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March 15, 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.
Thrashers lose big chance to spotlight sport in Atlanta
For the Thrashers, what was lost in the season’s cancelation was an opportunity to vault the franchise from the periphery of the local sporting scene to the forefront. The NHL All-Star Game, scheduled to take place in. tlanta, was a lockout victim, nd a team with a strong chance to contend for its first layoff berth never got the hance to reach that goal. Bruce Levenson, one of 10 members of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group, has personally responded to the e-mails of many season ticket-holders, some of whom were angry over recent events. “No one missed the season any more than I did,” Levenson said. “I didn’t buy the team to have this happen. We made moves in the offseason that we were really excited about to help us get to…
Pens confident of survival until league resumes play
The Penguins weren’t thrilled with the prospect of a $42.5-million salary cap, so they felt some relief when the season was canceled, believing a more favorable deal is in store. Their immediate plan is to win control of a new slots parlor in downtown Pittsburgh. The Penguins would put profits toward a new arena. “We will be playing hockey again,” said president Ken Sawyer. “The NHL will be there. The Penguins will be there.” NOTEBOOK The Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates Penguins fans spent $1.2 million in the city on game nights, not including tickets. That means there is some $49 million that will go elsewhere this season.…
UHL in crisis management
Motor City Mechanics coach Steve Shannon may have seen the movie Slap Shot one too many times. The United League coach was suspended the rest of the season Feb. 21 after allegedly offering a bounty of $200 to anyone who would take out Flint forward Kevin Kerr in a Feb. 2 game. Kerr, 37, who two months ago made headlines for setting the career minor pro record for goals, was targeted by Shannon because of negative comments he made about locked-out NHLers taking up spots in the UHL. The Mechanics roster includes NHL regulars Derian Hatcher, Chris Chelios, Sean Avery and Bryan Smolinksi. Shannon denies he offered a bounty, which Mechanic captain Blair Manning said players were offended to hear. “It was definitely a bounty,” Manning said. “There’s no conspiracy. It’s no secret he wasn’t well…
Wirtz family believes cancelation necessary evil
Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz made it perfectly clear where he stood on the cancelation of the season. “The important thing as far as our club was concerned was not saving the season,” Wirtz said. “The important thing is to save the (NHL). “You can’t use vanishing cream to get rid of the pregnancy. No matter how you want to do it, that vanishing cream is not going to expunge those losses.” Winning back a fan base that already had diminished dramatically before the lockout won’t be easy - and the Hawks know it. “We’re going to need as much help as we can get,” said vice-president Peter Wirtz. “Let’s not kid anybody, it’s going to be challenging, but we are certainly up to that task.” NOTEBOOK The Hawks have laid off almost half of their…
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