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September 21, 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.
Ferguson’s first year open for analysis
John Ferguson celebrated his first year as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs in late August. Regardless of what observers think of his performance so far, they certainly can’t claim he sat back and observed through Year 1. Ferguson, the youngest GM in the NHL, proved that he is not the least bit hesitant to make a deal or spend money. Some of his transactions - getting a future Hall of Famer in Brian Leetch without giving up a roster player in return - look terrific. Others - paying $700,000 to Calle Johansson and acquiring a very ineffective Ron Francis at the trade deadline - not so much. But Ferguson made it known early and often that he wasn’t content to simply stay the course with the Leafs. That was until…
Brother’s footsteps just fine for Aquino
The University of Maine’s loss could prove to be the Brampton Battalion’s gain. Left winger Luch Aquino left the school to play with the Battalion, who obtained his rights last season in a deal with the Oshawa Generals. Aquino, 19, joined the Black Bears after leading the Ontario Jr. A League in scoring in 2001-02 with 48 goals and 102 points for Wexford. “I expected a lot more at Maine,” he said. “I didn’t really fit there. “I think this is a good situation. The college game is somewhat overrated. In the (Ontario League), you can develop towards the next level by playing 68 games and practising every day.” His brother, Anthony Aquino, left Merrimack College to play with the Generals in 2002-03 and is currently in the Atlanta Thrashers organization. BLOWS LAST WHISTLE Referee…
Cibak finally delivers, gets one-year pact
Nothing big was ever expected from center Martin Cibak. The Lightning took him in the ninth round of the 1998 entry draft and by end of 2002-03 - five years after he was chosen - he looked like he would never make a real impact in the NHL. But the Lightning re-signed Cibak to a one-year deal and the team now believes he can muster a decent NHL career. Last season, for the first time, Cibak started to show signs he could play at the highest level. In 2001-02, Cibak had a 26-game stint with the Lightning, scoring a goal and six points. But he didn’t return to the NHL the next season and came to camp last season looking like a player running out of chances. Cibak responded with a career year. He scored…
Gomez’s arbitration not a ‘horror story’
Soon after his memorable 1999-2000 rookie season, which earned him the Calder Trophy, Scott Gomez began hearing rumors that he was on the trading block. There were disagreements with coach Pat Burns and suggestions Gomez might actually welcome a trade from New Jersey. But the Devils always knew what they had in the playmaking center and, last month, Gomez put to rest the notion he was unhappy. Having seen ex-teammate Bobby Holik’s relationship with the Devils crumble after a nasty salary arbitration hearing in 2001, Gomez was relieved his award of $2.9 million didn’t come bitterly. “It wasn’t like the horror stories you hear about,” said Gomez, who played for Team USA in the World Cup of Hockey. “There were no bad feelings. Not like in the past. I finally had some rights and…
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