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March 1, 2005
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.
Survival of the fittest
For a franchise barely clinging to life in South Florida, the out-of-sight, out-of-mind Panthers boast one thing that at least gives them hope for survival-their future. Seven first round picks from the past four drafts and the feat of hitting on a number of second-and third-rounders have the Panthers anticipating the future with wide-eyed optimism. “The goal now is to turn these strong prospects into strong pros,” said director of scouting Scott Luce. Here are the top five prospects: 1. ROSTISLAV OLESZ, C, SPARTA PRAHA What became apparent at the World Junior Championship is why Luce and his staff pressed then three-week-old GM Mike Keenan into taking Olesz last summer-he’s a stud. Tied for the tournament goal scoring lead with seven and tied for fifth in scoring with 10 points, Olesz lead the Czech Republic…
Need for stud prospects
The Blue Jackets are getting old. They’re getting gray through the temples. Now, five years into their existence, the players they’ve drafted are starting to age their way off the prospect lists and into pro careers. Before the Blue Jackets can take that significant step forward they’ll need to develop some sure-fire, can’t miss studs. They’ve drafted pretty well-Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev are stars or stars in the making. Now they need that next wave to step forward. Right now those guys look good. The organization needs them to be great. Here are the top five prospects: 1. PASCAL LECLAIRE, G, SYRACUSE In his third pro season, Leclaire finally discovered con-sistency; his stats-a.926 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average-had the Blue Jackets feeling as though the No. 8 overall pick in 2001 was…
HOCKEY WORLD IN BRIEF
SUTTER PATRIARCH INSTILLED DESIRE Louis John Sutter, the father of six sons who played in the NHL, passed away following a lengthy illness. He was 73. Louis and his wife, Grace Sutter, raised seven sons in a Viking, Alta., farmhouse near Edmonton. Their eldest son, Gary, was the only one who never played in the NHL. Brian, 48, is coach of Chicago. Darryl, 46, is coach-GM of Calgary. Duane, 44, is director of player personnel for Florida. Brent, 42, is coach-GM of Red Deer of the WHL. Twins Rich and Ron are pro scouts-Rich with Minnesota and Ron with the Flames. The Sutter brothers combined to play 4,994 regular season NHL games. Tributes flowed in from across the hockey community celebrating the life of Louis, who passed on to his sons…
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
HOCKEY NEEDS A HERO That Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow could allow the season to die is just unimaginable. I have always thought of the NHL as one of the last sports to retain its purity within the face of big market changes in professional sports. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I hope the NHL will have a deal before the start of next season. If they don’t, I predict the entire league will fold within three years. If hockey ever needed a hero, it is now! Ciro De Simone, Bronx, N.Y. FANS NOT ON BETTMAN’S SIDE? Gary Bettman keeps claiming the fans are on his side. I’m not. The league’s financial woes, exaggerated by Bettman, clearly are the result of over-expansion, mis-mangement of existing franchises, lousy marketing and poor rule enforcement. I miss the NHL, but if the end…
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