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September 28, 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.
Mayers sheds brace to skate faster
When Jamal Mayers began skating in preparation for this season, whether it arrived or not, he started strapping on gear with one glaring exception-his knee brace. Mayers, who suffered a season ending injury to his right knee in 2002 after a teammate accidentally rolled on top of it, said his speed was curtailed when playing with the clunky athletic brace. Still, the 29-year-old was apprehensive of playing without the rehabilitative device. “I was little nervous taking it off,” said Mayers, who shed the brace in late August. “Then I felt comfortable, stronger. It felt more natural just moving out there. I always felt like it was blocky and I couldn’t do what I wanted physically, couldn’t get to full speed.” Mayers will turn 30 in October and hopes to return to his…
AHL looking to foster more goals
When the notion of great competitive balance within in the NHL was uttered at a recent sports business conference in Toronto, American League president Dave Andrews immediately asked “Why?” A competitive imbalance in terms of superstar talent means many teams don’t try to score, they try to prevent. “You can have competitive balance because there is a balance of skilled players, as the NFL has,” Andrews said, “or you can allow the style of play, one based on a defensive style, to dictate play.” The AHL will take steps this season to ensure a more upbeat style of play. Besides rule changes like the touch-up offsides, wider blue and red lines and a limit to where a goalie can play the puck, the league will order its referees to enforce fouls on the…
Players make Impact in Europe
Five games in six days is a gruelling schedule for any team. Add jet lag and long bus rides through Europe and most players wouldn’t be very interested in signing up. But for a group of former NHLers and current AHL players known as the Sport Aid Impact, a trek through the countryside was worth it for charity. Shawn Allard, a former member of Canada’s national team and organizer of the event, said the inaugural tour was a great time, but was not without its trials and tribulations. “The first year is always a challenge,” Allard said. “Having to deal with player agents and NHL management is always tough.” The team played for Sport Aid, a registered Canadian charity that promotes athletes in action. All proceeds from the tour went to humanitarian relief around the…
Stars miss chance for deal with Modano
While Dallas has been one of the most aggressive teams in operating ahead of a new labor deal, it wasn’t able to finalize a contract extension for center Mike Modano. It could be the most significant post-CBA problem the Stars have. Assuming the NHL’s new economic environment has tough transition rules, then trying to add Modano (whose contract expires after this season) to a team that already includes Bill Guerin ($8.5 million) and Pierre Turgeon ($6.5 million) could be tough. If Modano comes anywhere close to the $9 million he makes this year, the team would have $24 million tied up in three players. And that’s not including the fact the significant deals already done for Marty Turco, Jere Lehtinen and Philippe Boucher. The Stars were hoping to get Modano signed before the…
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