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April 6, 2004

April 6, 2004

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

ON THE FLY

WHO AM I? I have won three major individual awards, a Stanley Cup and played in three Olympic tournaments. But I’ve only played in one All-Star Game in my eight-year NHL career. I’ve never been a ‘minus’ player. Who am I? THE “COYOTE UGLY” AWARD Phoenix beats Minnesota 3-2 March 22 to give interim coach Rick Bowness his first win. Bowness was 0-7-3-3 in his first 13 games replacing Bobby Francis. TRIVIA Who holds the NHL record for points in a single season by a rookie defenseman? a. Jim McKenny b. Pierre Pilote c. Larry Murphy d. Ray Bourque The correct answer to the Trivia/Who Am I questions will appear in Text week’s issue of The Hockey News and at thehockeynews.com Last week’s Trivia: A. Frank McCool. Last week’s Who Am I: Former Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito.…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Rookie Roy’s intensity wows Sabres brass

Derek Roy, the former Ontario League phenom who led the Kitchener Rangers to the Memorial Cup last year and won MVP honors for that tournament and in the OHL-has claimed a key role with Buffalo this season. He scored the winning goal in two of three Buffalo starts in mid-March as the team struggled to keep its playoff hope alive. Roy has so impressed Sabres management that he made veteran center Curtis Brown (dispatched to San Jose) expendable and has been getting a regular shift with young linemates Milan Bartovic and Maxim Afinogenov. A mid-season call-up, Roy had eight goals and 17 points in 44 games, including four game-winners. “I’ve been really impressed with some of the composure he’s ’ shown,” said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. “I think the tighter the game gets…

IN THIS ISSUE

NOTEBOOK

The Laredo Bucks, coming off a strong Central League season, have reeled in the hardware. Bucks goalie David Guerrera was named top rookie while center Jeff Bes was named MVP with a league-high 117 points. The Bucks set League records for winning percentage (.813) and penalty-killing efficiency (89.4). Other regular season award winners were Scott Reid of San Angelo (top goalie); Bernie John of Indianapolis (top defenseman); San Angelo coach Ray Edwards (coach of the year); and Memphis captain Don Parsons (man of the year).…

NHL TEAM REPORTS

Spezza rewards teammates after Senators reward him

Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza is going to be laughing all the way to the bank this summer. The 20-year-old Spezza broke a 17-game scoring slump March 20 with his 20th goal of the season, in the process triggering the final component of his contract, which pays him a $3.85 million bonus. Spezza, who receives $1.2 million in salary and a signing bonus this year, has a clause in his contract that requires him to score 20 goals or more, among other things, to assure himself of the lucrative bonus. In fact, Spezza was so happy at achieving three of the six clauses required to get the bonus, he took his teammates and the team’s training staff out for dinner in Boston March 23 because he wanted to share with everybody. Asked what he…