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November 16, 2004

November 16, 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.

NHLTEAM REPORTS

Thornton enjoying time in Switzerland; believes NHL won’t return this season

As disappointed as he is that there is no NHL, Bruins captain Joe Thornton is making the most of his time playing for HC Davos of the Swiss league. “If I’m not playing in Boston, this a great place for me to play,” he said. “It’s kind of like playing junior hockey again. It’s not too much stress, that’s for sure."… Although there are different rules in Europe than the NHL, Thornton said he is just happy to be playing hockey somewhere. “My feeling is (NHL games are) not going to be played this year — and maybe not even next year,” he said. “It’s too bad for all the guys and for all the fans, but it doesn’t seem to be working out. That’s why me and (Columbus left winger…

COVER STORY

THE DBA SOLUTION

TO: Frank Brown, NHL Vice-President, Media Relations FROM: The Hockey News Dear Frank, We didn’t know you cared so much. Thank you for caring. It’s awful what’s happening, isn’t it? We know this lockout is shaking your boss Gary Bettman to the core. The trickle-down effect on all of you at the NHL head offices must be difficult. As you can imagine, these aren’t the best of times for us here at The Hockey News, either. That’s why it is truly an honor that you’ve seen fit to get our name out there and pump up our brand awareness among your people, at a time when you are so busy with more pressing matters. We can only imagine the manpower it takes to brush off those calls from mediators offering help, to track down…

DEPARTMENTS

Former Hurricanes president worried locked-out NHL fans won’t come back

A panel discussion at Duke Law School that featured Dallas Stars president Jim Lites, former Hurricanes president Jim Cain, sports lawyer Jeffrey Mishkin and NFL union counsel Richard Berthelsen offered little hope to hockey fans, who were told the NHL lockout is about controlling owners, not salaries. “I absolutely ‘fess up: owners need to be protected from themselves,” said Mishkin, whose clients include the NHL. “Otherwise, a sports league cannot be profitable.” Cain, who was team president during the Hurricanes’s run to the 2002 Stanley Cup final, said he feared for hockey’s future in North Carolina and else where. “I think it’s awfully dangerous for us to assume that if we have no hockey for 12 months the fans will be back,” Cain said…Center Matt Cullen is enjoying his time…

DEPARTMENTS

McCabe joins NHL masses in Europe despite reservations about job losses

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe feels for European players who are affected by NHLers taking their jobs, but he is heading to Europe anyway because he feels the NHL season will be cancelled. “It looks a lot like there won’t be any hockey this year,” said McCabe, who was slated to join HV71 of the Swedish Elite League in early November. “You want to be hopeful, but at the same time when you see what’s happening, it’s hard to be optimistic. You see what we’ve offered and the league doesn’t even want to listen to us. I’ve got to do something.” McCabe was joined by right winger Nik Antropov, who signed a deal with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Superleague. Left winger Alexei Ponikarovsky was also set to…