after it relocated from Montreal in the summer, but a red-hot stretch propelled the Rocket into the upper echelon of major junior. A “ 10-game win streak helped Charlottetown earn the No. 2 ranking in the Canadian Hockey League in early December. “I don’t know if many people picked us to be one of the top teams, but we all felt we had a really good chance to be up there with anybody,” said center Cory Urquhart. “We knew we had a lot of good veterans coming back and everybody believes in (coach Alain Vigneault). After he took over in the middle of last season, things really turned…
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