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July 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.
Rocket ready to soar after securing coach
A lain Vigneault is looking at the big picture after signing a A five-year contract in the off-season to coach the Prince Edward Island Rocket of the Quebec League. “Not a lot of coaches in any line of work get five-year deals,” Vigneault said. “It’s a sign the organization has confidence in me. This team lost a lot of money in Montreal, but now on the Island we feel that we can have a stable and long-term franchise. “Our season ticket base is really strong. When the fan support is there, you can stick with your long-term goals and plans. For me, the fact the fan support is here just made it the right thing to do to sign a longterm deal. I’ve got a clause that I can move up to…
Lightning take winning formula to Chiefs
The Stanley Cup champions bought a piece of the ECHL and Lightning simultaneously struck the Johnstown Chiefs. Tampa Bay purchased a share of the Chiefs from new owner-president Jim Weber of Lancaster, Pa. The Lightning put its stamp on its ECHL affiliate by promoting coach Toby O’Brien to GM-executive vice-president. O’Brien in turn helped coordinate a search for a replacement coach who will implement the philosophies of Lightning coach John Tortorella. “In winning the Stanley Cup in Tampa Bay, John and I demonstrated the tremendous levels of success an organization can achieve when its coach and GM share a common vision and support and trust each other,” said Tampa GM Jay Feaster. “It is absolutely essential that the same formula exists in Johnstown.” O’Brien had 95 wins in three seasons, including a franchise-record 45…
Chilliwack boss May lonely, not inactive
Chilliwack Bruins’ GM Darrell May recognizes the enormity of the task ahead. “Obviously, it’s a huge job, starting with…actually, nobody,” remarked May, 43. “It’s just myself. It’s a big job, but a great job.” May is the first employee of the WHL expansion team, which is to make its on-ice debut in the fall of 2006. In the meantime, May is busy assembling a scouting staff and preparing to put other pieces in place for the team’s launch. “This is something that just about everybody in the business would love to tackle,” said May, who spent the past two seasons as director of player personnel with the TriCity Americans. “I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity.” Until the team office opens around Christmas, May will continue to be based out of his home in…
Boudreau, McGill sent Packing
The adage ‘winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing’ holds true in the AHL, where player development has long been the mantra. Bruce Boudreau and Ryan McGill led the Manchester Monarchs and Hartford Wolf Pack to 100-point seasons, but both teams were upset in the first round of the playoffs. They paid for their teams’ collapses with their jobs. Boudreau, the only coach in Monarchs franchise history, led the team to a 51-21-4-4 record. The 110 points were second to Rochester’s 112. However, Providence, which finished with 20 fewer points, beat the Monarchs in the opening round. “I don’t know if it was a tough decision for them or not,” Boudreau told the New Hampshire Union Leader, referring to the parent Los Angeles Kings. “I’m going to try like hell to get another…